Catoctin clarion., 1921-07-21
AUNTlE'S WISH
By GRACE CANFlELD.
lISl 1874. BY Mcclure Newspaper Syndicate.

was very still as she ferEently repeat
ed the old incantation, and after ii
The wish, II want young man J"
Aunt Emmy had not intended to speak
aloud, nor was she even aware that
she had done SO. And SO Intent was
she that she did not hear the gasp OF
amaZement from the other side Of the
room.
Niece Marjorie retreated hastily to
her own room to consider the ama1-
ing situation. Aunt Emmy, sixty Ii
she was day uhus Marjorie, with
the unconscious cruelty of YOUTH, and
wanting a man! Why, she hatel
men. 1t was only with the greatest
difficulty that Marjorie could secure
her permission to go anywhere with
male escort.
"The old ducky dear" sighed Mar
jorie to herself "She has been every
thing i'm the world to me for years,
and have been only selfish brute in
return. If she wants young man
she shall certainly have one!'
In the early twilight of the next
evening Marjorie again saw her aunt
standing in the western window, re-
peating her wish to Venus. The north
window by which Marjorie stood
opened on a porch, and as she paused,
wondering what to do, she heard
soft whisper from outside the window.
"AIarge, can't you come out for
walk The girl slipped out of the
room and met Eaton at the door.
You mustn't ask Inc again. she
said. You know auntie doesn't like
TO have me go out with men,
Marjorie suddenly interrupted his
half-uttered complaint.
Eaton, did you hear what auntie
was saylng-to the starr" He flushed.
"Yes. I'm sorry. l didn't intend
to-"
I'm glad you did," she said quick
ly. Eaton, love my Aunt Emmy,
and If she wants a young man, She
must have one"
Dimly Eaton perceived that he was
about to he sacrificed on the altar
of Marjorie's love, and felt still more
sorry that he had overheard.
'"rhe only way you can be my
friend" she was saying, "is by being
nice to Aunt Emmy"
"Ill be nice, but | won't make love-,
said the lad, rebeliously.
SILLY" Marjorie tlared up. "Of
course YOU wouldn't act aS you wonld
with"
you" he supplied.
"A girl your own age" she contin.
ued with heightened color. But you
can pay her Il lot of attention, and
make her feel that you care II lot for
her"
Say" he leaned forward eagerly
would have a better chance with
you If"
"Silly," she scolded again. "iOu
must do ii just for Aunt Emny's sake.
II is just possible that the young man
saw more in Marjorie'S eyes than she
cared to say, for his opposition was
not so strong from this point on. Final.
ly, though with some reluctance still,
he yielded, and went away.
The next day, to Aunt Emmy's un-
bounded amaZement, she received
nox of American beauties BY the early
post.
"Who on eurth-the lovely things
Eaton G." She read the card her
breath coming in soft gaSns
This was the first of her surprises
Eaton had determined from the start
that if he did this thing he would do
ii well, and Marjorie wrs obliged to
admit that he responded nohly to her
plea. Candy followed tioNers and
calls followed the candy. until Aunt
Emmy was overwhelmed. She treated
Eaton at first with a very stiff cour-
irSy, for she had not approved Of him.
However, as the young man continued
lis attentions, completely ignoring
Marjorie, the Old lady visihly changed
her mind. and took him into favor.
Eaton'> utter neglect OF Marjorie
was 50 marked that finally she began
to feel a little piqued. OF course. ev.
eryone who knew Aunt Emmy, loved
her to death hut he might admit tha'
she had q niece!
II was Aunt Emmy who finally
opened the subject.
"AIarjorie,' she said Il have con.
fesson to make, and l want your ad.
vice. Her niece was little startled;
she had thought confession her own
prerogathe.
"Du You believe In wishing on
stars" Aunt Emmy's tone was slight
ly abaShh.
"IeS." promptly.
"WelI. do you think q wish could
ever go wrong?' Aunt Emmy was
iuShing painfully. Marjorie was puz-
Zled.
81 don't understand" The reply
came with a rush.
II didn't like your frends-but |
wanted you to have young man
80 ! wished on the Stars-for you"
"For me"
IVES. But something is wrong
Eaton 4. is just the one for you--and
-why-he is paying attention to me
at my age" Aunt Emmy wrung her
hands in deep distress. "Oh. what
shall do?"
Marjorie laughed aloud. "Dcur Aunt
Emmy" she said gently, "are you sure
the stars were wrong?"
"Wh-what do you menn?"
"SupDOsng," Marjories voice was
almost n whisper, "supposing you leave
rne alone with Eaton the next time
he calls. Perhaps you will find that
he was meant for me. after ALL"