The Lamar register., 1920-05-12
LILACS AND A
LADY.
By CRAWFORD LUTTRELL.

brother interest that he showed his
own sister, Anne. he tweaked 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 for vari-
Gus girls, most of whom were visit
Ing favorites. In other words, Gordon
loved so many that Peggy felt there
was some balm for her own heartach
In that very symptom. No affair had
ever lasted long enough to cause her
any real anxiety.
She was having a cup OF tea with
Anne late one spring afternoon, both
of them seated on n big tufted dav-
enport that was drawn up Hospitality
before CHEEKY little blaze that seemed
to take the chill out of the wide living
room, when Gordon came in.
Hello, girls 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 a spin. but had
a rich old prospect from Podunk or
some other equally famous place, and
l knew If he got out of the car with
out buying II some other enterprising
automobile salesman might beat me to
II. put the deal over and sold road
ster besides. Hence my ability to
leave the shop early and play the role
Of gentleman of leisure"
He sat down between the two girls
and helped himself generously to cake
that was piled In thick. luscious slices
toward Peggy. Pour me some tea,
chlldi need refreshment. How did
you like that girl | had at the dance
last night7 She's regular girl, be-
lleve mel She's as bright as a dollar
and she has good looks. too. Did you
ever see such eyes and such wonderful
halr1"
"Pshaw, Gordon, you've heard that
she is worth cool Million" said Anne
laughingly. THAT accounts for your
Ideas of the golden tint in her hair and
the sparkle in her eyes. You're think
ing what that cash will do to help out
in these days OF the II. @. l."
The young fellow set down his empty
cup and looked around quizzically at
his sister swell, being rich won't keep
me from loving her. OF course. Miss
Romantic. I am going to take her to
the theater tonight and then supper at
the club. What are you folks doingT
"Peg's going to the Winters big
dance with Jim Winter himself. Do
you know. Peg. JIm's quite mad about
your I'll bet he proposes tonight"
Gordon turned suddenly. Jim Win
haFo oil hn
is. girls. And that homei It's a pal
ncei-
"Peg has wonderful frock to wear,
orchid with touches OF turquoise about
It and a huge ostrich fan. 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
win have to say about you tonight In
thnt creation"
Gordon cupped the girls chin In his
hand and turned her face to the light.
"I'll swear. Peg, you are pretty.
freckles and all Look at mel Let's
see your eyes !" he demanded.
Peggy felt the red creeping up from
her beating throat. She put her little
teeth together in an effort to keep her
chin from quvering. He was so casual
about II she must never by any chance
let him know that those level gray
eyes Of his shook her heart as the wild
March wind outside tossed the bur
geoning boughs of trees.
Suddenly there was a strange, dawn
ing Light In those same gray eyes that
were so close TO her own.
"Well. they are pretty, aren't they7"
asked Anne. watching the two with a
little knowing smile on her lips.
Almost instantly, before he could
frame a reply, Peggy stood up. "Tll
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 1 decide to be Mrs. Winter,
Anne, shall l call you tonight. even If
It is later
"1 want to be the very first to know,
you dear" Anne acknowledged.
you're silly If you don't marry Jim,
with his good looks and all that money.
You'll be a real princess out of fairy
talei"
I'm take you home" said Gordon.