Fulton County tribune. (Wauseon, Ohio) 1883-1925, 1920-10-15

there is expiation in a great love, and |
exculpation in self-sacrifce. Jed's |
soul is gone beyond redemption.
dare not think of Mr.. Sidney nor of
myself. But Jed is a gross sinner"
She was by nature and wish an un-
emotional, untheatric lady, but she
was dramatic in her seriousness. Then
she said:
81 should like to have you for a
son."
l was much embarrassed-the more
so when she kissed me. To conceal
some disconcerting emotions laughed
awkwardly and went on about my
business. was to go blindfolded into
the intricacies of the strangest situa-
tions I ever encountered.
With early October beautiful days
came and brought tranquility. Life
is full of zest in October, the rich,
rare month Of the year; physical
senses are made more sensitive Hart
ley house blazed out in autumn splen-
dor. What had been beautiful before
was now glorified.
1 could have hours, but not complete
days of happiness. 1 could use my
common sense part of the time, but
Isobel broke it down at other times.
Occasionally 1 thought her willful and
tried to believe that she amused her.
self by playing the devil with the only
man available, but when 1 came to my
senses, / knew was a fool.
All she did was to associate frankly
and friendlily with the only available
man, and If she liked to be with me,
it was a compliment did not see that
1 deserved.
With the return to nOrmality, with
Jed back and immediate alarms quiet
ed. our family routine was re-estab-
lished. Dinner, which had been less
! the sociable occasion that il might
have been, because of Jed's malevolent
superserviceability became a pleasant
event.
Heretofore Jed had made 1t a point
to restrict and embarrass our attempts
at easy conversation. Now he withdrew
and left US to ourselves.
1t was owing to this extraordinarily
favorable disposition that I, coming to
dinner one evening in a sullen mood
0 had opportunity to take up a subject
2 which concerned me.
$ "Mrs. Sidney" said when Jed had
n placed the coffee-tray beside her and
t had retired, 81 must ask you to release
d me from the absurd position I am in.'
l. "What position, JohnT" asked the
n kindly lady.
81 am engaged to Isobel," said.
k (which is a torment and q trial,
= said Isobel.
e at is," replied with warmth. SIT 1.
d trial and torment from which wis1
n release. 1 do not want to be hedgeC
in by the absurdities of this arrange
s ment."
it "John, my boy" said Mrs. Sidney
"what's happened to your"
)" Nothing, but I'm confused. I'd fee
better if Isobel and were not on thi
W preposterous footing"
h "But there was a reason" Mrs. Sid
N ney suggested mildly, "and it still
exists, and we relied upon you, Johr
Is We don't want to make you unhappy
but you do1't care for Isobel. That's S
n apparent, and it helps us so much"
'e 81 don't care whether he cares fo
r. me or not" said Isobel suddenly. "W
ed are going to remain engaged. Get you
OF precise mind reconciled to the fac
er John. While you are in this house, yo
ly and 1 are engaged to be married"
IL 'Isobel!" her mother exclaimed.
be I'm going to have the freedom tha
Sc this man John brings me as my b,
ty trothed," said Isobel. Both of you ca
Il; reconcile yourselves to that. Johl
you are q victim. You are engaged I
ng me, and 1 know you are unhapp
rn Mother, you see me do things becaus
ne 1 am engaged to John. Well. 1 inter
'p- to remain engaged and to do things
"a, and l love you both"
int And by George! she danced up al
kissed her mother and kissed me.