New-York tribune., 1920-10-24

undeniable superciliousness of ex-
preston became Intentionally en-
phasized as she saw, approaching
briskly from the distance, the thin
figure, clad in lovely f1annels, of
young Mr.. Sanders.
"Lookw Florence said, pointing.
"There's the first one, Aunt Julia "
Don't point at people''
"Well, he's nothing much to point
at" She lowered her finger. "It' s
no depreciation to me, Aunt Julia,
to give up pointing at Newland San
ders. Atchly, l wouldn't give Noble
Dill's little finger for a hundred and
fifty Newland Sandersesw
Julia smiled family as she
watched Mr. Sanders, who seemed
not yet to be aware of her, as he
thought it would be better to reach
the gate and lift his hat just there.
What has brought on this sud-
den tenderness in favor of Mr.. Dill,
Florence?"
Her niece's eyes concentrated in
! thought, then became dreamy. "T
like him because he's so uncouth, >
she said 81 think he's the uncouth-
est of any person I ever saw"
"Uncouth."
"Yes,' said Florence. "Herbert
said | was uncouth, and l looked it
up in the ditchanary. 1t said Rare,
exquisite, elegant, unknown, obs,
unfamiliar, strange, and a whole
lot else. ! never did know a word
that means so much, I guess. What's
obs mean, Aunt Julia?"
"Hush" said Julia, rising, for Mr.
Sanders had made little startled
movement as he reached the gate
and caught sight of her; and now
straw hat in hand, he was coming
up the brick walk that led to the
porch. His sfes were fixed on Julia
with an intensity which seemed to
affect his breathing; there was a
hushedness about him. And Flor
ence, in fascination, watched her
aunt as Julia's expression and habit
of gesture took on those little
little changes which always seemed
demanded of her by the approach
OF a young or youngish man, or a
nicely dressed old one. By these
almost imperceptible processes the
commonplace moment became dra-
matte at once.
"Youl" said Newland in low
voice.
And Julia, with an implication as
1atterlng as the gesture was grace
full, did not wait till he was within
reach but suddenly extended her
welcoming hand at arms length. He
sprang forward convulsively and
grasped it, as if forever.
You must shake hands with nv
little niece, too" Julia said instant
iy. II think you know her"
Know herr" Mr.. Sanders re-
peated; then reused his faculties
and gave Florence some fingers dan
Cling after their recent emotion.
"Florence. Oh, yes. Florence"
Florence had not risen, but re-
malned seated upon the steps. her
air and manner committed to that
derlslve superciliousness of which
her aunt and other relatives COM
planned. "How do you do" she said.
"There's Mr.. Ridgely.'
"What" exclaimed Newland.
"Comin in at the gate" said
Florence. "He's goin' walkin' with
you. too
In this unexpected crisis Newland
Sanders's first feeling consisted of
a sudden gush Of hatred toward his
lnformant--no doubt partly an ef-
feet of her unfortunate habit of
facial expression, which was strong
~ in operation as she gave him the
information. His second feeling.
however, was evidently one of
startled anguish, for that was what
ne showed to Julia as he turned 10
protest
"Why, this is terrible." he said
you told me"-
"Sh" she warned him, whispering
hastily, all in a breath. Couldn't
be helped explain next-time-I-see
you,' and advanced a graceful and
too gracious step to meet the new
conner. But the dreadful supercili-
business of Florence visibly increased
at sight of this advent. Mr.. Ridgely
was easily old enough to be Flor
cnce's grandfather, yet she seemed
10 wish 1T evident that she would not
have cared for him even in that ca
paclty MIR. Ridgely, in truth, was
one OF those widowers who feel
Younger than ever, and behave as
1hey feel. Since his loss he had
shown the greatest willingness 70
1orego whatever advantages age and
experience had given him over the