Cottonwood chronicle. [volume] (Cottonwood, Idaho) 1917-current, 1921-12-09

yet, half-unconSciOusly, at the back OF
his well ordered bachelor life was
kept daintily coIOred picture OF
glorified being who should one day
become his wife-one day. for the
attainment seemed ever farther off
Johns measure of success In business
had not fulfilled boylsh promise.
though the village bank had grown to
reality through his tireless and sys-
tematic effort.
The bank had been but part of a
store when John began as its am
bilious cashier. Now he was presI-
dent and owner and the small white
pillared building. the finest on Main
street John Towers home was also
capably managed, with meals always
just on time, and regular cleaning and
baking days never varied.
His elderly sister followed Johns
ways of prudence and matter-of-fact-
ness. And If she had visioned for her
brother wife II was some sensible
and efficient creature who would con-
ttnue sufficiently the daily routine.
Could she have seen her brothers
dream picture she would have been
astOnlshed and alarmed. As resident
young women and visitors coming
from far and near failed as time
passed to arouse Johns serious inter-
est, his sister settled down assured OF
her continued comfortable reign. And
thau Iohn aau tho XVhita and Gold
lady. That Is the name his heart In
stantly gave her as he walked idly one
Sunday morning to the farthest end
OF the lane. Lovers Lane" the young
folk called II. but until John came
walking back again later by the White
and Gold iady's side he had never ap-
preciated the meaning of the name.
She was sitting on bench built round
the old park tree when he first found
her Her dress was white and her hair
was gold and she held some marigolds
In her white fingers.
IF you please" asked the White
and Gold lady, with a smile that was
golden too, could you tell me the way
TO Willow Lawn house? I'm n visitor
there and started for the woods and I
can't get back; the turns are so very
confusing"
John Towers drew a happy breath
Of anticipation.
II will be delighted to show you the
way" he offered, and that was the be-
ginning of the end. A small-town
banker seemed not desirable hus-
band TO the father OF the White and
Gold lady. And he told her so with
an emphasis which hurried her into
marriage. For Lily had to make her
choice between father and lover and
she made II inevitably, trustfully-
while the old capitalist withdrew in
injured pride to his great home
SO for time did routine and order.
But Lily. the dainty, bent TO cook and
menu. with the same intensity that
had carried her through music and
study: and II household tasks were
not always accomplished. John Tow
ers, coming broodingly from his bank.
found awaiting him dellclously cooked
meals that tempted his tagging appe-
lite.
Things were not going well with the
bank on the village street and John
wondered and wondered-about the
White and Gold lady.
Then the bank failed. The circum-
stances were unforeseen and unayoid.
able, yet he blamed himself. And
when he could no longer bear the
pathos of Lily's patient face. he bade
her go away some place for a visit.
obediently his wife went. IL he
had expected her TO demur he did not
show his disappointment. II was an
old school friend that Lily selected
TO visit In her old college city.
The friend had been Inviting her for
A long time. And when John found
that he could no longer bear the
loneliness OF his own DESC
ate home he took OF the small saw
ngs which could lily be spared for
even that purpose and Travelled the
miles to see Lily. She was more the
White and Gold lady than ever In a
llmy white frock at tea her hostess
vas giving.
The yellow-s shaded candles shone on
ler yellow-gold hair. He sighed hope
essly at the difference between their
present lives. II will go back" he told
Ter huskily, Ito my failures. The pity
If II Is that I should ever have
brought you TO share them" Lily
rev him aside.
Dearest" she said, you are not
:oing home to failure; and when /
lave finished here what am doing.
hen / will come back to you-for-
,ver. An idea Of how TO help you oc-
'urred to me as journeyed and |
rave been putting that idea into prac-
Ice. You see the charming arrange
nents OF this len Helen Is givlng7 |
Well, l am responsible for II all, and !
have managed dozens for friends
who used TO be with me at college.
rhe orders and the money just grew!
And II was not charity, John. for my
'harges were the same as those paid !
o former caterers. But now my work |
S almost done. When father heard of |
ny plan, and Its success, he wrote
hastily. alphabetically. And when
lou return home | think that You will |