Catoctin clarion., 1921-08-25
Vera, the Little
Scherner
By WILLIAM FALL

(CG. 1871. w NeBtern newspaper Unlon,)
Don't trifie with me, Vera-I am
desperately in earnest!" pleaded
young Doctor Irwin.
I'm not, ROlfe," asserted the bright
eyed, vivacious girl who leaned upon
the garden gate that separated them.
II think too much Of you to tell you
falsehood, and l am too young-oh,
far too young mamma says-tO think
of telling you the TRUTH" and the
flashing eyes looked clear and loyal,
II they were mischievOus.
The wholesome looking young fell
low who had just asked her to become
his wife, looked puzzled, then hopeful,
and then he had smile.
II know you are the dearest.
sweetest little midget of cheerfulness
in the world" he declared enthusias-
ucally, "and am sure good friend
Of NINE"
"Never doubt that, Rolfe," said
Vera. But when you come to talk
about becoming engaged-why, think
of romping cut-np, as everybody calls
me, trying to pose as the dignihed
wife of DIR. Rolfe Irwin"
Doctor Irwin bestowed fond look
the dearest being in the universe to
him. He bade her good-by, not at all
gloomily. and started for his office.
Vera stood. following him with her
eyes, demure and thoughtful look on
her usually smiling face.
Poor boy" she said, and then she
added: II love him! l love him !"
and her face vieing with the red. red
roses along the garden path, she ran
down 1t, bursting into a happy song.
Vera had called herself "a cut-up."
Her bright ways captivated every
body, and the victims Of her mischief
felt hOnored, rather than offended.
There was the pure gold of a noble
manhood in Doctor Irwin, and Vera
recognized it. She had liked him the
better because he had accepted piece
of real injustice without n murmur.
When his granduncle, old Simeon
Dunn, had died. Rolfe was one Of six
minor heirs. They were each to re-
ceive $4,000, but 1t was contingent
on the will and caprice of Mr.. and Mrs.
Egbert Dawson.
Simeon Dunn had willed all his real
estate to them. They also were given
a life interest in his investments. How
ever If mutually agreed, they could
distribute these latter, pay off the
minor heirs, and take third for them
selves.
Then a terrific quarrel came up be-
tween them. It was regarding the old
Dunn homestead. Egbert Dawson
wanted this so that he might give it
to crippled brother. Sarah Dawson
insisted on having 1t to present to a
superannuated spinster relative. They
separated.
Egbert Dawson vowed he would nev-
er address his wife again until she
spoke first. Sarah Dawson obstinately
declared that not word should es-
cape her lips until her husband spoke.
This action tied up the estate.
Egbert Dawson had become crus-
ty, unhappy hermit. His wife shut
herself up like recluse. There was
no heart that willful, sprightly Vera
could not reach, however. Vera told
her mother she was going down to
see Mr.. Dawson. She was soon at
his home.
81 have come to ask great favor"
she told him. "You know there Is go
ing to be mask party at the library
hall next week. 1t is for the benefit
of the old folks homework you buy
a ticket"
"T'wo of them, if you like" readily
announced Mr.. Dawson to his favorite.
Mrs. Dawson was not so easy to per-
suade. Willy Vera told of the good
cause she was helping along. Finally
she carried her point.
"Well. I'll come, DEAR" promised
Sarah Dawson, "but it's just to please
YOU"
The bright little schemer had woven
quite plot about the estranged and
unsuspecting husband and wife. She
took great pains to conceal from each