Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1921-10-29

The flush that spread over neck and
forehead. despite the whitening. His
chance shot had told hit the white
indeed. JoSlinda swallowed hard, then
blurted out: What makes you say
that? Anybody tell you anything?
l-I-never dreamed he oh pshaw?
mustn't talk foolshncss But do
wish you'd tell him"
WHAT Basil asked very low.
"The-the truth" Joslinda answered
as low. You know-about me. And
YOU and Neddy-you're the one for
her-Ive known II ever So long my
caution was all In fun. And you can
tell him. too; / won't mind dressing
plain. know what Scripture says
about gold and costly apparel I'll
sell all the hen houses. I've been told
they are worth enough money TO clear
of my mortgage-but you see. "A girl
has to look we'll unless she wants TO
be an old maid"
'Of course" Basil returned, chuck
lingly. Josllnda was obviously beyond
middle age. Stll he owed her an
enormous debt of gratitude. II she
did know Ednas hearth she had
spoken even half truth. he would take
heart to propose 10 his dear for the
magic seventh time.
In the joyous relief OF that under
standing he was ready for anything.
Nixon. the evangelist. was n fine,
genial fellow. younger possibly than
.Ioslinda, but greatly In need OF
wife. Her plantation. mortgage free.
would be- a fine haven. whence he
could sally TO fight the world the
flesh and the devil. I"~nda. minus
heirlooms, in clean, crisp cotton frocks.
would be comforting II not highly
babieS-how she would cherish and
spoil them For them. If nothing else.
the thing must 20 through.
Because this was sit.dOwn party.
not dancing one. the minister had
come TO il. A whispered conference
with Edna. and II was no trick AZ all
70 anchor him safely beside Joslinda,
In the seclusion Of the bay window.
Il meant to use that myself" Basil
said, regretfully. with glance back
ward as they left the pair. But l
cant begrudge the old girl anything
right now. when she Is sacrificing her
self 10 take lion from my path"
Goose was all Edna answered.
but somehow Basil Stanley did not
resent the epithet
Then they drifted apart. each doing
hospitable duty. but an hour later came
happily together Just as Joslinda and
her captive came from their curtained
ambush. beaming. walking as though
on air, so manifcStly bi>sful n way
faring man might see.
Il wonder who prOpoSed?" Edna
asked aside
"Parson beat her 10 it--by wills
ker. Basil whispered "fIe was
all stirred up when | asked him his
intentions told him II had been told
me thar he WAS making love To JOS
linda-no wonder. considering what
she was myself realized that-so
unless he was serious he stopped me
there with GREATNESS grin. and
gasped Dye really reckon she'd
look AT me? Answered that rs man
70 man, she might | had some
ndvanlage-nn. having been married.
He grinncd again Wen see You
know the rest which is. 1t appears.
bliss"
bear me. How romantic" Edna
flung back Saucily. "Still-I can't
quite pardon you-for destroying my
ideal of consistency. Last time we
talked of weddings and rings and
things. YOU ended by vowing YOU would
die bachelor"
That was because | thought
should never live Ia he married"
Basil quoted. but remember-that
was because also YOU said you wouldn't
have me-Said il in all the moods and
lenses"
'.IoSlinda haS been vowlng the same
this ten years Edna murinured.
softly But look at her now"
"InStead look AZ mellow And tell
me- the change of mind is epidemic"
Basil said. possessing himself master
f,,tt ..rI L..