The Meridian times. (Meridian, Idaho) 1909-1938, 1922-03-03
THE THRILL
by MARY LOUISE CORNER

Parsons addressed her daughter from
the Kitchen. Receiving no response,
her sharp old voice took ON querul-
. Gus note. My kingdom, / shouldn't
think you'd want to be In the parlor
anyway. It's cold as an icebox in
there. Amt you going to brew my
tea, Lefty? What are you staring out
of that window for?'
Nothing, mamma" Lefty jerked
down the roll curtain and shut off a
scene which, to say the least, was
distracting. The sight of VIII Spence's
roadster with VIII at the wheel and
fluffy little Amelia Crews sitting be-
side him always stirred Letty's resent
ment. She stepped quickly into the
Kitchen, shutting the side door of the
parlor behind her with unnecessary
violence. Her mother stared curiously
at the unaccustomed flush on her
! daughters broad, freckied cheeks.
You never can tell about men," she
remarked, shrewdly.
We'll, well, / don't know" she con-
tinued, shaking her head ruefulIy.
Don't know what, mamma?"
I don't know who you take after,
Lefty"
Perhaps" said Lefty, humorously,
ITS because was such a pretty baby.
You know the saying, mamma, about
pretty babies growing into homely
daughters"
Well sighed her mother. 'It's a
blessing that you cen be so good ma
tured about It."
As she walked jerkily along the
elm-lined avenue on her nightly trip
to the postoffice, Lefty had plenty of
time to think over the two short
months she had lived in another world.
No royal beauty could have been treat
ed with more respect and homage In
her exaltation she refused to recog-
nize danger signals until disaster was
upon her. Then, In helpless anger.
she watched Amelia, with her dolls
face and pretty manners, deity wean
Will away from her.
Lefty had now reached the stage
when she expected to hear Of their en-
gagement at any moment. But she was
scarcely prepared for the low car that
drew up to the curb beside her, or for
the familiar voice calling her name
over the wheel.
Lefty" VIII began, hesitantly, ''if
you're going to the postoffice I'd like
to drive you down myself"
Thanks, WILL" Lefty replied, as she
climbed awkwardly into the machine.
There's social over at Long Mead
ow tomorrow" VIII said, as the car
sped along the quiet street. "You GO
ing, Letty?"
"Why, guess not, WILL"
Il was hoping you would CO." he
explained, talking hurriedly to cover
: his embarrassment. .I've got two
tickets and. Lefty twisted around
with difficulty in the narrow seat and
stared at him.
"Ain't 'Melia going tomorrow" she
demanded. Will frowned.
Mo- he responded, CURLY, mot to-
morrow-or any other day"
Then" Lefty agreed promptly, "Pd
love to go with you, WILL"
Wills renewed courtship was scarce
ly two weeks old when, by the death
of his uncle, he found himself heir to
small fortune. Immediately he was
overwhelmed with congratulations.
I'D like you just as well without
all that money, WILL" Lefty told him,
wistfully. you see, I've always been
poor. And I couldn't enjoy wealth
not the way 'Melia does, mean"
'Oh-Amelia |" Wills lip curled and
n
about her any MORE" But from that
night the visits of Letty's swain dwin-
died in number. Finally they ceased
completely.
Being comfortable, slow-moving
sort, Lefty never ceased to wonder at
the rapidity with which things happen
In this world. In the space of one
breathless week, for instance, she had
learned that Wills uncle had left a
second will bequeathing his money to
q public institution, that Amelia had
promptly turned her back on young
Spence, leaving him, in sheer despera-
tion, to drive around all night In a
chill rainstorm.
''Will's down with pneumonia" Let
ty explained to her mother. II guess I'd
better run over and see what / can
do"
Mrs. Parsons stared.
Lefty, you're not After the way
he's treated you and. all"
He's SICK" Lefty flung back, de-
family, sand that old housekeeper
doesn't know anything about nursing
sick DeOnle ~ There was no uueStion
about Letty's ability. Only when little
Doctor Cranson announced the passing
of Wits crisis did Lefty permit her
self the luxury of tears. A few months
later she became Mrs. win Spence.
On the honeymoon trip to New York,
Lefty unburdened a matter that had
weighed on her mind for a long time.
CT Ii1ar.,t s,s,lI