The Washburn times. [volume] (Washburn, Wis.) 1896-1976, 1920-01-08
BABS.
BY JACK LAYTON.

N.~~~~~~~~~~ss~~~se~~ ~sss~~@~~~~&~~~se*
Copyright. 1919, Western Newspaper Union)
John Pendleton paused at. the sight
of q small figure In the nook which he
had selected for his fishing" corner.
Former success in the waters beneath
this tree had caused him to hasten his
steps in anticipation. But here was
the girl before him. John frowned,
then at her startled glance he smiled.
She too, was evidently aware of the
lucky fishing spot, and disturbed by
the appearance of an interloper.
AS she sat out on low branch of q
tree. she was almost in line with his
head. Silently, he regarded her puck
cred earnest brows, her little sun
burned nose. An odd creature this,
a cross, he told himself, between Mrs.
Wigs, and Sis Hopkins. The Sis Hop
kins resemblance occurred to him
when the girl smiled. The smile was
an apology for her own intrusion and
a good-natured hint that she intended
to remain there.
Surprisingly, to himself, the odd per-
sonality drew and piqued his interest.
When the girl later slipped away with
shy farewellinOd, he tried Intellectual
| ly to think of some ruse to detain her.
But the next morning, the sun CLINT
Ing down on her brown little face and
faded gingham dress, he came upon
her In the same spot. She was not
! RChinR fhtc time hxrt Afpor hnn1y
to which she returned after stiff. bow
of greeting.
An unusual desire possessed him to
converse with this quaint contradic-
ton of girl-Pendleton in self de-
Tense avoided the charming feminine.
Surely this knobby haired young per-
son was not designing charmer to. be
fought against.
Beautiful morning. he began.
The girl agreed with lowered eyes.
IT was some time before Johns enter
vaining efforts succeeded in winning
from the blue eyes another direct
glance, but he felt himself rewarded.
And so inscrutible are the ways of
Cupid, that John Pendleton, sought
after, and heretofore impregnable
male, fell into the deepest depths of
love in that one wistful gaze.
Every morning thereafter found him
at the girls side in the fishing nook be-
meath the tree.
"Babs, was her name she told him,
ard she was stopping at the white
house down the road. She had heard
of the books John wrote and the big
car that he drove into town, and she
was very glad to know him. More than
that, he could not coax from her.
Plain and humble as her appearance,
there was a dignity almost hostile
about the small creature, which per-
picked and discouraged her eager low
er. Babs was 40 difficult to under
stand; each day her mystery grew.
why do you knot your hair so tight
ly?" he asked her. "One can scarcely
find the shade of its brown"
What difference" she ret0rted
pointedly, '.does that make to your
John Pendleton held his breath.
Il love you Babs." he said at last
tensely.
Babs laughed, showed again her
white teeth.
Love nle?' she Knocked, with my
funny red nose, and my old cotton
dress and my shoes,--have you noticed
my shabby shoes?"
Or guard her wonder eyes searched
his.
Have you noticed all my plainness,
Mr.. John Pendleton. and still do you
think that you love me?"
Think !" cried John. Fiercely he
caught the little figure in his arms.
II know that love you-forever,"
he said.
When she had hastily freed herself,
the perplexing girl regarded him with
eyes that Were widely astonished.
Il don't understand It," she MUIR
INJURED, helplessly. '.You are sure
quite sure" she insisted, you would
love me slways-just like this?"
Mutely, adoringly, John nodded.
"Then will tell you something"
Babs said. She put forth a placating
hand.
II have been experimenting, John
Pendleton, experimenting love. At |
home before came here, and every
where that | went, men made love to |
me. They praised my hair which is
wavy, my skin which is fair and the
pretty fr0cks love to wear. / des-
pissed 1t ALL When came here l had |
to learn whether there might be any
admirable quality about my real self, |
which would hold mans love if the SUI
perficial things failed. Beauty does
not always last, you know, neither can
one always be charming. So decided |
to experiment upon you. Your con-
quest would be my assurance of lasting
love. 1t was rather hard to sunburn
my nose,' Babs added, 'but 1t helped
in the general effect"
Angrily John Pendleton sprang to his
feet.
Il hope" he said, that you are sat
isf1ed with the success of your exper-
iment. Being able to hold my love,
as you supposed under difficult condi-
lions, rest assured that you will be able
also to hold this mans love that you
covet. / wish you-happiness
whats the use of Wishing for me
the happiness which only you can give,
John?' Babs said.