Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1922-12-02

come IN miles of this--as for the com
pany," bowling to his involuntary hos
tesses. at Is likewise outclassed."
"Ah! But you've got your own
fathers way of talking" Mrs. Reed
gurgled, beaming. Then of course II
came out-all the story Of the tea
the house. the conservatory. the flow
ers each teacher had taken away with
her. IF we'd dreamed you'd be here,
we'd have had some garden flowers on
the table," the elder lady ended. But
was lazy-busy with my sewing-and
TORMENT mean Dare-couldn't spare
time. She did everything"
Then she must be worker OF mir
acles." young Clair commented, heart
lily. Rhoda Murray sprang w and
caught Dare's hand. saying: why
tell me-is II posslble-to cook 30
beautifully-and look as you DOR
BE careful how you answer, Miss
Dare" Clair laughed: "Rhoda has
half a mind to throw me- over for love
In cottage. II you encourage her.
you may have my broken heart on
your conscience"
Broken for Joy at getting rid Of
met" Rhoda said, making a face at
him. But tell me true-did you do
all this? Just by your lone selff"
"No! think mamma sent her
astral body to help me-feeling In her
bones what was going to happen"
Dare said laughing. But really" she
went on, cooking isn't such a job II
you like TO do 1t. do like it-nOt for
every day, but now and then it's real
lark. Still. don't want to mislead
try as you might. you'd hardly ever
touch my dumpling Stolen apples,
you see"
Forbidden fruit quite under
stand" Clair interrupted. Rhoda
waved him aside. saying determined
ly: well! Can't l come here and
learn how to do few things? am
so tired OF all the rest-dressing. dane
ing. eating what / don't care for-and
never feeling I've really done anything
worth WHILE"
They drew apart. talking eagerly.
Clair eyed them joyously-and when
the motor siren interrupted the con-
ference, made great ado over It's
impertlnence. He shook Mrs. Reeds
hand with quite vehement heartiness
Dare got only a deep reverence and
q beguillng smile. But II she thought
she had seen the last OF him she was
a AZ .hn again
again-to bring Rhoda to her les
sons, flowers. fruit, new books TO
Mrs. Reed-presently he WAS taking
her for spins up and down the post
road, what time the girls laughed aud
worked In the big kitchen. His people
were away-else he would certainly
have the Reeds at Clairston. But that
could wait; meantime he wanted coun-
sci, advice that might be the turning
point OF his life, namely, as TO wheth-
er an old bond and family comfy
should prevail against new love-new
on both sides. Rhoda had truly set
her heart upon young engineer.
who had nothing but youth. strength
and big brain and the blood OF gen
tlemen TO offer her: was he justified
In letting her break troth that had
been pledged in their cradles for such
uncertainty? Mrs. Reed pondered
deeply. At last she broke Dut. "De-
ponds on how you feel. Don't seem TO
me you can give her up easy-after all
this time"
1T seemed 50 to me-until II month
back" Clair said trife huskily:
"She is so pretty. so winning, SO sweet
when she isn't all spice and pepper.
thought myself dafly about her.
Now-I know better"
How did you ind out?" Mrs. Reed
demanded.
Il think-through apple dumplings
and the girl that made them" Clair
returned smiling. III only | may have
her, I'll call II square deal"
The answer TO which is too obvious
10 need writing down.