Fitzgerald leader enterprise and press. (Fitzgerald, Ben Hill County, Ga.) 1921-1964, 1921-04-16
COUSIN EMILY
BY SUSAN L. ALDERMAN.

CNCOCOC0COCOCN CNCOCOCSCOC
(9. 1921. by Mcclure Newspaper syndieate.)
Hearing the rattle of the stage
Lima went out, peering through the
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
it dusty"
Smiling a welcome, she led her
guest upstairs to a 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 l 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, fluffy-haired, daintily
gowned. Lina's figure inclined to
plumpness; her Bingham dress was
planned for comfort rather than Gle
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 a farm, Cousin Lima"
cried Emily, surprised. You don't
manage it alone?"
Il 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 good deal for the place
but its for his interest-Tm going to
marry him."
oh" said Emily rather blankly.
"Henrys a good fellow" went on
Lima composedly. There he is now"
as tall young man in working
clothes came toward them from the
garage. Come, Emily, and meet him."
Henry nodded bashfulIy, casting
admiring glances at Lina's guest
Il was just going to the station
said Henry, turning to Lima. "Mert
sent word there was a package for
you"
Take Emily with you" suggested
Lima. 81 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
| laughingly of having eaten two large
| plates of ice cream
And tomorrow" she went on 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. tout
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 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 a dream
Then came the night of large par
ty, when Lima. hurrying to join the
others waiting at the gate. slipped or
q 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 afTec
tionate little tableau-a girls lips up
turned to mans. his arms about her
shoulders. Limping down stairs. Lina
faced them quietly.
81 think. Henry. this has gone fal
enough" she said. "YOu are engaged
to me, but if you like her better an6
she likes you. | resign"
The grave eyes seemed 70 search
every part Of the shrinking girl.
"All these years, Henry" she went
or, you've saved, and I've saved. and
! improved the place, thinking how we
were going to own it together some
day. And now comes a silly little cir
and upsets all our plans! Come, Hen
ry, decide before there's any more
foolishness. Do you want her or meT
Henry hesitated not a moment. With
out a glance toward Emily. he Went
to Lima and put his arm around hel
waist
81 want you; always did wan
you. Forgive me. Lima I"
THAT'S all right. Henry. l knew