Missouri Valley times. [volume] (Missouri Valley, Iowa) 1874-1931, 1920-08-26

STARLIGHT
~ MAooE WESTON.

INV N0~ -
Copyright. 1879. western Newspaper Union. }
She was the most perplexing girl,
BUY thought, that no had ever met,
and yet-the most charming. Riselay
had sent him out to this forsaken vii.
lage Of q past time to value GER
tain blooded horse, which was offered
for sale. Riselay did not know much
about horsedesh, but Riselay had
plenty OF money. and It occurred to
him that 1t might be amusing to can
te' occasionally around the park.
The struggling house on the hill, at
which the town driver left him, pre-
scented to Billy upon first approach, a
comfortable air Of olden-time hospital
ity. 1t was great shabby house, Billy
found, but its lady mistress still prac-
ticed that old-time hospitality.
1.-THE hotel is but a poor place." she
told Billy graciously. land 1t will be
9 pleasure for us to accommodate you
IN our own home"
Mr.. Riselay. 1t seemed, was known
through mutual friends, and Billy, as
Mr.. Riselay's representative. would
be gladly entertained during his brief
sojourn. The old lady's TOTE was 50
wistful as she made the suggestion
that he fancied In it an eagerness for
companfonship. 1t was not until 'tea
time that he met the daughter, who
was. Billy thought, 1.-THE sweetest girl
that he had ever SEEN" But while
her charm drew him her attitude of
sadness held him aloof.
She was very silent, this blue-eyed
girl. In her mothers presence only
did she appear gay or, light-hearted
80 witty and merry then that Billy
wondered II this could be the same
creature who walked signing and un-
responsive by his side through the
garden.
For Billie's sojourn had not been
brief as 1t was expected. On the first
evening Of his arrival he had tele.
phoned Riselay to the effect that the
horse was not in a fair condition to
be judged.
The animal was beautiful one, I'm.
doubtedly, but had been taken with
some sort Of horse distemper. He de
cided 1t wiser to wait about while he
INDUCED in that long wished-for 'flsh.
ing vacation" He had. persuaded his
lady hostess, so he said, to accept
board for the time of his stay. "But
she's proud old dame," Billy told
Riselay.
Life at the hill house was very pleas.
ant. Cynthia. as the Sweetest girl'
was called. escorted Billy usually to
promising fishing Misunderstanding
sometimes there absorbed and retro
spective at his side. or flashing at him
occasionally her rare and reassurine
smile. Billy had days ago admitted
to himself the fact-he was in love;
truly, disturbingly in love for the first
time in his honest life.
Mrs. Hawthorne, whom he thought
of only as Cynthia's mother, told hin
relievedly how glad they would be t.
be rid Of Starlight. Starlight was
the name of the horse who moped snd
stamped IN his stable.
Cynthia intended to buy a car. Mrs
Hawthorne said. casually. It would
be more convenient for them to gel
about. And Cynthia. bending over the
credentials Of Starlight, which she
was showing, flushed suddenly ant
pointed out to Billy that the price
asked for him was not at all ex
orbitant. At last when there was nj
further excuse to postpone judgmenr
as far as Starlight was concerned
Billy paid unhesitatingly the price i'm
posed and endeavored vainly upon h:s
last night to see the girl alone. Bu
Cynthia was deliberately peverse
With sinking heart Billy realized thai
though aware Of the words he would
say Cynthia did not wish to heal
them. Yet half triumphantly Billy hat
fancied that he had read in Cynthia.
clear eyes not only knowledge Of hi:
love, but promise of its return. He
wished that he might fathom the un
certainty Of her-this half admission
this cold reluctance.
Early upon the morning Of his de
parture, Billy arose and went out tt
the stables. Though the first dew wa,
on the grass, Cynthia was there before
him. Unaware Of his approach sh.
stood, her arms about the horse.
neck, her face against his white name
Starlight, Starlight" sobbed thu
girl. would 1t help you in being sep
arated from me. wonder, to know
that you are buying our very bread
and butter-that we are SO beastl,
poor, boy, we might have to starv.
without Obi" she gasped at sight o.
Billy In the doorway then laughed.
swell, you know the truth at last
she said, though mother would die i
she thought you did-or any of TIL
Riselays. Obi If I had the heart tt
leave her alone here" cried the girl
"and go away and earn our living"
Her voice broke TREMENDOUSLY.
"You can't think how one can get tt
love a horse" she cried, when tn,
faithful animal Is ones only com
panion. We've both been fretting ovel
our parting, haven't we Starlight
Good-by," she told Billy abruptly, ant
put out her hand bravely smiling.
Over Billie's face swept wave o.
Joyful understanding.
$50 that's been the trouble" he e1
claimed. well, I'm going to take you
horse to Riselay. but he will be mine
soon. Old Riselay win give me any
thing that want, for wedding pres
ent."
For an instant very evident alarm
showed in Cynthia's surprised blu,