The Bienville Democrat., 1922-05-04
CUPID AT 90
BY EDNA s. KNAPP
10 uansu . ssssssssnss -
e. 1929 nv Mcclure Newspaper Syndlcale'

g. 1922, by Mcclure Newspaper syho''a''
The pretty bride was living over her
courtship days as she rested before
dressing for the ceremony. First she
saw the familiar livlng.room consld'
erately vacated by the family. with
nervousness wrapping her like a
mantle, she had opened the front door
to Herbert, spruce and immaculate
and wondered If his mother knew ne
was out. Then Mrs. Sawtelle Mont
gomery Mason had not thought the
Harrisons worthy Of notice.
She and Herbert had seated them
selves awkwardly on opposite SIDES
Of the table and conversation had
tagged, though his chocolates had dis
appeared rapidly enough. They had
summoned courage enough to smile
at each other occasionally, and were
laughing over q past high school party
when an awful groan had been heard,
| followed by a blast that had sent Mary
to her feet trembling with fear.
Herbert had leaped to her side, his
| arms about her slender waist. II Will
protect you," he had said. "Do not
be afraid. I will take care OF you"
| Safe in this shelter, they two had
heard Great Uncle ELS cane go
"thud" and his quaverlng voice sum-
moning "Colline." Then mothers low
answer, with a quiver Of mirth in 1t.
"You snored and walked yourself up
Uncle Ell, that was auP
Sitting their glggles, the young
couple had returned to their former
positions and talked merrlly until
mother came in and Herbert departed.
Hadn't deaf Uncle Ell proved a trial,
though his board and care kept moth
er out Of the factory and paid the
interest on that hungry old mortgage.
But Uncle Ell went to bed at eight
and mustn't be disturbed. All evening
callers were taboo, and besides, Mrs.
Sawtelle Montgomery Mason said Her.
bert mustn't come.
Mary was worried about the post
office money. Mr.. Owen was away
over Sunday and Mary had to bring
the money home.
Hours later, when that awe-insplr'
ing combination Of snort, grOan and
shrek had sounded through the dark
ened house, she had been the first one
down. She had heard the yell Of fear
the chinklng thud Of metal, the win
dow slammed down and retreat
Ing footsteps on the porch.
To an accompaniment Of Uncle Eli''
grOans, she had switched on the ligh
' to see an open drawer, money bal
I dropped by the stove and curtaiI
+ awry.
s Mother was dosing Uncle Ell aat
n brother was calling up DR.. Piggo
6 when Mary found the last recrean
coin rolled into the farthest corner
Wasn't DR.. Piggot mad with Uncle
though he had pulled him through II
safety. And next morning, how tn
whole town rang with the bravery
Herbert Mason, who, coming hom
from sitting up with sick chum, had
single-handed, captured Jed Bangs
:, who tried to steal the postoffic
money!
Then on Uncle Ellis ninetyAhirt
! birthday, he had ordered her to ge
some "Nawncy Purties" for the gal
Z den. Mary had been utterly bewilt
\ cred, but Herbert knew "None-so-pre'
ties" we're at-grandmothers Of ou
present-day pansies. Herbert ha
some, he would bring them. So h
had done, and Uncle Eli had shove
e him the garden for two mortal hours
/. "Nice, quiet feller, that; make ye
good beau, Mary. Why don't ye sc
yer cap for him?" the old man ha
asked afterward.
Not long after uncle had elude
Mary and her mother again, and bee
't brought home one evening weary br
y triumphant by a smiling Herbert. Ul
y Gle had gone right to bed, but He
Of bert had much to say.
my mothers been helping him fl
ure his income tax" explained til
In lad. "Great goodness, Mary, he pay
a laundering big one. He must ow
pretty near all Heathheld, and foil
all thought he Just had an annuity
You folks are down In his will, / b.
lieve."
Mary remembered how incredulol
she had been at first.
Mothers keeping one paper Il
him. l didn't see it, Of course. 81
says she's thought again about N
9 coming here and, since you're SO goc
to the old gentleman, ! may con
as often as l like" went on Herbel
Mary had beamed at him silently.
n Il mean all you like" correctt
Herbert, mindful of his manner
!, Then the family had slid out som
way and Mary and he had been alon
The young couple had just learn'