The northwestern bulletin., 1923-08-11

er. Col. Richard Fair, father sf
willful daughter, had rather stressed
the reservations--ai the more, possi-
bly,. for realizing Mason's surface
charm.
SO far he had said nothing to his
daughter-time enough to speak when
he had tangible cause. His life CEN
tered on her-she had cost him her
Enthusiastically her marriage was
matter Of moment.
Young Wimberly had all three
strains of the blood, II he lacked the
name. He was, moreover, Q country
gentleman born. What wonder Colonel
Richard yearned to. have him succeed
himself as master Of Fairways.
Richie went early to bed, pleading
headache. She was hardly upstairs
before Nanny signaled her employer
that she must speak with him pri-
vately.
Obediently he followed her to the
bottom Of the big garden. Even there
they talked in whispers, save that once
or twice the colonel swore aloud. Nam
my soothed him, saying In her huskiest
undertone, "Nebber you mind, Marse
Dick. Leabe all dis matter ter me.
And you sleep easy. I knows de ropes
better'n I does de feller days gwine
tie."
Next day was perfect reunion
weather-all roads leading to the
grove, where shade Of primeval trees.
within sound Of a big, bold spring
tinkiing down from q gray bluff, was
early thronged with merrymakers.
Yet Richie sat upon the piazza, hat
less, pretending to yawn, saying over
her shoulder to Nanny, lowering In
the background, II wouldn't 60 at all,
only it's sinful to waste victuals. and
I know you've got enough to feed half
the crowd"
'Marse Dick done looked de basket"
Nanny flung back.
Richie smiled wickedly. $50 he
dared to 60 and leave me waiting here
for Pete / call that the right thing
for a well-trained parent. You may
wait to see me start If you like. Pete's
car Is bran-span new, and the finest in
the country"
An hour passed. Richie began to
fidget. She wanted to be late enough
to make her arrival q sensation, but
not so late as to be smothered In the
ruck Of the tag-rag-and-bobtai from
everywhere.
Once she started to the telephone,
but paused halfway, and flung herself
down upon the broad hall divan, say
Ing pettishly: "Mammy-I believe I'm
hungry. Get me something, please"
"Spect you nebber eat er bite O.
breakfus," Nanny commented, but
without stirring from her seat on the
front steps. Distantly came the hum
ming Of car driven at speed. Richie
smiled exultantly, then iounged into
the living room for last view at her.
self in the mantel mirror.
She heard rapid footsteps, masculine
ones, on steps, piazza. polished floor,
but did not turn her head until a
voice cried excitedly: Richie! Get
your hat! Quickl Sorry you had to
wait-but ! couldn't get here a min
ute sooner"
"Tom-Bob! Why are you here?
What's the matteri" Richie demanded,
freezingiy. Tom-Bob looked at her be-
tween smiling and frowning. I'm
here-because Pete asked me to come
and take you," he said dOggedly.
"An' I'll tell you how come him ter
AK" Nanny supplemented. "Twus
beccasse dey done tooken him ter cote
fer shootin' craps all last Sunday wild
niggers at BIlin' Spring chu'ch whar
de is er powerful pourin' out OBJ de
sperit--"
"How do you know so much 2" Richie
demanded, aghast. Nanny chuckled
softly. my Sam Is constable-recom-
member dat, honeyw she said. "Now,
put on you hat--an' put Pete Mason
outen yo' head"
For a wonder Richie said, obedient-
| ly: II will, Nanny"