Cleveland County herald., 1919-11-20
CHAPTER Xl-Continued.

When they went down to the dining room, he pronounced acceptable the salmon salad, cold beef, cheese and cake which Fanny made ready foi them without disturbing the servants The journey had fatigued Isabel, she nte nothing, but sat to observe with tired pleasure the manifestations 0t her sons appetite, meanwhile giving her sister-in-law a brief summary of the events of commencement. But presently she kissed them both good night and left aunt and nephew alone together.
 "It never was becoming to her to look pale" Fanny said absently, a few mo- ments after Isabels departure. 'I suppose your mothers been being pretty gay? Going lot?'
 "How could she?" George asked cheerfully. "In mourning, of course all she could do was just sit around and look on. That's all Lucy could do either, for the matter of that"
 q suppose so,p his aunt assented. How did Lucy get home? Did you drive out to their house with her be- fore you came here?'
 No. She drove home with her ia ther, of course"
 "Oh, I see. So Eugene came to the station to meet you
 "To meet us?' Geogge eehosd, re- newing his attack upon the salmon salad How could he?"
 T don't know what you mean" Fanny said drearily, in the desolate voice that had become her habit II haven't seen him while your mothers been away"
 Naturally" said George. Hes been East himself"
 At this Fanny's dropping eyelids opened wide
 Did you see him?"
 "Well, naturally, since he made the trip home with us."
 Fanny's eyelids dropped and she sat silent until George pushed back his chair and 1t cigarette, declaring his satisfaction with what she had pro- vided. You're fine housekeeper," he said benevolently. 'I don't believe you'd stay single very long if some of the bachelors and widowers around town could just once see"
 She did not hear him. "It's little odd" she said.
 What's odd?"
 "Your mothers not mentioning that Mir. Morgan had been with you"
 Didn't think of it, 1 suppose" said George carelessly; and, his benevolent mood increasing, he conceived the idea that q little harmless rallying might serve to elevate his aunt's dropping spirits. '1'll tell you something, in confidence" he said solemniy.
 She looked up. startled. "What?"
 "Well, it struck me that Mr. Nor gan was looking pretty absent-minded. most of the time; and he certainly is dressing better than he used to. shouldn't be bit surprised if all the young fellow had been waiting for was to know he had an assured income be- fore he proposed"
 What young fellow?'.
 '"rhis young fellow Morgan" laughed George. Honestly, Aunt Fanny. shouldn't be bit surprised to have him request an interview with me any day, and declare that his intentions are honorable, and ask my permission to pay his addresses to you. What had better tell him?"
 Fanny burst into tears.
 Good heavens !" George cried. q was only teasing. I didn't mean"
 Let me alone" she said lifelessly and, continuing to weep, rose and be- gan to clear away the china and silver.
 George was distressed. II didn't mean anything, Aunt Fannyl I didn't know you'd got so sensitive as all that"
 You'd better go up to bed" she said desolately, going on with her work and her weeping
 He obeyed. and could still hear a pathetic snitiing from the dining room as Ike went up the stairs.
 By George!" he grunted, as he reached his own room; and his thought was that living with person so sensi- tive 10 kindly raillery might prove luguhious. He went to the window and looked through the darkness to the great silhouette of his grandfa,