Graham guardian., 1920-09-10
A GRIPPING
ROMANCE
BY oTILLIA F. PFEIFFER

Copyright. 1920, Western Newspaper Union.)
"Coddling, my dear-that is the sys-
TEN we are to employ with Cousin
Roylston. The men all like It,"
as he really couslnl" inquired
Prudence Blake of her sister, spin
ster like herself, though ten years her
senior. ...
swell, maybe third or fourth, re-
moved, but he hasn't many of near kin,
and it is probably because Of our re-
lationship, distant though 1t may be,
that he has chosen our home to re-
cruIt his health In"
"Why, is he an invalidT questioned
the seemingly artless Prudence.
"No, but he has been a victim of the
prevailing grip epidemic and his doc
tor said a few weeks convalescence
away from business cares was neces-
sary.'
'Yes, we must be helpful and kind
to the sick and weak,p sighed Pru.
dence pathetically.
"You mean we must seize all golden
| opportunities" reported Dorcas tartly,
valuing the simpering platitudes of
her sister Mt their true worth. cousin
Roylston is man Of means, COM
paratively young man, and-who
knowsT And Dorcas prepared to put
her coddling system into practical
operation, and Prudence hunted up
her most captivating ribbons and laces.
Ward ROylSton heaved sigh of.relief
nnticipatingly of coveted peace and
rest as he reached the isolated town
of Clyde.
You do not look very well, Cousin"
were the first encouraging words of
Dorcas. "Our brother Ezra has Just
received his medical diploma and he
will call to look you over"
"Why. am not SICK" said Roylston.
eve never know I'M case like
yours" observed Dorcas In a dolorous
tone. "They say the after effects are
sometimes very severe. But you will
have at hand faithful nurses"
Roylston made a wry face, unob.
served by his oflicious relatives, when
he sat down 10 his first meal. He was
hungry as an OK, but cream toast thin
cruel and single poached egg were
proffered him.
Brother Is very strict rs to the
alimentary regime" droned Dorcas
prudence be sure that Cousin Royl.
ston's room Is ventilated Just right and
warming psn pressed between the
sheets before he retlres." And then
came Brother Ezra, cadaverous
young man who gloomily kept his eye
on Roylston as though he was analyz-
Ing him with view to protracted medi.
cal treatment.
~ shall send over some medicine in
the morning." he announced sepul.
chrally, "a few gargles and lotions"
and he left phial of pellets which
Roylston promptly tossed out of the
window when he reached his room.
In the morning there arrived pack
age Of counter-lrritants, lotions and
the like. and all that day the sisters
watched RoylSton with an assiduity
and vehemence that nearly drove him
wild. To cap the climax, after dark
Dorcas solemnIy rendered little
package, ..'
"A blister Brother Ezra sent" she
explained. Drastic he says, but
sure to prove beneficial. Prudence and
I will sit up to night. Cousin Roylston,
and you must promptly call us If yOu
feel any bad symptoms. The after ef-
fects Of the fatal grip must be warded
off. You know"
Grip" muttered Roylston, as he
reached his room. "Of all the busy
bodies. The only grip am interested
In Is this" and he opened his single
piece of baggage and proceeded to
pack It, arm make my escape before
they poison me, II I have to jump
from the window"
That was just what Roylston had to
do an hour later. Gazing thence he
observed the reflection of light In
lower room. He could not leave the
house that way, without apprzing his
jallcrs. He dropped his grip from the
| window, followed with the aid of
trelils and made tracks speedily.
ROylstOn turned from the house and
| town. His idea was TO seek the first
safe shelter that presented. At the
end Of n five-miIe. tramp, wenried and
| forlorn. turning bend IN the road he
cumc upon a horse and wagon at a
/ ctonISfin G. h. I,,
girl was mending the broken harness,
musically upbraidlng and then pettlng
the steed, who had attempted to run
away.
| ROylstnn came chiyarously forward
and assisted her In getting things to
rights, casually explaining his quest
for some settlement or roadside inn.
"The nearest town Is ten miles dis.
! tnnt." his bright, sensible new friend
told him, "but we live little further
on. Father viii he waiting up, for
have been delayed delivering some
eggs and butter, and he will house
you for the night, am sure"
But Ward RoylstOn was destined TO
remain at the home Of Jacob and Irma
Daniels for the rest Of his prescribed
vacation. A blufr, hearty, even:mlnded
old man, the father showed him the
beauties and benefits OF strengthening
fare and renl outside life, while Irma-
All, fate had been kind and that
chance meeting had solved all Ward
Roylston's trouble, for when he went
back to the city to look up his neg
lected business affairs there was to be
n speedy return, for Irma and he were
engaged.
The Misses Blake and Brother Ezra
were not among the invited guests to