The Lamar register., 1920-05-05

fore five" Into these seven words
Mr. Beers managed to condense vol
umes OF meaning: That he was lonth to
send Marie away; that five o'clock
was long way of; that he should
await her return impatiently. and that
when the longed-for hour arrived
we'll. somehow there was II vaguely ro-
mantle suggestion Of a tryst.
Marie's fingers justified their auto
matte training that afternoon for her
thoughts went skylarking down the
long lane of the future when some one
TALL and stunning walked by her side.
When 4 :45 came and she presented the
letters FOR signature, 1t caused her no
surprise at all that Mr.. Beers should
suggest walking home with her.
Wasn't II all foreordained? Then,
too. It seemed perfectly natural and at
the same time incredibly marvellous
that the new purchasing agent should
ask her TO go to the movies that very
evening. And some people said crys-
tal gazing was all a huge fake
As Marie closed the front door be-
hind her and passed through 70 the
Kitchen where Mrs Fenton was pre-
pairing the evening meal, something In
tangible prlcked her bubble Of elation.
What was 1t that had rlled her
thoughts before that fateful moment
when she had opened Mr.. Beers Officer
Her mothers gr, citing words brought
II all back,
Bob is much worse" she announced.
Bob? Oh. yes, TO be sure; Bob was
sick-that was the truant thought.
Bob Bryan. the standby of child
hood and glrlhood; funny. steady, true
blue old Bob. who would have let them
cut of his right hand for her any time,
she knew; and who had always been
why. as much part of life as-moth-
er herselfl
But how tlresome that Bob's Illness
should have to come right now, when
she wanted no shadows-only the high
lights of hnppinessl Marie had new
er been In the habit of confiding her
innermost thoughts in her mother, and
now It would be impossible TO make
her understand.
"Well, must confess that l never
thought a daughter OF mine could be
so heartless as to go TO n show with
stranger when her playmate and chum
was dying, like enough. This new
generation moves too rapidly for mel"
Mrs. Fenton's tone was bitter.
But Marie went. Bob couldn't be in
danger; 1t was unthlnkable. And he
would have been the last one TO wish
her to stay home.
The picture that night concerned the
love adventures OF world-famous
comedian. The audience rocked with
mirth. But suddenly some awkward
movement OF the irresistible little man
reminded Marie of Bob. Bob was
bit clumsy, too. In Just that way.
And then, because of the subtle ar
tistry of the actor. Marie saw In the
woe-begone plight of the man OF the
comedy the utter tragedy that the
crowd missed. Bob would look like
that-and It would all be black real
ity.
A great revulsion swept over the
girl on Its surge she almost sprung
to her feet. Indifferent as to her COM
panlon's reception Of heE hurried ex-
cuses. and hastened out Of the theater
and home.
Marie burst Into the sitting room.
out Of breath. Mother. how is BOb7"
she cried.
Goodness. grill What are you do
Ing home so soon?' Mrs. Fenton de
manded.
II want TO know how Bob ls!'
Hes had turn for the better
Here-where are you going nOwf'
"Tm going right over there TO send
my love up to Bob g" called the girl
over her shoulder. That was all the
mother heard. But all the way to
Bob's home these words sounded
over and over again IN Marie's heart:
81 thought l was following comet,
but 1t was only a will o the wisp be-
SIDE :se -eal thipgi'