The Press., 1921-08-11
Salvation by Matrimony
By MARTHA M. WILLIAMS
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newly open. Frances, noting 1t, sighed faintly-she craved beauty of all things-nO transfgurings of light or shadow could ever make her other than hopelessly plain. At least to her own eyes-her mirror did not picture her best moments. Few indeed ever saw them-they came when she was wrapped in the peace of green pas lures. with the gleam of still waters gemming the distance. Something awOke then that made her as one with the good world part and parcel of its harmony and rhythm.
 DO come! It makes me fidgety sitting alone in our big pew," Zillah entreated.
 Frances rose slowly. "If you can wait two minutes" she said, speaking almost IOathly. Yet, in less time she was beside Frances, trig, dim, severe, a perfect foil for the other figure, a concrete of roses, ribbons and girl ish charm.
 Two men were already seated in their pew-taIl, young, well set up, we'll looking in every way. They stood deferentially outside for the two girls to seat themselves, and later went through the ritual with a reverent ease that bespoke habit. Also they listened alertIy, catching every point of the rectOrs discourse. Frances was unac- cOuntably glad 1t was one of his best; brief, but meaty throughout, and breathing the vital witness of the spirit. The church was full. After the benedictiOn the strangers halted uncertainty. Then one turned to Frances with "Please, do you think we may speak with the rector. We came especially to hear him. It' may be my only chance. My father was a good friend of his all through the course at Princeton"
 "Then he must have known my fa- ther, too. Did you ever hear of Cor don Trabue?" Zillah interrupted.
 Rather! I'm his namesake," the stranger said, holding out a card, which read: Gordon Trabue Whitsett." " "And I've grown up on traditions of the triumvirate," he added. '"TO think of finding part of it in just this way"
 My middle name begins with w." Elijah said laughing. "Pd surely be a John Whitsett If were the man I ought to be-
 Don't say that! Nature knew best" young Whitsett said, looking down at her. Then Frances, and the other stranger being acquainted, the four of them sought the vestry, where the srectOr rejoiced over them almost as If they had been brands from the burning After a bit Zillah declared 1: "Everybody goes home with me to din- ner. Yes-you tOO!'' shaking her finger at Rector Fitch. Frances won't mind going by for my Aunt Zillah, trust you out of my sight. Daddy will be home from that tiresome convention and gladder than anybody to see you. He'd disinherit me, Pm sure, if l let his namesake escape" and smil- ing at Billy Brent, "he has always a double welcome for the friend of his friend"
 Frances, take that lad along with you. know my Zillah-she is set in her ways-if you have to use force do it gently, please" The rector laughed. Frances frOWned-in spirit only. She did not mind doing Zillah's bidding, nor envy her the ease with which she carried things before her. But it was hard to have to make conversation with some one new and strange. She had no small talk whatever not even of the weather.
 '1he rector trOd on several 'cOrnS of your mind,'" Billy declared as they went down the vestry steps.
 How do you know?" Frances asked, startled.
 Your eyes tell tales," Billy retorted. "They are dangerously truthful"
 "How?" Frances asked.
 By turning away friends, even when they do not make enemies" was the reply.
 Il don't know how you can know" she said, perplexed line drawing be- tween her brOws.
 Honest Injun-dOn't you resent my being sent alOng?" from Billy.
 She nodded. "Yes-I know we should bore each other to no purpose, and that is such a waste of living"
 Let's not do 1t, then. Instead, tell each other all about ourselves. That is always interesting lIp party of the first part, however the last may fare" Billy said, standing still a second.
 ''l doubt if we are that interesting" Frances said dispass onately. At least I'm not. Pm just what loOk-S0me- body born to help fill up the census. All l really know is was born and shall die. mean nothing to any body, good Or bad. Sometimes feel as though I'd rather be hated, real hard, than have the whole world tepid."
 Bravo! Now we're getting down to cases" Billy said. taking her hand masterfully. i've been looking this long time for a properly educated wOman-One who knows how ITO pray. to God, to love man, to knit and to sew And now that have found her l shall never let her gO."
 Here the big Whitsett car overlook them, bore them on to the rectOrY, ac- quired the mistress of the manS,. more or less forcibly, and whirIed the aggregation away to the Trabue home. A stout and ruddy gentleman at ease on the piazza got actually pale as he shook his namesake's hand. After a machine gun fire of greetings and in- Quiries, he was roaring through long distance: Jack Whitsett, you SCOUT drel, come right on to the love feast. Not word from you this dozen years now that boy of yours is doing his best to steal my only girl. Asked for her. What you talking about, man? That's old stuff-clean out of fashion. Never mind the hundred miles and more-bet you've got car that knocks of 30 to the hour without half try ing. We won't wait dinner for you -but there'll be supper later. Come,