The West Virginian. [volume] (Fairmont, W. Va.) 1914-1974, 1920-03-11
THE DAILY
SHORT STORY
Lilacs and a Lady.
By CRAWFORD LuTTRELL,

4ssil ~ 1AhSttNFohbE III ~ HELL. sl =.
Copyright, 1920, by the Mcclures
Newspaper Syndicate.)
q HE had loved Gordon Wilson ever
since she could remember, but
his attitude toward her was the
same big brother interest that he
showed his own sister, Anne. He
alweaked her ear and made fun of the
little line of freckles that busted her
aristocratic looking nose. He told her
about his Intermittent spasms OF love
foy various girls, most Of whom were
whiting fayorites. In other words. Cor.
don loved so many that Peggy felt there
was some balm for her own heafSache
In that very symptom. No affair had
ever lasted long enough to cause her
any real anxiety.
She was having cup Of tea with
Anne late one spring afternoon, both OF
them seated on big tufted davenport
that was drawn up Hospitality before a
CHEEKY little blaze that seemed to take
the chill out OF the wide living room
when Gordon came In
Hello, girlsi I'm Just in time for
some jam cake, huh? Say, Peg, sure
did like that new hat saw you wear.
ing on + street today. Sorry couldn't
stop and take you for SPIN, hut I had
: "a rich old prospect from Podunk or
some other equally famous place, and
KNEW II he got out of my car without
buying 1t some other enterprising auto
mobile salesman might beat me 70 1t.
put the deal over and sold a roadster
besides. Hence my ability to leave the
shop early and play the role Of gen.
tleman of leisure"
He sat down between the two girls
and helped himself generously to cake
that was piled in thick, luscious slices
on the tea. cart. He pushed the cart
toward Peggy. Pour me some tea,
childl need refreshment. How did
you like that girl / had at the dance
, last night? She's regular girl, be.
lieye mel She's as bright as dollar
and she has good looks, too. Did you
ever see such eyes and such wonder
full hair?"
"Pshaw, Gordon, you've heard that
she is worth q cool million" said Anne
laughingly. THAT accounts for your
the sparkle in her eyes. You're think.
ing what that cash will do to help out
in these days OF the H. G. L."
The young fellow set down his empty
cup and looked around quizzically at
his sister. well, being rich wont keep
me from loving her, of course, Miss
Romantic. am going to take her to
the theatre tonight and then supper at
the club. What are you folks doing? :
Pegs going to the Winters big
hldance with Jim Winter himself. Do
you know, Peg, Jim's quite mad about
you? I'll bet that he proposes to-
nightt',
Gordon turned suddenly. Jim Win
teri Gosh, he's got all the money there
is, girls. And that home! It's pal
acct
Peg has wonderful frock to wear,
orchid with touches of turquoise about
lit and a huge ostrich fam turquoise,
too, Anne told him. ."You> know Jim
confided to me last night, Peg that he
thought you were the prettiest girl in
this town I'd like to hear what he
will have to say about you tonight in
that creation
Gordon cupped the girls chin in his
hand and turned har face to the light
II swear, Peg, you are pretty, freck-
les and ALI Look at me! Let's see
your eyesin he demanded.
Peggy felt the red creeping up from
her beating throat. She put her little
teeth together in an effort to keep her
= tlllu slIO1lk 4uAf6Ilu6. ne was 81 CASUAL
about 1t she must never by any chance
eyes OF his shook her heart as the wild
March wind outside tossed the bur.
geoning boughs of trees.
Suddenly there was strange, dawn
ing light in those same gray eyes that
were SO close to her own.
Well, they are pretty, aren't they?"
asked Anne, watosi.s Sne two with a
little knowing smile on her lips.
Almost instantly, before he could
frame a reply, Peggy stood UP. "Ill1
have to run along now" she said
breathlessly. She reached down for
her big silver gray fox scarf. that she
, had tossed on a chair nearby.
All at once, courage, born OF that
strange, look that had lighted Gordon's
eyes for one brief second, possessed
her. If decide to be Mrs. Winter,
Anne, shall call you tonight, even II
IL is late2n
y want to be the very first to know,
You dear," Anne acknowledged. YOURS
silly II you don't marry Jim, with his
good looks and all that money. You'll
be real princess out OF a fairy tale!'
TN take You home" said Gordon.
My car is on the drive"
Won't 1t make you late for your en-.
gagement?" suggested Peggy. Its
nearly seven ow," glancing at her
wrist watch.
.That won't matter" exclaimed Cor.
don mechanically.
I'm run her home in your car, bud, )"
offered Anne maliciously. You can be
dressing while am gone. You'll have
tohave dinner, too, you know"
Gordon waa ctruOplinp into 1{rL.
topcoat. Ready, Peg?" he questioned
eagerly.
They breathed the heavy fragrance
of purple hlacs as they rode slowly
down the long driveway before the
house. Stars glimmered brightly over
head. A little silver sickle OF a moon
quiyered in the west. All the faint,
sweet music of springtime saturated
the soft night air.
.Lilacs make me think of you," said
Gordon quietly In voice that not even
Irans ia. -