Alma record., 1920-04-01
OBJECTIONABLE
BY JACK LAYTON.
SSeSSSeSeSeS0eSeSeSese

""s. Thrkvlile maidens, clad In crisp
muslin frocks. sat upon well-ordered
Vershdss or porches. awaiting the com
panionship OF Parkville's single, Young
men-still the proper. worthy maldens
waited-with the difference, the young
men failed TO arrive as usual, 10 pay
their bantering attentive calls
And the trouble II all this laxity
had arrived and ;-gistercA :: Dark
vllle's one hotel. That n young and
unaccompaned woman should brave
the publicity OF the corner hotel, had
before been unheerd Of. And that she
should In addition waive all conven-
tionallty aside and freely talk and
laugh with men whom she had met
only in their various places OF bus-
ness was--in Parkville-no less than
scandalous. And the strangers OF.
Tense, which overshadowed all others,
IN The eyes of the village maidens. was
me glowing beauty Of the girl and the
new and daring charm OF her. Will
liam Thayer, the admired and i'm
porrant young lawyer. had boldly es-
corted Miss Glnny Tyler-such was the
frivolous name of the newcomer
down the broad walk of Main street
in plain view of almost the entire pop
ulation Of Psrkville, when she had
called at his Office upon some foolish
pretext. At least. Williams mother
assured the girls that this "Gnny'
had made u trivial excuse to visit the
Office, she was sure. for William re
fused to explain the reason. There
after William. in defiance of anger or
ridicule, was often seen az Miss Tyler's
side. while former supposed sweet
heart made bitter remarks concerning
his new allegiance. Doctor Jim. son
Of old Doctor james, was the strang
er's next victim, and though Doctor
Jims repeated presence upon the oh
noxious hotel verands was followed by
a prompt falling or Of invitations else
where, Doctor Jim continuedin the
hotel keepers words-"to beat Bill
Thayer to IT,"
Paul Thornton WAS an estimable
man, and young Psrkville maidens
evidenced new and admirable in
terest in the church of their fathers.
"The right man at last" said old
Everett Fairfax. the wealthiest man
of the town, to which Ruth, his daugh-
ter, silently and smllngly agreed.
Paul Thornton Was r frequently in
vited visitor AT the pretentious Fair
g.. al q
tails that Ruth saw the thing which
threatened at it's beginning the young
preachers success. She had fairly
glimpSed with animosity the strange
girls approach. when the Reverend
Paul. leaving the pastorate door, could
be seen hurrying eagerly after. Ruth
caught her breath In shocked surprise
az that admired young man not only
took quick possession of Miss Ginny
Tylcr'S hand, but drew II protectingly
through his own arm, and the Two
went strolllng up the hill toward what
WAS known as The Lovers Walk"
Events following this episode
caused Parkville Itself 10 hold it,
breath In shocked surprise. For the
shepherd of this worthy flock might
be seen AT almost any hour of the day
devotedly and openly In the siren =
company. while Billie Thayer aud Doc
TOR Jim waited Sulking upon the de-
serted hotel Veranda. And as Paul
Thornton persisted I'm his rasmnc>~
old Fairfax decided upon Ruth'>
pronnptingS 10 take up The matter with
the great Doctor West. Of the city.
Doctor Vests fame ns one of the best
preachers of the 'ime was broadcast; !;
aslonishingly and Unexpectedly, the
noted man sent reply that he would
prefer visiting Parkville and discuss
ing the case in person. The Rev. Paul
had been accepted in the Parkville
church upon Doctor Vests own re
quest.
\ committee was waiting 10 receive
him when he arrived at the Fairfax
home in an automobile, and with re
gretful and serious face Parkvllle's
Wealthiest citizen arose 10 voice The
complaint of his people. I'VE cant
Keep man whose actions are ques-
liouailc" he finished, and Pau
Thornton is openly devoting himself
TO questionable character A girl
who wont tell where she came from
or what she's here for Who lives 10y
herself IN n hotel. an dresses like n
actress. Who don't mix In with ON
girls but carries on with the men
Doctor West considered. Il would
like. he said az last, "to have you
send for Paul Thornton and the young
woman of whom YOU speak. and bring
heui before me
II WAS Ruth who flew 10 the tele
phone and Ruth who admitted the
guilty two when they answered The
summons. But in The girls lovely face
there was no embarra SSmcnt of guilt
while Paul Thornton rushed forwaro
iosfully 10 shake his Superlor's hand
Hut the GREATNESS. shocking moment
came. when Ginny Tyler. all IN
ahashed. ran straight into The great
mans arms. over her lovely head h'
smiled AZ them.
My daughter" he announced grave
ly. who came under her mother
maiden maine 10 >tav among you. ;.no
try Ia Ind welcome. II was her wisl
fo visit YOU. and find friendship for
herself before coming 10 stay here
permanently as your pastors wife
Paul Thornton and my daughter Vir
yinia have been for some time, and