Greenbrier independent. [volume] (Lewisburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1859-1980, 1921-01-07
A Late Choice
Bv OTILLIA E. PFEIFFER


"Well. I've met my fate" announced
Clyde Martin. and his close friend and
chosen chum looked interested.
'And who may the favored lady be,
pray?" Intercepted the latter.
Il thought she was Patty the Pastry
Cook at first l. found out later that
she was Miss Patricia Elsden; fine
family. some means-a real charity
worker; loves children, and that Is
the keynote to the entire situation"
II hardly understand" submitted the
other in a puzzled way. .
"Well, you know my rich brother
Ronald. When our sister died he took
charge Of her three children. About
six months ago Ronald offered me a
home and an income If would marry
some worthy girl, as he put 1t, who
would become O sort Of mother to the
children. I've been away ever since
until last week. Came back to step
into 6, pretty little restaurant near the
nurses school," .,..Ha. '..
II know of it-home cooking and
all that. Go on with your story 'r
"There, past the tables. within the
food room was the daintiest, most ex-
quislte young lady ever saw. She
seemed to be directing lot Of able
assistants, although befloured and
aproned and brisk. ate three pieces
Of cherry pie Just to keep my place
where could see her. Then I waited
around outside. In about an hour, ele-
gantly attired, she came out and was
1o1 IN, ~
"Ahl You found out that she was
simply training the girls Mt the res
taurant"
That's It,"
"And then"
II felt that I couldn't resist her.
You know Ned Archer. Well, he has
secured me an invitation to function
where Miss Elsden will be tomorrow
evening. Then I shall see her"
"And. suppose, the usual topo-
graphical points of our romantic vii
lage covered. Lovers Lane 'Cupid's
Crossroads Honeymoon HighwaysT
"No. shan't daily. like her; she
may like me. Wedding, home, Income
and everything settled for life," spoke
the self-sufficient Clyde.
His companion babe him adieu, but
glanced after him with n queer express
sion on his face.
IT wonder that Clyde hasn't heard
It's common gossip" he soliloqulZed
"Oh. WE'LL Live and learn"
Now what had happened was that
Ronald Martin had "woke up" He
90 II 81
did and selfish Clyde. He was wor.
ried because there was no one in the
house to award to the three little chill
dren the love and care they deserved
| During the absence Of his brother
Ronald had been induced by some
| friends to attend some social gather
! Ings. He was cOurtly and hand
some man and he realized that he
| looked IT. The thought had suddenly
come to him: why not anticipate the
dilatory Clyde and himself find mother
and friend for the little ones?
| There was n great crush at the So
cinl function where Clyde expected tc
meet his friend and receive an intro
| duction to Miss Elsden.
AS fate would have IT, his friend
was detained from the function
through Illness. Clyde Toasted his eyes
on peerless Patty at distance. Wan,
| dering about the conservatory. he was
fully amazed to come across his broth
er Ronald arrayed MS the best Of them
and an unusual smile OF satisfaction
on his usually serious face.
"Well, never expected to meet yo,
here" Clyde expressed himself with q
b'untless devoid OF any delicacy.
"Whv notT' challenged Ronald I'm
perturbabiy.