The Lamar register., 1920-06-16
A NEW SUIT.
BY OTILLIA PFEIFFER.


nounced Florence Brill with sincere adj
niration.
MY first silk dress since | was d
girl" said Mrs. wardell and her face
softened with a grateful smile. And
present, too"
"From-BartonT Inquired Florence.
and there was the slightest culver Of
emotion to her voice as she spoke the
name
Yes, the dear boy He has been a
blessing to US from the first day he
came to US, poor little orphan whose
mother was my second cousin. He
was only twelve then, and he has
wound himself about our hearts until
we miss him now as we would an own
SON"
But you limited that he was coming
bAck1" suggested Florence anxiousIy.
yes. The people he is working for
are very much pleased with him, have
promoted him right along and he
writes us there is a prospect Of their
starting a branch here"
THAT will be delightful !" declared
Florence. and then she flushed as II
TIE subject Of discussion.
He always asks after you in his
letters. dear" said Mrs. Wsrdell. And
he is always sending father and me
some pretty present Last month 1t
was new set OF dishes for me. Next
week he tells me. he has a great sur
prise for father. who is to go TO the
county seat about some election busi-
less"
"And then there Is his vacation,
isn't theref' pressed Florence.
Next month, dear. | am glad you
feel so kind and friendly towards him.
good girl"
Florence went away pulsatlng with
pleasure. and Mrs Wardell followed
her with her eyes. A shadow crossed
them as she realized that Florence
was the child OF the wealthiest fam
lily in the district.
She hoped that Barton might not
have fallen ln love with her. on this
account Then she Strengthened up
with calm dignity. for she was very
proud OF their adopted son.
We'll. we're to go over to Bayv:ils
Monday. Mary" spoke her husband,
coming into the house at supper time.
you are to go straight and see Bar
ton before you do anything else" re-
minded Mrs Wardell.
''oh. sure thsti fm Just longing to
see the boy"
Mary looked over her husband with
q little sigh Plain. homespun John
Wardell he had ever been. and she felt
up his shirts and collars and brushed
his Sunday best suit. good deal the
worse for year For Bartons sake
she would have liked him to present a
better appearance.
II wanted TO be sure of capturing
you before you got Immersed In the
political maelstrom." greeted Barton
as the train arrived at Bayville. and
told the three associates that they had
a little private business to transact.
Then. linking his arm within his own.
Barton bore away the smiliD g faced
John to his hotel. ushered him into his
room and pointed to the bed. Across
IL lay IA new suit, hat, shoes. a shirt.
even handkerchiefs.
That's the present I've been long
ing to get you ever since l went to
work on my own hook" said Barton.
See here. I'm not used to II. Why.
they'll think was bound straight to
ruin II | logged up In that style" re-
monstrated John; but Barton. with
genial insistency carried out his pur-
pose.
Il declarel" calculated John as he
looked into the mirror. "a hair cut
and little trimming OF whiskers and
ri look quite respectable. hey7"
Like regular statesman, yes" ap-
plauded Barton.
The remark was almost prophetic.
II happened that when the four dele
gates met the head and center of the
party which they represented, the Sc
lection of some one to run on the tick
ct for the Warrenton district was to
be made by that autocrat. one Of the
delegates was collarless, another wore
shapeless and shabby straw hat.
third had barnyard cowhlde boots on.
In contrast. the slick appearance OF
John was impressive. and he went back
home the chosen candidate for office.
He was really the best man OF the
Quartette, but 1t was HIS new suit that
had won him distinction.