The Elk Mountain pilot., 1920-05-27

he possessed. At last. being unable 70
keep still any longer he decided to
start out and walk to Doris home. II
was only about four miles, and walk
ing would be better than having to
sit down and walt in that confounded
club, where no one could understand
what II was like to be engaged to the
most wonderful and beautiful girl in
the world. His face lighted up as he
put on his hat and took last glance
at himself In the mirror.
John Conover made the distance in
record-breaking time. notwithstanding
he had tried to go very slowly SO as to
avoid arriving too soon. But there is
an end to the longest wait, and the
appointed hour finally approached.
'I began to think all the clocks had
stopped" he told Doris as he helped
her on with her wrap.
you're such an impatient boy" she
smiled at him.
Notwithstanding Johns eagerness TO
get to church he paid little attention
to what the rector was saying, but kept
his eyes glued on the dainty little pro
file beside him. Suddenly he noticed
the vestrymen starting slowly from the
altar carrying the collection plates,
Four dreadful thoughts flashed into his
consciousness simultaneously: HE and
Doris were sitting In the second pew
from the front and the plate would be
practically empty; Mr.. Brockton was
taking up the collection in their sec
h- YAh hoA In hf0
pocket exactly one ten-dollar b0l and
one nickel. He had promised to take
Doris to Fosters after the service, and.
lastly, he felt the perspiration Trick
ling down his back as he further re-
membered that stinginess was an In
curable sin.
Wildly he plunged both hands into
his pockets; his left hand gripped the
ten-dollar bill, the other the nickel
which one should he draw forth and
place beneath the eyes of his future
father-in-law? If he put in the bill
he'd be all right with the father. but
how about Doris? If he put in the
nickel he'd be all right with Doris, but
how about the father?
SuddeE'- he looked down to see the
almost empty plate nearly under his
chin. Historically, he jumped, and
jerking both hands out of his pockets,
held them over the silver dish. His
left hand opened and the ten-dollar bill
dropped from his grip.
1t was all over in second.
In frenzy he glanced down at Dor
is sitting demurely at his side and
probably thinking about that trip to
Fosters at that very instant. How
was he to break the news and how
would she take It? He hadn't even
the fare to get her home.
When the services were over he
walked down the aisle by her side like
one going to his execution, realizing
that each step was bringing him near
er the fatal moment. Now they were
out Of the church, and he had not
thought of any possible escape. His
lips were parched and his hands wet
and clammy as he tried to speak to
Doris.
'D-Doris," he began.
"Oh, there you are," voice inter
rupted at his side. 81 thought you'd
given me the slip. Don't know what
your plans are, but 1 was wondering
whether you youngsters wouldn't come
down to Fosters with me. / know
three's a crowd, but she's all the fam
lily have" Brockton explained to Con-
over, land thought maybe you'd let
me have a little share tonight"
"We'd love 1t, daddy, DEAR" said
Doris, slipping hand into his.
Nothing could make me happier"
replied John with such fervency that
Brockton slapped him on the back and
mentally doubled the size Of his we'd
ding present.