The Elk Mountain pilot., 1922-12-14
THE SQUIRE
BY AGNES G. BRYAN

us........s..-
Copyright. 1922. Western Newspaper Union.
In olden times he would have keen
called squire.
The grounds of his great estate ex-
tended to the river bank, and it was
here that Jack Webster liked to en-
tertain friends from the city who were
as fortune favored as he. He often won
dered why he never married, sitting
Idly over a cigar. In the room that had
been the family picture gallery.
Each and every Webster pictured
there before him had found his mate,
and that apparently most hap, ,lly
The former women of jacks family
smiled at him from their golden
frames In sweet gentleness. lie could
not vision among them daringly
vivacious Charlotte Danvers nor q
coldly confident Phyllis Carroll. But
new women were different, he reflect
ed-frank and unafraid even of Of
Tending acknowledged convention
Last night he had danced, and
as he expressed 1t to Carruthers, he
udu d DedStly neauhcne.
"You'll do the honors7" he finally
asked, and Carruthers cheerfully and
heartlessly agreed. Carruthers had
shown Of late a decided preference
for the charming, sprightly Charlotte,
while Charlotte had been devoted to
their host. Jacks sister came to him
dutifully before leaving with the
party. Gwendolen had come on from
New York to assist In hospitality, and
she had also been obliged to bring
unwillingly her young offspring.
Jackie. the namesake, who was, to say
the least, resourceful In his amuse-
ments.
Marie, the assisting maid Of his
household, came SO often to minister
to his comfort that the sick man could
ind no rest for his aching head. For
when Marie was not solicitously In
quiring what she might do, she was
busily rattling his accumulated news
papers. Jack sent her away Offend
cd with his impatient exclamation. He
was fretting helplessly over the heat
Of the velvet couch pillow when
Jackie the younger entered. He had
evaded his temporary nurse. Jackie
banged cheerfully upon the piano.
Get out" shouted Jack Webster
savagely. Jackie got out.
I'm getting to be like a neurotic
woman" he thought disgustedly
Then the stabbing pain left no power
for collected thought. Some one un-
noticed entered the room and quiet
ly slipped a cool linen-covered pillow
beneath his head. The same one
skillfully adjusted the rattling shade
to screen the light and yet admit air.
Some one did not step about solemnly
as though his own funeral might be
near at hand, but, glimpsing his now
wide open eyes, the someone went on
humming a soft little song that was
IKE soothing lullaby. She did not
ask senseless questions regarding his
apparent Ill condition, but seated her
self near at hand, engaged In some
sewing. The modern squire steadily
regarded his volunteer nurse. She
was pleasantly pretty and wore a rest
fully simple lavender dress.
One of the grandmothers, pictured
In her youth and smiling 30 gently
from q golden frame, had worn a Law
ender dotted gown. Come to think
Of It, this girl had the same sort of
smile. She was looking at him specu-
latively.
"A good rest is really all that you
need" she remarked. evident relief In
her tone. "Please try to sleep. Mr..
Webster. Your little nephew came
running down to the lodge and said
that his uncle was alone and Ill. So
hurried over thinking I might be of
some assistance. ! will leave cool
ing drink for you and go. Jackie can
nnd me If may be of further use"
Jack spoke irritably. "stay where
you are" he said.
The girl hummed her soothing song.
-Oh, all right" she agreed.
1t was almost time for his guests to
return when Jack spoke from a re-
freshing sleep. The girl turned to him
with her gentle smile.
''Better7". she questioned.
Eyes. better" He leaned eagerly
forward. ''Who are your"
II am your lodgekeeper's daughter"
she replied. "You have not known
me. for have been at college. Father
took the position when was away at
school. He was old. and frail. and
the country living has done him good.
As soon az l can find my school will
teach and support him."
II think" said Jack slowly, ''that
/ shall be able to persuade you to
stay here. shall want to teach you
the lesson that has come to me,
miraculously. The lesson of--love |
You see I've been looking for just
you all these years"
The lodgekeeper's daughter sadly
shook her head.
"Of course" she murmured. "you
are not yourseif@~ 7
Jack Wahafer IauOhad hoppilv