The united opinion. [volume] (Bradford, Vt.) 1881-1970, 1921-01-14
WHO'S WHO?
BY RUTH W. BAKER.


OF an hour to dissolve into tears. A
least, so thought Ned Burton. The,
had SO far succeeded in appearing non
chalant and many years married, bu
Esther had been seized with stag
fright as the awful person of the no
tel clerk met her shrinking gaze.
ooh, Ned !" she gasped. Just &
minute Just a minute They're al
looking at us Oh, | wish we hadn't
No, | don't. Oh dear, what will hap
pen to us if your father disowns your
"Oh, I say, Esther, there's a good
girl Don't cry-not here, anyway
Fathers a good old scout He'll take
me back into the Office all right
Their lingering footsteps had al
last brought them before the desk, and
now the polite clerk was observing
them with a sort of detached inquiry
Esther TREMENDOUSLY nudged her hus.
! band.
"0h-ah-Q, yes, the register" ex-
claimed Ned Now-Great Scott -
the pen fell from his nerveless fingers.
My father!"
"Where| quavered Esther, looking
nervOusly over her shoulder.
Here, on the register. His name, |
mean. Look here, Esther, it's great
chance for us, if he ever sees you,
well, it's all over but the cheering"
AS the door of the elevator closed
upon the clipping couple, an elderly
gentleman strolled up to the desk.
"Have vow by any chance" then his
eyes fell upon the open register. by
George, they're here" His eyes
twinkled. Didn't know the young
cub had so much grit. I ran away
with the girl l loved. He's pretty
much like the old man, after ALL Oh,
by the way" to the clerk, did you
happen to notice Mrs. Burton?"
ooh, yes, sir" the obliging clerk has
tened to explain. Not very tall, sir,
brown eyes had a white feather in her
hat and"
yes, sir" interrupted Mr. Burton.
much obliged"
Smiling to himself, he turned from
the desk then stopped abruptly. What
luck There she was right before him
With a smile and Il bow, he APP
preached the girl, who stood watch
ing the elevator door with anxious
eyes. II recognized you, instantly, my
dear and ="
"AIy dear indeed" Interrupted the
very indignant young lady. "Why YOU
old nrt, If you don't"
but, my dear young lady, / am your
new father" said the embarrassed Mr..
Burton. 81 was looking for"
well, YOU may find some one who
is willing to he your daughter, but
should advise you not to insult ladies'
IN a respectable hotel" and the out
ragged girl swept past him into the ele-
vator, leaving the innocent man speech
less with Indignation and rage.
Meanwhile Esther. who had been
left in the writin ROOM had become
tired Of waiting for Ned TO rSturn
with his father and a parental Bless
ing. ON just stroll through the
lobby she thought. at may give me
something besides myself to think
about. Oh dear. If 7 could only see
Neds father and talk to him, 7 am
sure he would forgive us. Good gra-
cious. there he is now"
'Bald-headed, hdgety" whispered
Esther Il know that's Neds father
l ann going 10 speak to him. Yes,
am" defanIy, although no one
seemed Inclined to oppose her. Il
beg your pardon" she began tremuI
lousy. "but IS this Mr. Burt0n|
"Yes. madame. my Kane is Mer- |
ton" replied the old gentleman les /
lily, peerng at her over the top Of .
his gold-rimmed spectacles.
"Oh. sir. please forgive us. Truly. 1
Il was more my fault than Ned's"
what" hluwed Mr. Mer- .
lon.
ooh. I am your daughter, you know.
That is, your SON." Esther stopped,
'or tbe gentleman was looking az her
lskance pretty good for a bachelor"
be muftered o himself "She must be
'razy I'd better unt excite her" slap
'iug his knee iovially he exclaimed:
why. OF course How stupid Of me
.ly daughter, yes. yes"
"Oh. good, Vow let me find Ned.
There DE Is now"
In alarm Mr. Merton caught her arm.
he must speak soothingly 10 her.
There there You must wait until 4
e gets here" he Wheedled.
"But Dee is here Don't YOU see? oh I
Gel. Nedr Esther was SIN irving 10 I
uIl AWAY. when Ned. talking ausrIly /
3 Mr. Burton drew near. [
Il tell sou, father She Is not ~
ant what on earth are you talking +
bout? She is a- jimid a. mouse
n was interrupted by> Esther's cry.
There She IS uoW. Good heavens,
.hat IS that FELLOW doing with herr
lere. you rufan-"
Lucky you came along as you did.
.eap "a sharp eyc n her. advised Mr.
-erton complementary "Shes 200
relty a little lunaUc to-"
'Lunauct~ cried Ned and Esher
uuf1nn