Greenbrier independent. [volume] (Lewisburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1859-1980, 1920-10-22

IL,
Ing dustless duster and getting busy
with it about the legs OF table. "And
they're both rich-that's the best part
Of it, she added as an afterthought.
as though that phase Of the subject
had never before occurred to her.
Clare, draining the coffee cup. wiped
some remnants OF toast from her Ian
and laid the cup and plate on the
table.
"Oh, they're both fine fellows. and
both good looking, and both very ac-
cOmplishcd musicians. and both rich"
She said, standing and making Il few
alterations in the arrangement Of her
hair. mfr. Seldom plays wonderfully
on the violin. and Mr.. pontcllo has no
peer on the piano"
If Mrs. Hendricks could have be-
come coynizant of the workings OF
Clarcs mind just Them she would have
gasped with establishment. for neither
the pale blue eyes Of Mr. Seldom nor
the midnight orbs of Mr.. Pontello
played even minor role in the lnedi-
talions OF the procrastinating artist.
The picture that Clare viSualiZed had
10 do with Il country town. She VI
stoned herself in Il sunbonnet and giug-
ham dress walking along the street In
company with n freckled youth who
was carrying her books.
The scene shifted and the new one
might have been called six Years
Later" if il had been part Of film
play. In her fancy she was attending
barn dance, where country lads and
lassies cavorted and coquetted and
f1Irted in their rustic way, and all Of
them were smiling and happy, al
though none was handsome or accom-.
pliShcd or rich.
The music WIS furnished by n tall,
gangIing youth, mounted OH a plat
form, saving on a violin and stamping
his foot loudly 10 make up for the alb
sence Of drums. The gangling youth
was the freckle1 boy grown up.
Another scene showed Clare on the
rear platform OF the last coach OF a
train. which was moving from sta
ton. The gangling youth stood on the
platform. forI"rn-looking object, and
train carried her ont of sight.
Clare sighed. and took from a drawer
Of the table q letter which she opened
and read. Her mouth took on Il wist-
fui expression and her eyes gllstened
Mrs. Hendricks hustled into the room
an hour later and found Clare busy
at her easel
"llavc you decided. dcarie?' she
ahcd. "lIavc you choscn?"
Il have At our little party tonight
you will announce my engagement"
"To Mr.. 'Seldon?" breuthed Mrs.
Hendricks hopefully.
Car" shook her head
"I'm not telling YOU who It is to he.
You Will know no sooner than the
others. When you get ready TO make
the announcement will slip YOU
folded paper containing the name"
Mrs Hendricks looked disappointed.
creStfallen.
'Ey the way" said Clare, "a boy
from my old home town is coming ~
see me today--nnd he's going to he
guest ut the party"
Mrs Hendricks lips framed q re-
monstrancc, but an idea struck her
and she exclaimed:
"Thats good idea. II will be some
thing novel he'll furnish some amuse-
ment and be no end of fun. Is he m
cntertaincri'
eyes, he plays the violin; not like
Mr.. Seldom. but he plays well, in his
own peculiar way"
All was ready for the party except
that Clare and the newly invited guest
were absent. Mrs. Hendricks told Mr..
Seldom ana Mr.. POntCllo of the treat
that was in storc--a selection by rus
tic violinist. and also that Clare's
choice OF husband would be an
nOunCc1. Both Seldom and Mr.. Pom
te!lI looked hopeful
Presently Clare entered, followed by
young man. The latt"r's face was
not urattrnciive. IN spite 0f Che deep