Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1921-12-23
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THEIR PROBLEM
BY JACK LAYTON.
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Copyright. 1921, Western Newspaper Union.
Daisy sat at the window looking
down the avenue of trees. Her pref
ty brows were drawn in u reflective
frown, and the blue eyes beneath were
troubled. 1t seemed strange, indeed,
that one should need to go away in
order to prepare ones self for the Or
deal Of becoming the wife of gov
ernor of the state. Ordeal2 Daisy
smiled at her thoughts; rather, she
ought naturally to be overjoyed at
the honor. What matter that the gov
ernor In question was her fathers
own age, or that he was widower,
with children of his own to look after?
Children again Daisy smiled at her
naming. Constance, his daughter, her
sutton told her was already older than
she, while Richard, the son-Daisy
could not remember much about the
son; as usual, she had been absently
listening.
"And I'll always be just Daisy ="
the girl thought, and smiled forlornly.
She turned to switch on the lights.
Suddenly 1t had grown dark outside.
had gained for her this respite for
thoughtful consideration, In big old
exclusive inn on the lake shore.
Perhaps, dear" mother gently sug
gested, your true answer will come
to you there"
But how could there be other an
swer than the one her father so stub
bornly desiredP Daisy sighed, as she
loosened her hair and folded the
china-blue kimono about her. She
turned YEARLY toward the small read
ing table, just as big clap of thunder
shook the house, and the lights
promptly vanished-not only In her
own room of the inn, but from all
other windows and gardens. 1t was
really fearful, to be alone In such
dense darkness. Daisy tried to wait
In patience until the lights should
come on again, but no such relief
seemed near. She decided finally to
90 In search of candles, but the outer
corridor with its long rows Of dark
ened closed doors, was too unfamiliar
a passage to travel. SO she turned
again, endeavoring with cropping hands
to count back to the door from which
she had come. She remembered that
she left her own room door open, and
perplexed at last In her count, entered
the nearest room, whose door stood
ajar. A window showed In the exact
location of her room window, and the
white bed occupied the same place
against the wall. Daisy closed the
door behind her, and-walked straight
into the outstretched arms Of mus
cular young man. Her first impulse
was to scream, and 1t was this smoth-
cred scream which made her aware
of the young mans muscular power.
She knew that he was n young man,
from the quick sound Of his voice, and
she knew he was muscular, from the
way that he shook her.
"Great guns" exclaimed the man,
don't start scream because you
happen to walk into man In the
dark. This is my room; IL you took
1t for yours. that isn't my fault"
But together, they could go no farth-
err In the confusing labyrinth than the
third hall, where n window bench
stood. In silent resignation the two
sat down on the window bench, Daisy
in her china-blue kimono, her ripping
hair touching the mans coat sleeve.
"Your people will probably come
along soon and find you" he com
forted.
II haven't any people here" she
told him. II came on alone-to think
something out"
The shadowy young man laughed
shortly.
"Why-that's me, too" he said. "Pm
here trying to get used to the glor-
ious idea Of brand new step-m0ther,
younger than myself.
Game out to sullS, away from the
bosom of my family. Hope to be able
to 20 back soon, and do the welcome
act, in a proper and becoming man
ner."
Uh uo CANtulliNh DuiSJg
your predlcament Is like mine re-
versed. I'm trying to get used to the
idea Of being step-mother."
Don't do IT," the young man ear
nestly advised. "You are much too
helpless and appealing to be a step
mother-why they'd run all over you.
Look how frightened you were In the
storm. Ran right into my arms"
Daisy arose abruptly. The aston
ishing young man who feared step
mother, was winding one OF her locks
around his hand.
'I'm d cave man." he announced
cheerfully. II am going to keep you
until the lights go on"
Fortunately, considering the deter
mination In his tone, the hall lights
flashed on In brilllance.
Great guns" cried the young man
again, "you look exactly like the pic
ture Of that mighty pretty girl dad
keeps on his dresser"
"You are Richard" Daisy said
wonderlngly "the governors own son.
He has shown me Richards picture.
Surely, there can be no doubt"
The young man nodded.
"But Dick, to you" he said
He drew her arm through his to
lead her down the hall.
II Think" he said quietly, that II
we stay here for awhile, you and I,
we will find our problems vanished,
our difficulties removed. And have
no present intention Of welcoming you
as q step-rnother, either"
Alone in her room, Daisy glanced
about happily. "YOu were right moth
err" she whispered, "this old house