Greenbrier independent. [volume] (Lewisburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1859-1980, 1922-04-21

SllSnteSr ninI'Ut a.--->-----.
complexion utterly dimned. and
damned, whatever else of beauty she
possessed
1t was during the intermission on
the cool, darkened veranda that Jerry
poured out his woes to the sparkling,
daringly dressed piece of femininity
that was Becky. And he used his pre-
dicament as an excuse for letting
Becky know that he loved her.
You see, DEAR" he wound up earn
estly. II wouldn't speak before be-
cause had nothing to otrer YOU. And
now. why, I'm afraid just because
you're SO gloriOusly up to date and
oh, snappy and full Of pep that dad
won't see you're the real thing and the
only thing for me! You ought to have
been born dowdy and homely and with
spectacleS or why, Becky, what's
up?"
For Becky had jumped up and was
projecting wildly about. An idea
old top" she cried. And Jerry won
derel IL his mother had ever called his
father that. Introduce Bess to your
father-hut marry me-
looks. but very opposite in tastes
and characteristics. Given over to
pathology. philosophy and philanthro
ply. she had lately taken To wearing
huge tortoise shell Spectacles which
lent her ali air Of as great 4 serious
ness as one could wish. Certainly,
one look at her and Jerry'S father
wuuld realize that his son would be
under calm and steadying influence.
Now, because Jerry was desperately
ia love and so temporarily blinded to
all else. he fell right In with Becky's
scheme; nor did he worry about the
| Intended deception OF his father. Once
married to Becky his father would
surely capitulatc to her charms and
forgive the trick played upon him.
III father approves Of your sister.
| Wen elope. How about it, dear?" And
| Becky whispered Yes" as would have
most any girl held close in the arms
or nice youth like Jerry.
With characteristic energy Jerry
put in motion at once the wheels Of
his plan. Told his father he was en-
gagged 10 one of the LenoX twins and
! Invited him out to supper with them
| 10 meet her Sure he'd be surprised
! al the sort Of girl she was.
ResS, under heaven knows what in
! dur"mentS from Becky. agreed 10
/ help inattcr> along. and did her best
I" be entertaining. Ably she tie
! nU'inctd the evils of modern existence
! punc;uating her remarks with per-
| iinrnt alll>iOnS 10 ancient civilizations,
! theories of Kant. and Slunl conditions
| abroad. Ierry's father sal as one alb
| sorbcd and when Jerry finally led her
! away L" Il play 'l"wn in the village he
! Sa%ri after them with an expression
| in his eyes which would vaguely have
! bothered Jerry.
Ii was late that evening when Jerry
! hSuratireiy mopping his brow, depoS
! tied his companion nj the door OF the
| l.enoN home. He was anxious td get
, back 10 his father and learn the YER
! dct.
! Eut n> he turned away, the door
opened softly behind him.
The next moment Becky herself was
! in his arms. "OI. jerry" she moaned
/ 'ly" spent thc most awful day. I've
! had nothing 10 Ito but think how we
| weren't being iair 10 your father, and
| h" i Just right about not wanting YOU
10 marry q flyaway creature like me-
and I'm sick Of This jury life. any
! how. I'm going 10 settle down and
oh. YOU didn't turn around and fail in
love with Br>s:"
"Why, my little sweethearl - Jerry
drew her close. "Your sister Is q fine
girl, and all that. but AS for loving her
inStcud OF y0ul AS for fathrr--wcll
tell him all about IT and take he Cvn-
| sequences"
But when Jerry reached home he
! got tue surprise OF his life.
Jerry. my boy" said his father. 81
, take back all | said about The crowd
! you travel with. Good Lord. Schopen-
! hauer-law of Malthus-Aztec verbs.
! Enumeration. boy, how will you stand
, il? Couldn't YOU have picked out
, happy medium"
! And Jerry. laughing, settled down TO
, explain that II" had.