Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1921-01-26
WHO'S WHO?
BY RUTH w. BAKER,

OF an nOur TO dissolve into tears. AT
least, so thought Ned Burton They
had so far succeeded in appearing non
chalant and many years married, but
Esther had been seized with stage
fright as the awful person of the ho-
tel clerk met her shrinking gaze.
"Oh, Ned!' she gasped. Just
minute! Just a minute They're all
looking at u.s. Oh, I wish we hadn't
No, l don't. Oh dear, what will hap
pen to us if your father disowns your"
ooh, l say, Esther, there's a good
girl Don't cry-not here anyway.
Fathers a good old scout. He'll take
me back into the Office all right.
Their lingering footsteps had at
last brought them before the desk, and
now the polite clerk was observing
them with a sort of detached inquiry.
Esther TREMENDOUSLY nudged her hus-
band
"Oh-ah-O, yes, the register ex-
claimed Ned. Now-Great Scott ~
the pen fell from his nerveless fingers.
'My father!'
"Where? quavered Esther, looking
nervously over her shoulder.
Here, on the register His name, l
mean. Look here, Esther, it's great
chance for us, if he ever sees you,
well, it's all over but the cheering
AS the door of the elevator closed
upon the clipping couple, an elderly
gentleman strolled up to the desk.
Have you by any chance" then his
eyes fell upon the open register. "By
George, they're here!" His eyes
twinkled Didn't know the young
cub had so much grit. I ran away
with the girl I loved. He's pretty
much like the old man, after all. Oh,
by the way" to the clerk, did you
happen to notice Mrs. Burton?"
ooh, yes, SIR" the obliging clerk has
tened to explain. mot very tall, sir,
brown eyes, had white feather in her
hat and"
Eyes. SIR" interrupted Mr.. Burton.
"Much obliged"
Smiling to himself, he turned from
the desk, then stopped abruptly. What
luck There she was right before him!
With smile and bow, he ap-
preached the girl, who stood watch
ing the elevator door with anxious
eyes. Il recognized you, instantly, my
dear, and L"
"'My dear indeed" interrupted the
very indignant young lady. "Why, you
old flirt, If you don't
"But, my dear young lady, am your
new father" said the embarrassed Mr..
Burton. II was looking for"
well, you may find some one who
is willing to be your daughter. but
should advise you not to insult ladies
in respectable hotel" and the out
ragged girl swept past him into the ele-
vator, leaving the innocent man speech
less with indignation and rage.
Meanwhile Esther, who had been
left in the writing room, had become
tired of waiting for Ned to return
with his father and a parental bless
ing. "I'll just stroll through the
lobby" she thought. at may give me
something besides myself to think
about. Oh dear, if could only see
Neds father and talk to him, 1 am
sure he would forgive us. Good gra-
cious, there he is now!"
"Bald-headed, f1dgety," whispered
Esther, Il know that's Ned's father.
am going to speak to him. Yes, I
am" defiantly, although no one
seemed inclined to oppose her. II
beg your pardon" she began tremu-
lousy, "but is this Mr.. Burton?"
"Yes, madame, my name is Mer-
ton," replied the old gentleman tes-
tily, peering at her over the top Of
his gold-rimmed spectacles.
"Oh, sir, please forgive us. Truly,
it was more my fault than Ned's."
"What-what-" blurted Mr.. Mer-
ton.
nOh, l am your daughter, you know.
That is, your SON" Esther stopped,
for the gentleman was looking at her
askance. pretty good for bachelor"
he muttered to himself. "She must be
crazy. I'd better not excite her." Slap
ping his knee JONldiy uc SASioAACOs
"Why, of course! How stupid of mel
My daughter, yes, yes"
"Oh, good! NoE let me find Ned.
There he is now!"
In alarm Mr.. Merton caught her arm.
He must speak soothingly to her.
There, there. You must walt until
he gets here" he wheedled.
but he is here. Don't you see? Oh,
Ned, Ned" Esther was still trying to
pull away, when Ned, talking angrily
to Mr.. Burton, drew near.
II tell you. father, she Is moi. a IT,
rant. What on earth are you talking
about7 She is as timid as a mouse"
He was interrupted by Esther's cry.
There she Is now. Good heavens,
what is that fellow doing with herf
Here, you rudlan-"
Lucky you came along as you did.
Keep a sharp eye on her." advised Mr..
Merton confidentially. "She's too
pretty a little lunatic to"
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