The Denison review. [volume] (Denison, Iowa) 1867-current, 1920-11-03
Loaning = Lover
By RALPH HAMILTON
(@. 1870. western Newspaper union,

beeeeeeooooeoeoeeoeeeeooe
(@. 1920. Western Newspaper Union)
It was to be the event of Madge
Testers life, long anticipated two
weeks sojourn at Orchard Lake, and
It was like drenching with ice cold
water when Beatrice Ward came to
her home and announced change In
her plans.
:, AT the last moment find 1 cannot
accompany the party" said Beatrice.
That must make no difference with
you, however, dear. I have seen the
Norton girls and their mother had
arranged everything admirably. All
is provided for, even an escort for
you. OF course we planned to have
my brother, Walter, as your especial
chevalier, but he Is going with our
family to Point Alden. We have been
invited there by my mothers brother.
the rich one in the family, and it
wouldn't be policy to cross the wishes
Of a relative with half million"
The intimation Of mercenary inter-
est Jared upon Madge like discord-
ant note. True or false. at soul, Bea-
trice Ward never allowed anything to
ruffle her outwardly. Inexperienced
Madge had taken her at surface indl-
cations, never surmising that in the
depths Of that calculating nature
lurked ambition and self interest sole
y.
The lake party was to have origin
ally included Mrs. Norton, who was
to act as chaperon, her two daughters,
Nellie and Blanche, and Beatrice and
Walter Ward, and Alison. Deane, the
flance of Beatrice. Two young men
friends Of his were to come to the
lake to make the occasion interesting
for Nellie and Blanche.
My DEAR" pursued Beatrice, u am
going to loan you lover. I have
spoken to Alison. and he seems only
too glad to be your knight Grant. In
fact, his willingness Is scarcely
compliment to my reputed arts Of fas-
cination. Modest little. woodland
flower that you are, he seems to value
you as beyond the average flighty and
evRnescent girls Of our Set" at which
Madge flushed profusely, for she liked
Alison Deane greatly.
Alison Deane' won something more
than the friendly regard of Madge by
his most courteous and delicate at
tentiOns, and she marveled why he so
constantly sought her company and
really seemed to enjoy 1t after having
known the flashing, brilliant Beatrice.
One morning, after the arrival of the
party at the lake, Madge and Nellie
were seated on q rustic bench near
some garden shrubbery when the lat
ter made the remark:
II suppose you hear pretty often
from Beatrice?"
""She wrote me only once, on her
arrival at Point Alden" replied
: Madge in tone that expressed dis
appointment.
""Then have some news for YOU"
ratified on Nellie buoyantly. Il re-.
ceived letter this morning and
Beatrice appears to be having the time
Of her life. She enclosed a newspaper
clipping describing high social func-
ton where she was the admired one
Of all present. It couples her name
with that of Marvin Drury. son Of
one of the wealthiest men In the city,
and just listen what Beatrice says
about It." f
Nellie unfolded the missive In ques-
tion and began to read: "Of course
you have heard Of Marvin Drury, and
the newspaper allusion has some
foundation. 1t IS not-often that a one
season debutante like myself carries
of the palm ahead of all rivals, and
Marvin has given me ring and sends
flowers daily, and II It comes to break
ing the news to Mr.. Deane little
later, do 1t gently, for he has helped
me put in the time very agreeably.
That's all over now"
II "Oh, Nellie!" suddenly gasped
Madge, and astounded her companion
by hastily placing her hand over the
letter. "See. there is Mr.. Deane, and
he must have heard what you read.'
He was not in evidence the rest Of
that afternoon. Madge was so shocked
at the apparent perfidy Of Beatrice.
so sorrOwful to realize the terrible
blow its discovery must be to Deane
that she was unhappy all the rest Of
the day.
She was duly amazed as Deane ap.
peared swinging along jauntily and
actually whistling a gay tune. He
espied her and came toward her,
nothing of the anticipated despair of
-.,oe .onl,o<l loyor in hic fOcn OP