Gilpin observer., 1920-03-11
THE MATCHMAKER
By ADELAIDE r. KEMP.

Ssseseseeeegeeseseeesese9s
(@. 1920, by Mcclure Newspaper syndicate,>
Margaret leaned forward in the seat
Of the buggy. "Come, Ned" she said
in a pleading voice, "DO go ahead,
there's a dear. Don't you know you
are making an exhibition of yourselfF
This was followed by clucking
sound and two slaps from the drivers
reins. But Ned had succumbed to
stubbornness and proved obdurate TO
even her pleasant voice. Margaret
sighed.
"Why didn't listen to Aunt Mary
and take Dick when l knew perfectly
we'll what might happen with Nedr
Now l am probably doomed to stay
here for several hours" 1t was at this
! moment that she was startled by the
voice of a young man who had come
along the road unnOticed.
Can 1 be of any assistanceT he
asked.
81 don't know" said Margaret
frankly. "Do you know anything
about balky hOrses2"
Before he could answer there was a
sudden move on the part Of the stub
born one.
But to Margarets admiration the
rescuer carried the war into the enc
my's country. With quick jerk he
forced that Obdurate animal to philo-
sophically accept defeat and amble
along.
FAA r,t hnliUhtnd
thanked her knight errant warmly.
i II don't dare STOP" she said. but
If you are going my way perhaps you
could jump In and ride too"
He quickly accepted the invitation
and they were soon chatting like old
/ friends. In the interchange of conf
dences Margaret learned that his
name was Robert Mason, that he had
just returned from overseas hospital.
and was here in the little town of his
| fathers boyhOod for month to re-
cuperate.
This is my aunt's" said Margaret
as they stopped before a fine old
fashioned house sheltered from the
ocean breezes by a row Of tall pine
trees. "If you ever want to win Aunt
Mary's favor" she continued, "just
mention those trees"
"Thank you for the valuable tip"
answered Robert. laughing, us he
stepped down from the buggy. He
, mustered all his courage. do you
think your aunt knew my father
enough when he was boy to warrant
my calling and talking about him?"
/ They were close to the porch now,
and stately white-haired lady was
in the doorway.
AUNT Mary" called Margaret,
''here is young man who says he
would like to meet you for Old-tlme's
sake"
| Robert stood hat in hand. on the
lower step, as Margaret's aunt came
nearer and looked at him intently.
| "COme closer. young man." she said.
'You look like boy I once knew.
What is your name?"
I "RObert Mason" answered the
young fellow, flushing.
'Thats 1t. You are James MasOn's
/ son. You are very like him. We have
heard some wonderful things about
his success. Is he well|
"Yes. thank yOu," answered Robert.
! He wished me to spend n vacation
In his bOyhOOd's home. He said South
port was famed for its beauties-Of
all kinds" He was quite astOnished
at his temerity, but Margaret only
laughed softly.
The days passed very pleasantly af-
ter this. Robert was welcome WIS.,
itor at the old house with it's beauti-
, ful row of trees. Many dutiful let
ters passed between father and son,
apd Mt last, after one happy evening
on the old porch Robert wrote of his
great happiness. Margaret had prom
ised to become his wife.
"YOu1l be sure to like her, Dad.
She is real country girl. She lives
with her aunt. Mrs. Mary Winslow,
In such n quaint old house. Her name
Is Margaret Dunton."
! BY return mail came an answer to
Roberts letter.
Robert could almost hear his faith
er's chuckle between the lines.
| Your little country girl Is an aris-
I tocrat on the very top social shelf.
the niece Of the very finest family in
Southport"
| II don't care" said Robert to- him
self. hurrying on toward the house in
the pines. "She's the dearest in the.
world. l can never be grateful enough
to old Ned for his obstinate Intrnd,,o