The Chesterfield advertiser. [volume] (Chesterfield C.H., S.C.) 1884-1978, 1921-06-09

"Hum-m-mI How long have you
known himT'
"Not very long"
.Be sure you're right-then 20
ahead" John Stuart Webster warned
her. "Don't marry In haste and repent
at leisure, Dolores. Know your man
before you let him buy the wedding
ring. There's heap Of difference. my
dear, between sentiment and sentimen.
tPlity'
"Tm sure or my man, Caliph."
He WAS silent again, thinking rapid.
". swell. Of course" he began again
presently, "while there was the slight
est possibility Of Bill winning you,
would have died before saying that
which I am about to say to you now,
Dolores, because Bill is my friend. and
I'd never double cross him. With ref
erence to this other man, however,
have no such code to consider. I'm
pretty well convinced I'm out of the
running, but I'll give that lad race II
It's the last act Of my life. He's
stranger to me, and he isn't on the job
to protect his claim, so why shouldn't
I stake 1t II can? But are you quite
certain you aren't making a grave mis-
take in refusing Billyf He's quite
boy, my dear. know him from soul
| to suspenders, and he'd be awfully
| good to you. He's kind and gentle
and considerate, and he's not a molly
coddle, either"
II can't help 1t, Caliph. Please don't
talk about him any more. I know
somebody who is kinder and nobleI
and gentler." She ceased abruptly
fearful Of breaking down her reserve
and saying too much.
| swell, II Bits case is hopeless
his hand came cropping for hers, while
he held her with his searching, wistful
| glance-"I wonder what mine looks
like. That is, Dolores, 81"
| "Yes, John?"
'Tve played fair with my friend" he
whispered eagerly. "1'm not going to
ask you to marry me, but I want to
tell you that to me you're such very
wonderful woman I can't help loving
you with my whole heart and soul"
81 have suspected this, John" she
replied gravely.
| 81 suppose so. I'm such an obvious
old fool. I've had my dream, and I've
put 1t behind me, but IL just want
you to know I love you; so long as
live, shall want to serve you. When
you're married to this other man, and
things do not break just right for you
both-if have something he wants
In order to make you happy, want
you to know It's yours to give to him.
I-I-I-guess that's all, Dolores"
"Thank you, John. Would you like
to know this man I'm going to mar.
ry?
"Yes, think I'd like to congratulate
the scOundrel."
'Then I'll introduce you to him. John.
valley, California. He was shaggy
old dear, all whiskers and rags, but
his whiskers couldn't hide his smile,
and his rags couldn't hide his man.
hood. and when ne thrashed drum.
mer because the man annnved me.
inst couldn't help falling In love with
him. Even when he flbbed to me apd
disputed my assertion that we had met
before"
get looseW he almost shouted as he
held up his one sound arm to her. "My
dear, my dear"
"Oh. sweetheart" she whispered lay.
ing her hot cheek against his, "it's
taken you so long to say 1t. but love
you all the more for the dear thoughts
that made you hesitate"
He was silent q few moments, digest
ing his amazement, speechless with tn,
great happiness that was his--and
then Dolores was kissing the back OF
the hand Of that helpless, bandaged
arm lying across his breast. He haf
tightening In his throat, for he hat
not expected love: and that sweet, be
nignant, humble little kiss spelled ado
ration and eternal surrender; wher
she looked at him again the mists oi
Joy were ip his eyes.
'Dear old Caliph J0hnir she
crooned. Hes never had a woman
to understand his funny ways and ap
preciate them and take care Of him
has he7" She patted his cheek. "Ant
bless his simple old heart, he woult
rather give up his love than be false
to his friend. Yes, indeed. Johnn,
Webster respects No Shooting signs
when he sees them, but he tells fib.
and pretends to be very stupid wher
he really isn't. SO you wouldn't bt
false to Billy-eh, dearf I'm glad t.
know that. because the man who can
not be false to his friend can never bt
false to his WIFE,"
He crushed her down to him and
held her there for a long time. "My
dear" he said presently, "isn't there
something you have to say to me?"
81 love you. John" she whispered
and sealed the sweet confession with
true lovers kiss.
"All's well with the world" John
Stuart Webster announced when he
could use his lips once more for con.
versation. "And," he added, lowing
to the fact that started a trife late
In life, l believe could stand a little
more Of the same"
The door opened and Ricardo looked