The Holly chieftain., 1921-09-22

members Of "the family"-her grand
father. uncles and aunts and cousins.
her great-uncles-and in each instance,
after no protracted formal prelm-
inaries, lightly remarked that she
wrote poetry now: her first to appear
in the forthcoming Oriole. And when
Great-Aunt Carrie said "Wfn. Flor
ence. you're wonderful! Couldn't
write poem to save my life. never
could see how they do it," Florence
laughed, made n deprecatory little side
motion with her head, and responded: !:
why. Aunt Carrie, that's nothing! 1t
lust kind of comes to you.'
This also served as her explanation
when some Of her school friends ex-
pressed their admiration, after being
told the news in confidence though to
the teachers she said. smiling rueful!y
ms In remembrance Of midnight oil.
ut does take work, Of course"
When opportunity offered. upon the
street. she Joined people she knew
and even rather distant acquaint-
ances-and walked with them little
Way anu WIN uhuiSStSh uhSStHNt'"
led the conversation to the subject Of
poetry, including her own contribution
to that art. Altogether, II Florence
was not in fair way to become
poetic celebrity It was not her own
fault but entirely that Of the North
End Daily Oriole, which was to make
its appearance on Saturday, but failed
to do SO, on account Of too much en-
thusiasm on the part Of Atwater 4
Rooter in manipulating the printing
press. It broke, had to be repaired; !;
and Florence, her nerves upset by the
accident. demanded her money back.
This was impossible, and the postpone
ment proved to be an episode; more
over It gave time TO let more people
know Of the treat that was coming.
Amcas these was Noble DILL Flor
ence's Ideal. Until the Friday follow
ing her disappointment she had found
no opportunity to acQuaint this being
with the news; and but for an encoun-
ter, partly due to chance, he might
not have heard Of 1t. Mr.. Dill was
twenty-five, but that was his only per-
ceptible distinction. He was kind,
usually, and not unpleasant in appear
ance or attire; yet he had neither
beauty nor that look Of power which
is said TO joggle women from their
natural poise. He was the most every
day young man in all the town; and
Florence's selection Of him TO be her
Ideal still awaits precise explana-
tion. Nevertheless, II had happened:
and sentimental enrichment Of color
in her cheeks was the result of her
catching sight Of him, as she was on
the point Of opening and entering her
own front door that Friday afternoon
on her return from school. He WAS
passing the house. walking somewhat
dreamily.
Florence stepped into the sheltering
vestibule, peeping round 1t with ear
nest eyes to watch him as he went by;
obviously he had taken no note Of her.
Satisfied of this, she waited until he
was at little distance, then ran
lightly to the gate, hurried after him.
and Joined him.
why, Mr.. DtllI' she exclaimed, In
her mothers most polished manner.
How surprising to zee you pre-
sumo, as we both happen to be walk
Ing in the came direction. we might
just as well keep together"
Noble looked puzzled. "'surprisIns
to see mef" he said vaguely II
haven't been away anywhere in par
ticular, Florence" Then, at n thought,
he frightened hopefully, "rm glad to
sec you, Florence. Do you know IL
any Of your family or relatives have
heard when your Aunt Julia Is coming
homer
Aunt Julia9 Why, she's sut Of
town." said Florence. shes visiting
different people she used to know
when she was away at school,"
"Yes, l know" Mr.. Dill returned.
"She's been gone six weeks"
"Oh, don't believe it's that long"
Florence said, casually; then with
more earnestness: "sIr. Dill was
goin' to ask you somep'm; it's kind Of
a funny question for me to ask, but"
"Yes, she has" Noble interrupted,
though not sensible that his remark
was an interruption, for he had been
unaware Of Florence's voice In action
after the word ''long." "Oh, yes, she
has" he said. ut was six weeks, day.
before-yesterday afternoon. I saw
your father downtown this morning,
and he said he didn't know that nny OF
tho family had heard Just when she