The Brandon news. (Brandon, Miss.) 1892-1961, 1921-04-07
a Late Choice
Nv oTlLLIA Z. PFEIFFER

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chosen chum looked interested.
And who may the favored lady he,
pray1' Intercepted the litter.
Il thought she was Patty the Pastry
Cook at first. ! 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"
~ 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 II ! would marry
some worthy girl. as he put It. who
would become q sort OF mother to the
children. I've been away ever since
until last week. Came back to step
Into a pretty little restaurant near the
nurses school"
II know Of it--home cooking and
all that. Go on with your story"
''rhere. past the tables. within the
food room was the daintiest. most ex-
Quisite young lady ! ever saw. She
seemed to be directing lot of able
assistants, although befioured and
aprOned and brisk. l ate three pieces
of cherry pie just to keep my place
where I could see her. Then waited
around outside. In about an hour. ele-
gantly attired, she came out and was
whirled away in luxurious limousine"
"Ah! You found out that she was
simply training the girls at the res
tAurant."
"Thats It"
"And then"
II felt that couldn't resist her.
You know Ned Archer. Well, he has
secured me an Invitation to a function
where Miss Elsden will be tomorrow
evening. Then shall see her."
"And, suppose. the usual topo-
graphical points of our romantic vii
iage covered Lovers Lane. 'Cupid's
Crossroads Honeymoon Highwaysr
mo, 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 queer express
sion on his face.
II wonder that Clyde hasn't heard.
It's common gossip" he soliloquized.
,nl1 }xyn lnnN
Now what had happened was that
Ronald Martin had evoke up" He
WEE tired of the ways OF spoiled, sor-
did nd 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 a hand
some man and he realized that he
looked 1t. The thought had suddenly
come to him: why not anticipate the
dilatory Clyde aud himself find mother
and friend for the little ones?
There was a great crush at the so
cial function where Clyde expected to
meet his friend and receive an intro
duction to>AIiss Elslen.
As fate would have 1t. 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
err Ronald arrayed as the best of them,
and an unusual smile Of satisfaction
on his usually serious face.
swell, I never expected to meet you
here" Clyde expressed himself with a
bluntless devoid of any delicacy.
why not?" challenged Ronald I'm
perturbably.
II thought You had eschewed fash
ions follies."
"Have your"
mo. but-er-I say. Ronald, you look
young and fuHsof life How long has
this been going orr"
"Since you deserted me and showed
no inclination to provide our three lit
tie ones with mother"
"You are mistaken" spoke Clyde hur-
riedly. I'm ready. That is, have
selected my bride that is to be-"
us 1t possible?"
"Yes. Do you notice that being OF
beauty near the pianO?'
you mean Miss Patricia Elsdenr'
Intercepted Ronald
"Oh! You know her?'
"Yes, have met her several times
lately"
"Well. am going to make up to her.
All need is an Introduction"
II can serve you there" observed
Ronald. queer twinkle In his eye.
Good TIL do the rest. She has
some money. heard, and Is good as
gold. generally"
The introduction took place. Thence
forth for the remainder Of the evening
Clyde devoted himself exclusively to
impressing Miss Elsdel with q due
sense Of his importance. And Of his
intentions, as well. he was rapid
wooer and finally In quiet corner
Of the conservatory he began q dis
sertation on his profound regard for
her thnt warned her that a declara-
tion Of love was coming. She arose !
to leave him.
you are treading on forbidden
ground, Mr.. Martin" she observed
with becoming dignity. I'm order to
save you embarrassment must anti
cinatA what muaf soon he n1.l,lir