Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1921-12-28
Tommy
By MoLLiE MATHER
la, 1920, western Newspaper Union.

"a, 1920, Western Newspaper Union.)
When Dean Wallace agreed to visit
at his brothers home in the little town
of Wolcott 1t was with the understand
ing that Nellie should have no girls
about for him to play the cavalier to.
His sister-in-law was a born match
maker, and Dean had been subjected
to her intrigues before.
It was not c0nceit upon his part
which made him wary, though there
WAS no denying Deans charm where
women were concerned.
It twas gust that the successful young
business man, absorbed in work, re
fused unsettlmg complications. But
when Nellie in her own pretty room
read her brother-in- laws letter, she
pursed her lips and turned to dark
eyed girl seated near.
.Our handsome bachelor Dean ac-
cepts our hospitality" she said, upon
condition that no annoying female
crosses his path.
''Well, Til write him frankly that
you are here, and that he cant come
4.You will do nothing Of the sort"
retorted the dark-eyed person.
aBut, dearie," Nellie objected. "you
came to stay month with me, and
now"
Now added the young person firm
ly. II shall 60 down the street to VOL
colt Inn, until the week or ten days Of
your delightful brothers visit is at an
end-then I'll come back"
So, Dean arriving one beautiful fall
evening, found solicitous brother and
sister-in-law only for company.
AS he started with pipe and book for
the glories of the ravine next morning,
Nellie, from the doorway, ventured a
request
IF you should meet Tommy in the
woods" she said, do be nice-won't
you, Dean?'
Laughingly Dean shook his head.
Cant be bothered with boys" he re-
Piled
When he had opened the book and
lighted his pipe beneath the shade Of
golden tree, the man stretched lux
uriantly upon his bed OF dry leaves.
then through the pipe smoke he saw
a second figure luxuriating close by, a
small, red-caped figure who arose
angrily at his approach and glared at
him as she shook the brown leaves
from her still browner hair.
"Well," the girl exclaimed, her tone
showed evaporation, II suppose I'm
to move away from here, too. Is this
all part of the kings DOMAINE
II am sure" said Dean. confusedly,
that do not know what you mean"
The girl faced him. 4 ,nir4L .,a,5i II.
.Yog are Nj. Dean Wallace. aren't
YOU ~ she said, drylys 81, had to cut
short my. visit at your brothers home
and 60 down to the Inn just because
you happen to dislike Having young
women about Now that you choose
to select my favorite reading spot for
yours, / suppose must leave that,
tool"
Dean regarded the indignant. flushed
face with smile, the whole situation
was interesting. .,s,.,aS. srsf (.
SWELL" he remarked calmly, "there
are other pretty spots ! located one
on my way down, could hardly choose
between; you might 60 there. ! would
be glad to direct YOU
The girl drew long breath.
Thanks" she sarcastically replied,
but Dean preferred to take the remark
In good faith, and courteOusly arose
to lead the way.
| After moments hesitation the girl
followed. When they came to spot
beside the stream, the girl disposed OF
her guide with curt nod of dismissal.
'This will do very WE'LL" she said.
might j." asked the man, with9b
coming humility, 'learn your namef'
'Thomasine Reynolds" the girl an
swered briskly. 1.-The Thomasine af-
Fiction. bestowed to please great
aunt; have shortened 1t to Tommy"
Dean grinned boyishly.
III you are the Tommy that Nell
asked me to be nice to-" he said, II
am willing to begin"
Contemptuously Tommy ignored the
olive branch of peace
Some three weeks later Mrs. Jack
Wallace spoke seriously to her BROTH
| er-in-law sitting near.
"Dean," she said. 1--WE are awfully
glad to have you prolong your visit,
but friend Of mine has been stop
ping over at the inn, because OF your
request TO me to have no young women
about; / must not keep her there long
er. although she does seem strangely
content and happy. Tommy is a dear
grill"
''She Isl" the brother-in-law en-
phatically agreed He smiled bliss
ful smile.
II ought to know" Dean said, ".be-
cause Tommy and ! are going to be
married"