The Clio messenger. (Clio, Mich.) 1907-current, 1920-07-22
sNtnfou 80


MIR. Clinton producee his proof.
we are all TO act as II he really l.
your brother"
IL could not do II, either In justice
10 this young lady or to you and your
fa"-ily. sir"
OF all the obstinate pigs" cried
Amy. "You ought to know you're your
self. and yet you won't even pretend!"
us that quite fair, Mi Lowrler
he asked. How can I pretend 10 be
your brother, when | know | am not7-
How can we pretend you're not
when we know you are?" she rejoined
lille poked her head in past the
rear hall door. Doctor" she called.
"Missus Kirkland says to tell you
you're wanted at once at the sani, and
shall they come on down now?"
yes, yes" said the physician. As
the woman disappeared. he stepped to
the front door. '.Must go at once,
Amy. Be back again. Meantime,
they're coming"
"Doctor-wait! L" exclaimed Clln-
ton.
But the physician rushed of unheed-
ing; and the young man could not very
well run after him with determined
young lady clinging to the tail of his
coat.
The captive paused In the doorway
and looked over his shoulder at the
girl. She took fresh gr., on his
coat and braced one little slipDeced
foot against the door casing.
"Shall have TO call Title to helpT
she inquired.
NO" he answered.
She led him unresisting into the
simply furnished room that opened off
tho hall.
He smiled quizzically and seated
himself in the big leathern chair to
which she led him.
You see, all you need is gentle per-
suasiOn," she remarked as she cad-
died down before him with her arm
on his knee. Now we're comfy, ana
you look quite yourself"
do II"
Eyes. So want TO ask your brother
ly advice--not that | expect to take
ii. Charlie is coming tonight, and he
is coming 10 the point-if l let him
Shall II"
What" queried the young IMAM
who persisted in calling himself Rich.
ard Clinton.
"Oh. Will" exclaimed the giri, you
do remember You remember that
YOU did not want me to encourage
him."
NO, / do not remember. | cannot
even pretend" lie stopped and sat
gazing fixedly at her animated face.
Cannot what?" she asked.
Pretend TO remember. when l am
not" Suddenly his face became
resolute. Just the same. | do not
wish you 10 encourage that fellow"
"Meanie! Isn't he the best dressed
man about town.
He frowned. You ipsist that must
speak az brother?'
"Of course"
Every well. then. / should say mat
he is too much of "a" Clinton hest
tated. Really, Miss-Amy, | cannot
say anything. 1t would not be honor
able. when you would be taking my
opinion as that of your brother"
"BOtheration Even If you don't
remember you're win, want you to
make believe you do"
4 bell rang in the rear Of the house
The young man looked toward the
hall with an expression of relief not
unmixed with regret.
as that caller?" he asked. HAD
you not better take chair?"
Not unless you promise TO be your
self"
II promise" he readily responded.
She sprang up and danced around
his chair with the gleefulness of a
child. Title thrust her gray head in
at the hall doorway and announced
austerely: Here's Mssus kirkland
an Miss Ellen an Mister BENIN"
AS the callers entered, their snI
mated faces belied the sedateness OF
their movements.
"Amy. my dear" Mrs. Kirkland
called out. you're dancing he
looks so at home! Can it be possible
that he-?'
YES, yes! He's promised to be
himself! Isn't 1t grand?' cried the
girl She whirled about TO grasp Gin
tons arm as he rose. Hurry out intd
the hall with Ellen and tell her
hurry!"
Ellen clasped her hands "Willw
she murmured. do you really re-
member? Have you come to your.
SeIfT"
"Ah, yes. that's the question" added
BENIN. "Out with it. old man own
up. now; you've beer Raging us all
along" -.-.-~..
pretending? VIII pretending" pro.
tested Ellen. ~ cannot believe il"
Clinton Strengthened. 81 wish to In
form Mr.. BENIN that throughout thi,