Greenbrier independent. [volume] (Lewisburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1859-1980, 1920-12-31
True Merit
By CECILLE LANCDON

4AcTe was notnlnS tnat Ellis BOrteii
would not do for the half score Of
young ladies who comprised group
to whom RoSlyn Faber had intro
duced him. Ellis was an Instantaneous
success with the girls. No one under
stood that he possessed fortune or
was as yet fully settled in . business
way. but his father had some means
and at this first little journey of his
son out into the social world had ap-
parentiy provided for his enjoyment
Of the same literally.
1T is almost sin to encourage
him." Snld Elsa Woods. you know aud
myself and the rest Of our group that
he is simply n stray wandercr into our
circle whom we must forget before
the season is over"
why should that beg" challenged
Myra Warden. IF he Is good enough
TO invite to our homes and introduce
to our friends, why is he not eligible
for full recognition at any tIme?"
Don't be heroic. Myra. rs you alone
of all Of US with your wealth and pres
tige can afford to be II you so elect.
Do you think Mr.. Bortell would pass
muster at the grand reception and
other high social functions down at
Wadham's beach?"
mr.. Bortell simply lacks knowing
the ways Of the artificial life we lead"
Insisted Myra. HE is a trifle crude
will admit. but q thorough, gentleman
in every sense OF the word. The girls
and him inclined to spend money free
~ and he is really royal entertainer.
but Is It right to encourage him In
spcndthrift ways? The last one of
you. to be plain. will drop tt4n the
minute his bank roll gives out, as the
saying Is"
'You talk as though we were set
OF girl pirntesi" Indignantly retortcd
Elsa.
'Well, don't lead the poor, artless
fellow to believe that any Of you are
In love with him. He Is a good deal
OF man. despite his rare delight nj
being noticed and taken UP by you
pretty girls"
And your insinuated Elsa. but
Myra shrugged her shoulders careless
~, n slight flush on her delicate fea-
lures, however.
Somehow Ellis had been more
reticent with Myra than with the 9th.
ers. probably due to her prestige OF
wealth and position.
Elsa Woods laughed to herself
when Ellis Bortell announced that he
intended to round out a month Of tho
most substantial pleasure Of his life
by taking n week ut Wadham's beach
1t was there that the girls paired OIL
with more chosen friends and lovers
and Ellis found himself somewhat neg.
ieeted. but he was always willing and
loyal to contribute In free money way
to what was going on. and the wise
and worldly ones allowed him to join
their circle. merely rs hanger on,
as Elsn cruelty expressed II.
Miss Warden was neither engaged
nor very partial to the opposite sex
and she and Ellis often met. and the
sterling worth of this rs yet unin-
formed member Of society was daily
more and more recognized by her.
There were elements Of candor and
good impulse in the young man that
attracted her. She refused TO allow
him TO spend his money in automobile
rides and expensive dinners, however.
and warded off the eXactions Of her
sclf-seekIng girl friends whenever
possible.
There was a picnic to an outlying
island one day and Ellis was particu.
larry happy to be chosen rs the special
escort Of Miss Warden. They re-
manned until after dusk. notwithstnnd,
ing the fact that storm had lowered
on the horizon for some hours.
1--WE had better start for home"
Ellis, who was considerable of a
weather prognosticator, had told the
others several times. but his sugges.
ton was not followed until after the
wind had arisen and 1t had begun to
rain. They Deared the mainland with
the frail yacht mere plaything at the
cnparicc Of the tempest. Ellis was the
only one among the young men who
seemed capable Of managing the craft
'"Thc boat is past control!" he
shouted finally. 1.-THE rudder has
broken and we must take to the surf"
Ellis seized Myra and sprang over.
board ms the craft capszed.
II was with difficulty that he brought
her ashore. Faint. weak. exhausted rs
she was. he placed Myra beyond the
reach Of the waves, tore off his coat
and dashed back into the roaring
surf.
Precious lives were Mt hazard and
the frightened escorts Of the girls los,
both courage and manhood 1t would
seem. for Ellis had the rescue Of the
shrieking haif-drowned girls all ia
himself When the last one Of them
hnd hna., hro,arhi M fol, nrl.asn tAaE.