Ellsworth American., 1920-01-21

devoted TO his memory?
She was hoping that Bob would not
question her to the point where she
would have to tell him of her plans TO
immure herself in the old ladies'
home.
NO" said Bob deliberately, II have
no friends there" He paused look
ing backward as If interested in some
one occupying a seat behind them
across the aisle. Then 1t was that it
seemed to Madge as If there was
something very cruel In the fate that
had made it necessary for her to solve
her problem of existence in the way
she had planned.
1t would seem like such a confession
of her own utter inability to cope with
things. Madge felt as If she were
showing her embarrassment, and sud-
denly she realized that Bob was as
embarrassed as she.
Presently he excused himself. my
aunt-that little old lady in black is
with me" he said. Il will Just tell
her that ] have met you, and then
may l come and sit here beside you
for at least part OF the trip?"
Until he came Madge's heart beat
so fast and her poor little tired brain
was in such whirl 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
vern.
He came back and they talked about
the dreary weather. then of Thanks
giving. Il suppose" ventured Madge,
for her curiosity was aroused, that
you are going to Malvern for the holl-
days.? She was sure now that Bob
was going TO see a possible fiancee.
She couldn't help being jealous.
81 may stay over Thanksgiving" he
said drearily. "If they let me-"
There was rather sorry attempt
to talk about things in general and
then the conversation got back to the
subject of Malvern. 1t was only fif-
teen minutes away and each was
eager TO find why the other was bound
there, though each was as eager not to
tell.
1t was Bob who began. 81 am really
sorry for what l am dolng-ashamed
l would be if there were any way out
of it. Dear old Aunt Sally brought me
up. A mother could not have been
kinder to me. | have wanted to make
a home for her-I hope to some day.
But she is old and she cannot be
left alone. Now l have chance TO
do really big things in the West-thar
is, big for me. After year I've been
promised ten thousand a year. But I
can't take Aunt Sally with me. She
would be without friends. l 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. Because felt that so
lo3g as Aunt Sally lived l wanted to
live with her and 1 did not feel free to
ask her" Bob's eyes gazed past
Madge as If ttay were really afraid to
rest on her, and ne looked out on the
gray landscape without actually see
ing it.
But, Bob" cried Madge as 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's?"
"Yes, to st. Anne's, and it does
sound pretty shabby to let her go to
an old ladies' home-but it is Just for
the year. l know she will be treated
well there and she would not consent
TO my giving up this chance in the
West just to stay East with her. Then
I'll get little home and can afford
a companion for her. But until then"
They were very near to Malvern.
Suddenly 1t seemed to Madge as if the
whole world of love and life were slip
ping through her fingers. She felt a
boldness of speech that was not at all
usual with Madse; besides, hadn't he
hinted that she was the only woman?
Bob, If you had married and if
your-your wife happened to be very
fond of old ladies-very tactful and
perfectly willing to be considerate-
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
We're 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 really?'
stammered Bob.
'Yes, l did, Bob" announced
Madge
"But could you share your home
with Aunt Sally?"
"Tve a reputation for being very,
very fond of old ladies-I know I'd
love Aunt Sally. could manage