The Tomahawk., 1919-12-04

would forget that cursed Melville and
marry her faithful Johnny, all things
would come right. He was sure she
did not love the real Melville. but
rather an image she called by his
name and set up in her hearts inner
shrine. "She really Is a Sleeping
Beauty" he said to his heart. revert
ing to the happy audacity whose mem'
ory made him tingle. "Once she walked
up she'd have to know life and
things. My business is to wake her.
l wonder how ! shall do 1t"
After three days Of pondering he
hit upon something that made him
CRY aloud: 1.-THE very thing" Then
write a letter. hasty but full of de-
tails. After he had dispatched it to
q distant address he gave his whole
mind and time to haunting the Mar
tin establishment. bent on knowing
all that passed regarding his beloved.
There was need Of his constant Wig
ilance. Franklin Ware was des-
perate wooer, and ably seconded by
Mrs. Benjamin. who. of course.
brought her husband to seeing with
her eyes. -. "
Therefore he said seriously to
Louise, that with no wish to constrain
her inclination. he felt bound to say
she. would both please and relieve him
by providing for herself so finely.
Franklin Ware was not, to be sure. in
his first youth-he had. moreover. had
a harvest of very wild oats. To off,
set that, he was rich. well horn. pos
sessed of standing that gave his wife
entree everywhere-and eager to
make her the most magnificent settle
ments. ITurthermore-here Un"e
BENJAMIN half sighed-he himself
could do no more for his brothers only
daughter than give her home and
maintenance while he lived. All he
had was, we'll tied up beyond diversion
in any direction. And it would pain
him deeply to think either OF leaving
his niece unprovided for, or to have
her 20 to work. In the name OF the
blood he begged her to save him such
discomfort-she listened shivering-
not over what was said, but left un-
said. namely. that Uncle Ben might
be now a millionaire. II he had not
years back voluntarily paid huge sums
to clear his brother Of debt. and keep
the family name spOtless. Then. too.
80 long as the brother lived, he had
been generous in help to him. who was
the soul of improvident kindliness.
Louise felt to the marrow Of her bones
all she owed the good narrow man,
too fine bred to recall benefits be-
slowed. It seemed to her she must
obey him-or die. Death; indeed.
seemed her only refuge-she could not
think of accepting Johnny with all
her heart belonging to Melville.
Then when she was most distraught
came Melville's letter-in mad haste.
"Johnny writes me you have great
prospects-if you will accept them"
it said. my dear girl, don't be fool.
Accept the goods the gods provide
and thus justify the admiring friend
ship Of
chastity and heartily your,
ARTHUR MELVILLE" ..
Johnny saw her read it-not for
naught had he studied postal sched-
ules and haunted the carriers 8 route.
As she crushed the sheet within
shaking hand. he touched her shoul-
der gently. saying:
"Honey-trust yourself to me!
Even If I can't ever make you love
me. II will be-better than-the 9TH
er inevitable thing"
Il can't! I am too ashamed. To
think I-oh, no decent man ought
ever to look at mel" Louise cried
hotly; then with a sob gave him the
letter. When he had read it he
turned to see her sitting with bowed
head, face hidden in her hands, and
trembling all over. II believe you
have saved me-from-the very
worst" she said. "f you will have
me-" breaking Off there and droop'
ing lower still. ..
He married her next day-to tho
scandal Of Mrs. Benjamin. Times
whirligig indeed brings revenge. BE-
fore the honeymoon waned Louise hid
her face in his shoulder, to say, hap.
ply, II was in trance. Johnny, dear
How in the world did you care enough
to wake me?' - -.
"Oh, I have a taste for sleeping
beauties" Johnny answered. tweaking
her ear-but with eyes that nisted a
little in spite Of him. ~