Gilpin observer., 1920-05-20
"A NEW SUIT.
By oTlLLlA PFEIFFER.
tcopyrisht. 1890. western Newspaper Union


nounced Florence Brill with sincere ad-
miratiOn.
"My first silk dress since was a
GIRL" said Mrs. Wardell, and her face
softened with a grateful smile. "And
a present too"
"From-Barton?" inquired Florence,
and there was the slightest quiver of
emotion to her voice as she spoke the
name.
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 hnted that he was coming
back?" suggested Florence anxiously.
"Yes. The people he is working for
are very much pleased with him, have
promoted him right along and he
writes us there is prospect of their
starting branch here"
"That will be delightful !" declared
Florence, and then she flushed as If
she had evinced too much interest in
the subject Of discussion.
"He always asks after you In his
letters, dear" said Mrs. Wardell. "And
he is always sending father and me
some pretty present. Last month it
was new set of dishes for me. Next
week, he tells me, he has 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 there" pressed Florence.
Next month, dear. l am glad you
feel so kind and friendly towards him,
for Barton is worthy of regard in any
good girl"
Florence went away pulsating 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 In love with her, on this
account. Then she Strengthened up
with calm dignity, for she was very
proud of their adopted son.
well, we're to 90 over to Rayv.lle
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 thatl I'm just longing to
see the boy"
Mary looked over her husband with
little sigh. Plain, homespun John
Wardell he had ever been, and she felt
regret the next day as she neatly did
up his shirts and collars and brushed
his Sunday best suit, good deal the
worse for year For Barton's sake
she would have liked him to present a
better appearance.
Il wanted to be .ure 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
little private business to transact.
Then. linking his arm within his own.
Barton bore away the smiling fac ccd
John 10 his hotel, ushered him into his
room and pointed to the bed Across
II lay new suit, hat. shoes, a shirt
even handkcrchiefs.
That's the present I've been long.
ing To get you ever since | went TO
work on my own hook" said Barton.
"See here. I'm not used to 1t. Why,
they'll think ! was bound straight to
ruin Il | logged up In that style" re-
monsIrated John; hut Barton. with
genial insistency carried out his pur>
pose.
Il declarew calculated John as he
looked into the mirror. IA hair cut
and little trimming of whlskcrs and
I'll look quite respectable. hey?"
Like regular statesman. yes" ap-
Dlaudcd Barton.
The remark was almost prophetic.
IL happened that when the four dele
gates met the head and center of the
party which they represented. the 80.
lection of some one to run on the tick
ei for the Warrcnton district was 10
be made by that autocrat One of the
delegates was collarl.ss. another wore
a shapeless and shabby straw hat. "A
third had barnyard cowhidc boots on.
In contrast. the slick appearance OF
John was impressive, and he went bach
home the chosen candidate for office
He was really the best man of the
quartette, but II was his new suit tina,
had won him distinction.
John Wardell, candidate for state
senator arrayed In brondcoth and In.
on, somehow was different proposi
tion from humble, homespun John War,
dell, sipshod small farmer
Barton Wardell, manager of pros,
porous branch store. fulfilled the gooa
will prophecies OF the friends with.
whom he was popular. He and Flor
ence were together good deal.
0I,a la.. Aiur.. ..I.a....Al lh4a L.