The Beaver herald. [volume] (Beaver, O.T. [Okla.]) 1895-1923, 1920-01-15

home.
NO said Bob deliberately, Il have
no friends there" He paused, look
ing backward as If interested in some
one occupying a seat behind them
1 across the aisle. Then II was that ii
seemed to Madgc as If there was
something very cruel in the fate that
had made II necessary for her to solve
her problem Of existence in the way
she had planned.
II would seem like such confession
of her own utter Inability 20 cope with
Things. Madge felt as Il she were
showing her embarrassment, and sud-
denly she realized that Bob was a.
embarrassed as she.
Presently he excused himself. "My
aunt--that little old lady Ia blnck 10
with me- he said. 81 will just tell
her that have met you, and then
may ! come and sit here beside you
for at least part OF the tripT
Cntll he came Madges heart beat
so fast and her poor little tired brain
was IN such whlrl that she could
not explain just what She would say
IN the event that he asked her point
blank where she was going; If, for in
stance, he suggested that he accom-
pany her TO her destination in NAL
ycrn
lie came back and they talked about
the dreary weather. then OF Thanks
/ giving. ~ suppose" ventured Mcdge.
FOR her curiosity was aroused, Fiat
you are going to Malvern for the holt
daysY She was sure now that Bob
was going TO see possible fancee.
She couldn't help being jealous.
81 may stay over Thanksgiving" he
said drenrily. III they let me-"
There was rather sorry attempt
TO talk about things in general ana
then the conversation got back to tho
subject of Malvern. 1t was only iif-
teen minutes away and each was
eager To find why the other was bound
| there though each was as eager not to
tell.
IL was Bob who began. 81 am really
sorry for what / am doing ashamed
| would be if there were any way out
Of Il. Dear old Aunt Sally brought me
! up. mother could not have been
| kinder To me. have wanted 10 nuke
n home for her--I hope TO some day.
"But she IS old ana she cannot be
left alone. Now have a chance to
do really big things in the west-thar
Is, big for me. After year I've been
promised ten thousand n year. But I
can't take Aunt Sally with me. She
would be without friends. / want to
make good first. I've tried TO repay
her just little for all she did for me
that Is the reason why never asked
asked the one woman in the world
to be my wife. Becnuse / felt that so
lJ2g as Aunt Sally lived | wanted to
live With her and did not feel free to
ask her" Bob's eyes gazed past
Madge rs II itAv were really afraid 10
rest on her, and ne looked out on the
gray landscape without actually see
ing It.
But Bob" cried Madge ms she,
realized what he had been saying
and then their eyes met. "Why are
you taking her to Malvern? Are you
taking her TO St. Anne'sY"
''Nes, TO 81. Anne's, and II does
sound pretty shabby to let her go to
an old ladies' home-but It Is just for
the year. | know she will be treated
well there and she would not consent
TO my giving MP this chance In the
West just TO stay East with her Then
III get little home and | can afford
a companion for her. But until them"
They were very near to Malvern.
! Suddenly II seemed to Madge as II the
whole world or love and life were Slip
/ ping through her fingers. She felt al
boldness Of speech that was not at all
usual with Madge; besides. hadn't he
limited that she was the only womanf
Bob, II you had married and IL
your--your wife happened TO be very
fond of old ladles-very tactful and
perfectly willing TO be conslderate-
mightn't you have been willing to take
the wife and Aunt Sally out West
with you right away? The wife would
be willing TO take care Of the dear old
aunt, and having them both with you
might help you TO win out. That is,
providing the one woman In the world
were still willing to marry you. even
! though you nearly broke her heart be-
cause you didn't tell her that you loved
her before"
"You didn't-you wouldn't reallyr
stammered Bob.
'Yes, l did, Bob" announced
Madge.
"But could you share your home
with Aunt SallyT
'Tve reputation for being very,
very fond of old ladies-I know I'd
love Aunt Sally. could manage
beautifully with one old lady," and
there was an emphasis on the one, the
reason for which Bob did not under
| stand.
There was Just time enough before
they reached Malvern for Madge to