The Bennington evening banner. (Bennington, Vt.) 19??-1961, 1922-05-01
CUPID AT SO
BY EDNA s. KNAPP

The pretty bride was living over her
courtship days as she rested before
dressing for the ceremony. First she
saw the familiar living.room consid-
erately vacated by the family. With
nervousness wrapping her like
mantle, she had opened the front door
to Herbert spruce and immaculate
and wondered if his mother knew he
was out. Then Mrs Sawtelle Mont
gomery Mason had not thought the
Harrlsons 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 2 to smile
at each other occasionally, and were
laughing over a past high school party
when an awful gr0an had been heard,
followed by blast that had sent Mary
to her feet trembling with fear.
Herbert had leaped to her side, his
arms about her slender waist. 81 will
protect you he had said. do not
be afraid. | viii take care Of you
Safe in this shelter, they two had
heard Great-Uncle Ellis cane so
"thud' and his quaverlng voice sum
monng "Colline." Then mothers low
answer, with a Quiyer Of mrth in II.
you snored and walked yourself up.
Uncle Eli, that was all -
Sitting their CYCLES, the young
couple had returned to their former
positions and talked merrily until
mother came in and Herbert departed.
Hadn't deaf Uncle Eli proved trial,
Enough his board and care kept moth
er out of the factory and paid tile
interest on that hungry old mortgage.
| But Uncle Eli went 10 bed at eight
and mustn't be disturbed All evening
callers were taboo, and besides, Mrs
SawteIle 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-inSpir-
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 Els
groanS, she had switched on the light
to see an open drawer, money bag
dropped by the stove and curtain
awry.
Mother was dosing Uncle Eli and
brother was calling up DR.. Piggot
when Mary found the last recreant
coin rolled into the farthest corner
Wasn't Dr. Piggot mad with Uncle,
though he had pulled him through in
safety. And next morning, how the
whole town rang with the bravery OF
Herbert Mason. who, coming home
from sitting up with a sick chum had
single.handed, captured Jed Bangs
who tried TO steal the postofllce
money!
Then on Uncle Els nInety-third
birthday he had ordered her to get
some "Nawncy PurtIes" for the gar
den. Mary had been utterly bewlld
cred but Herbert knew "None-so.pret
ties" were .Gandmothers of our
presentday pansies, Herbert hat
some, he would bring them So hi
had done, and Uncle Ell had showed
him the garden for two mortal hours
"Nice, quiet Teller, that; make You
a good beau, Mary. Why don't We sci
yer cap for him" the old man haC
asked afterward.
Not long after uncle had eludet
Mary and her mother again, and beer
brought home one evening weary hui
triumphant 10y smiling Herbert. I'm
Gle had gone right 70 bed but Her
bert had much to say.
My mothers been helping him fig
ure his income tax" explained IN,
lad. Great goodness, Mary, he pays
a laundering big one He must owl
pretty near all Heathfeld, and folk
all thought he just had an annuity
You folks are down In his will, / be
lleve.'
Mary remembered how incredulou
she had been ut first.
Mothers keeping one paper fol
him. didn't see It. OF course. Sh,
says she's thought again about m!
coming here and. since you're so goot
to the old gentleman, / may com,
as often as Ike went on Herbert
Mary had beamed at him silently.
81 mean all you like" corrected
Herbert, mindful Of his manners
Then the family had slid out some
way and Mary and he had been alone
The young couple had just learne,
that that paper promised $4,000 (,
Mary the day she married Herber
i,ldon Mason. Last night uncle hat
showed them the paper aud declare,
, II the best investment he had eve
, made Uncle seemed TO be taking OF
n new lease Of life.
Hark, was that the clock striking
Yes she must arouse and begin 4
drpsg Hprp yos nathan coming a