Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1922-12-09


conversation prevented him. But he
had announced that this evening he
was cunning un an important mission.
II had been hint 10 have Rodney out
of the way and Sliela red ed thai
She could not forcslall the question
any l9nger besides her own financial
affairs cried for help.
ndcr the soft yellow glow Of the
shaded lamp, Shicla. in very faded
lavender dress. ruilles primly iluted
sat in the corner of the davenport
Her hands were folded lousely ia her
lap; she could control them. but her
thoughts were less goycrnablc She
wondered where Rodney was. He was
discouraged, desperately detected. ana
he had no one To turn to; he WAS
alone in his miserable furnished room
or trottins the streets
Opposite her ou straight .backed
chair Mr. Eddington coughcd lightly
To draw her wandering attention He
WAS Immediately dressed. from the
brllantinrd. Scanty locks brushed
carefully over his bald head to the
fawn-cnured spats On his patent
leather shoes. His tiny eyes CLEANED
with unusual intelligence. and though
lie WAS stout he gave the impression
of being brisl;ly active He might
have easily been taken for a scholar
had not II certain ShrcN dncss in his
features marked him as Il business
man, but certainly not as merchant
or manufacturer.
Miss Everett or may say
Shicla?"
With difficulty the girl reused her.
self from ncr thoughts Again the
great desire to cvade the question.
again the panicby feeling as lie drew
his chair close ana leaned forward.
Il do not know if you could have
posShly guessed my purpose in com
ing here this evening, Shiea 4 num-
Der of times have tried to tell you.
but something in the refined. aristo.
cratic atmosphere of this home"
IL never would leave it-or
grandmother" fatcred Shicla looking
nj the door ana Hoping that by some
chance Rodney might come and in.
tcrrupt them.
Il do not blame you for that, Shiela
though surely one as lovely as You
must have thought of marriage"
She grew white and red by turns
That depends" she managed to
answer, depends on"
"On-Shall we say-money?" Sug-
gcStcd Mr. Eddington discrcctly.
She nodded family. and he seemed
relieved
Il presumed as much, but | hest.
tatcd to say it," lie went on very
cautiously "Shiela, have something
To ask Of YOU If offend YOU will
apologize and leave ut once. ou
are aware ul how often | have como
to this little parlor, know. Have you
noticed how many times my greedy
eye has wandered to that little three
corncrcd cabinet? Shicla was some
body In your family traveller, Il col
lcctor?"
Shicla puzzled mt the unexpected
turn in his conversation. answered:
Perhaps; you sec grandmother can't
remember very we'll but she had
several brothers who are dead noY
that Travelled. believe"
Mr.. Eddington left his chair and
walkrd briSkly to the threc.cornered
shelves Here are two little Ming
vases. Shicla. Genuine. exquisite little
gems know. because that is my
business, II collector and dealer in the
rare old pieces of art. have been
callin: on you for nearly three months
trying Ia get NJ courage Ia ask you IL
YOU will sell the pair to me for $4,000
| know YOU prize them dearly. but
YOU are young. you may wish money
for trnnSScau-" he waited for
her answer. his whole face nervously
cXpcctant.
Shcla was suddenly seized with a
desire 10 burst in uncomfortable laugh.
ter. but with an effort she asked him
gravely, rs though she had dealt in
Ming vases all her life. Are you pre-
pared TO pay caSh?"
cut IN the summer night air she
watched Mr. EddingtOn waddlc away.
II package under his arm. and then
suddenly out of the darkness leaped
n tall thin figure.
"Shicla, was waiting for the fel.
low to go." Rodney flung an arm
iubilantIy around her shoulders
Heres Your ten spot back. don't
need II. | took the old history Of
iiUckS county Ia the Daily Enterprise
and the editor is going to run il as
q serial and gave me twenty five in
advance payment. More than that
uui j tull-irdsed reporter Shicla."
he drew closer. tell me you don't
really care for that old fossil. Edding.
ton tell me may hope"
she gave him her lips in promise
and then whispered. Rodney. come in
the library ana tell grandmother while
| look In the encyclopedia. | want to
find out what Ming vase is :"
Texas Town Claims Antiuuity