The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1922-11-17
A Word Out Of
Season
By MARTHA M. WILLIAMS

k0, 1Szzs Dy McClufe NeWspaReE oynAs"sS'S
Ettare's name was the puzzle of
Brush Greek neighborhood. Why had
a girl baby been afflicted with any
thing SO affected as that final "e''2 Why
hadn't she been christened Rosetta or
Marriette or even Clairette, all of
which studded the pages of history
and fiction, especially the best seller
sort? Even Mrs. Conyers. the god
mother, did not know; she had SIM
ply found the name upon printed
scrap, repeated It. giving "e'' final full
volume, then bestowing 1t upon the
helpless brothers orphan baby--in re
suit here was Ettare Brent.
A quicksilver girl. elusive as sun
light, always smiling, unless she
frowned or pouted. No middle ways
for her--things were thus and SO or
not thus and so. AS poor young Rich
ard Franklin was to learn to his con-
fusion and dismay. To say that he
was her abject slave does not in any
way distinguish him. Brush Creeks
young men, even its ,outland visitors.
suffered chemically that condition.
How could that be helped when Ettare
had such way with her? A witch
way, said Nine. Franklin. Richard
had been abnormaIly sensible gallant
enough on the surface, but holding
aloof from captivity, until he came,
saw and was conquered. At first he
was nearly as angry as his mother
over the fact of his captivity. It
was ridiculous-a country-bred girl,
with freckles plain to view, who.
hadn't single accomplishment save
riding like Centaur and dancing like
the wind that shook the barley. Cook
ing, of course. was no accomplishment
rather an integral part Of the, fem
mime curriculum. But in some fashion
she not only caught but so held his
fancy he forgot her irregular profile
and quite failed to see the freckles.
Externals no longer mattered. His
day began with the thought Of her.
night lowered when, as sometimes
happened. she shut herself willfully
AWAY from his consciousness.
Brush Creek said he "had it mighty
bad" rather chuckling over the situa-
tion. Still-it did not willfully con-
spire against him. That lies at the
door of Tony Gray plus opportunity.
Tony had a sister, Ellen, Of whom he
greatly desired to be rid. Now Ellen
chose to peak and pine for Richard.
with no more justification than valen-
tines, Christmas books and orchids
when she came to the junior prom.
He had given her a whirl there with
the best will in the world, but with
no thought of anything to follow.
Since the Grays had a Brent cross 1t
was natural enough to pay long visit
to Ettare's father. Tony had afore-
time singed his wings in the flame of
Ettare land recovered. But he had
not lost appreciation for her very
handsome Inheritance. It was her
mothers money-nOne of the later
brood could claim share in it. Tony,
who loved getting money only little
less than spending it, thought it a
clear providence that 1t should be so.
From Halloween to Lent Bush Creek
went the pace SO breathless It
set everybody gasping. The Brent
house, Of course, was the storm CEN
ter-with two gay girls in residence,
and dozen eligible males clrcling
noth-like about them. Tony played
the game beautifulIy-took on himself
the burden Of keeping things going
Motor rides and dances that ran to
daylight, private theatricals and trips
to real playhouses in the nearest city
came hot on the heels of one another.
The Christmas dance outdid anything
ever known in those rural precincts
Tony had got band from the city and
wonderful things for the tree. 1t was
set up in the big Brent hall with a
backlog glowing In the huge fireplace
and pine. holly and mistletoe wher-
ever spray could hang. Dancing
there was out Of the question-with
the night outside balmy as in May.
But nobody could ask a better ball
room than the attic schoolroom, bare
fioored, many-windowed and lit by
swinging lanterns high overhead. The
dancers had paired by lot for the rest
of the evening chance had given
Ettare to Tony, but there had been
management In the matching up of
Richard and Ellen But nobody mind
ed-riotous fun prevailed. Around
second chicken row there was some
thing of lull-Josy Green improved
the shilling hour to say, smiling at
Tony: "Never was such party
and we may thank you for 1t. Say
when shall we have It over again?"
Its nothing to what you'll see when
/ marry Ettare." Tony answered.
smiling back lazily, adding: Fright o!
Then you'll see little pigs flying with
angel wings-and broomsticks hunting
themselves witch partners"
Everybody laughed-but Tony said
under cover of the laughing. glancing
across at Richard and Ellen. There's
happy sight. My heart sings to see
it-Dick and Nell have made up
apd are going TO live happy ever after.
They quarreled last year-had been