The Farmington times. (Farmington, St. Francois County, Mo.) 1905-1926, 1921-04-01
COUSIN EMILY
BY SUSAN l. ALDERMAN.

porch-vines to see If Cousin Emily
had come. Yes, Calvin had stopped !;
some one was getting out.
II haven't seen her since she was
little girl" Lima thought. How
pretty she is--light hair and dark
eyes. Likes to dress, too; that's a
lovely muslin, but she must have got
1t dusty"
Smiling welcome, she led her
guest upstairs to q spotless chamber
While Emily bathed her heated face
and changed her gown, she cast shy
glances at this unknown cousin.
Lima isn't very good looking" ran
her thoughts. "And what serious
eyes! should hate to have her vexed
with me about anything"
Lima intercepted her look. She's
sizing me up" thought she, amused.
In truth, the contrast between the
two girls was striking. Emily was
slight. graceful. fiuffy-haired, dalntily
gowned. Lina's figure inclined to
plumpness; her Bingham dress was
planned for comfort rather than ele-
gance; her brown hair was brushed
smoothly BACK. Her one beauty was
her deep. intelligent eyes
Presently they went outdoors. At
the rear of the house was a pleasant,
tree-shaded lawn. with flower beds,
seats and rustic arbor Beyond
were chicken houses, barns and
garage, with a good-sized vegetable
garden.
'Why, it's farm, Cousin Lima"
cried Emily, surprised. "You don't
manage it alone?"
II have hired man." returned
Lima. Besides, Henry Vaughan, from
the next farm, helps in harvesting
and advises me when I'm puzzled.
He has done coed deal for the place
but it's for his inteSest-Pm going to
marry him"
"Oh!" said Emily rather blankly.
"HeDry's good fellow" went on
Lima composedIy. "There he is now"
as tall young man in working
clothes came toward them from the
garage. Come, Emily, and meet him"
Henry nodded bashfully, casting
admirlng glances at Lina's guest.
II was just going to the station"
said Henry. turning TO Lima. "Mert
sent word there was . package for
you" .5 NN
Take Emily with you" suggested
Lima. II have TO get supper, you
know, and it will entertain her."
Emily was delighted. So the
shining new automobile was brought
around and they drove off with a
flourish. They were late in return
ing, and when they did appear, were
not hungry. They were laden with
fruit and chocolates and Emily told
laughlngly of having eaten two large
plates of ice cream.
"And tomorrow" she went or gayly
"Mr Baughan is to take me over to
Hallam, to see the old quarry.
'"Oh of course we'd like to have you,
Cousin Lima" said Emily, somewhat
restrainedly.
Lima turned her clear eyes upon her
cousin. "Old Mrs. Barr spends the day
here, and could not leave. hope you
will enjoy yourself"
She saw them off, the next day, with
mingled feelings She trusted Henry,
but Emily was so pretty and fascinat-
ing! In the days that followed, when
excursions and parties succeeded each
oTher rapidly Lima felt, somehow. "out
of it." She tried to be her usual self
but the feeling persisted that Henry
and Emily did not need her. Emily's
voice had a different note, in address
Ing Henry; her eyes sought his with
a starry. appealing glance. And Hen
ry, though kind and thoughtful as
ever was like a man in dream.
Then came the night of large par
ty, when Lima, hurrying to join the
others waiting at the gate, slipped on
a banana peel and stayed at home
to nurse an injured ankle. The two,
returning home at midnight. did not
know that she had kept vigil for them !;
did not see her watching from the
staircase landing. A light, suddenly
flashing out above, showed an affec-
Tomato little tabeau--a girls lips up
turned to mans. his arms about her
shoulders. Limping down stairs, Lima
faced them quietly.
IT think, Henry, this has gone far
enough" she said. You are engaged
1 ID.
to me, but If yeu like her better and
she likes You, resign"
The grave eyes seemed to search
every part of the shrinking girl.
"All these years. Henry" she went
on, "you've saved, and I've saved, and
improved the place, thinking how we
were going to own 1t together some
day. And now comes silly little girl
and upsets all our plans Come, Hen
~, decide before there's any more
feolishness. Do you want her or me?''
Henry hesitated not moment. With
out glance toward Emily, he went
to Lima and put his arm around her
waist.
II want you; | always did want
you. Forgive me. Lima |"
''That's all right, Henry. / knew
you'd say so when YOU came TO your
senses"
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