The Lamar register., 1923-03-07

bent OH enjoying the last dance or the
season, and the guy laughter and care
free chatter that punctuated the soft
strains Of the orchestra gave evidence
to the fHct that many of the summer
colOnists would carry away very pleas
ant memories of one night ut least.
Seated in dark corner Of the YER
anda were Marion Harvey and Walter
Morrison, seemingly obIivious of the
gayety within. Walter was speaking
very earnestly and with trace Of
haste.
Il am very sorry. Marion, that this
had to happen, but, you see, there Is
no other course open to me to follow.
When l asked you to marry me, | was
II poor man, and In my moderate cir
cumstances you would have made me
an ideal wife. But now that my uncle
has written that he wishes me to come
to New York as his assistant, why,
everything has changed, and l must
consider my future. II Is quite pos
slble that when he dies | shall sue
ceed him"
Walter paused, and, as Marion said
nothing. continued: while you are
indeed well fitted to hold your own In
the society of Clarendon Cliffs, you
would be hopelessly lost In New York
So. am afraid that our plans for the
future were Il trifie-er-too prema-
ture."
As Walter finished, Marion drew on
her engagement ring and held II out to
him. Taking the ring, he said: 1--WE
been thinking how unpleasant 1t may
be for you to explain matters to your
friends, so | won't mind II you care to
say that you broke the engagement
yourself II will not cause me any an
noyance. because | leave for the city
in few days-as soon as | can ex-
plain things to the new manager ut
the garage. And that reminds me. l
promised to introduce him to some OF
the people Mt the dance tonight, as he
is stranger so II you have no objec-
tlons. let's 20 back 10 the hall"
Marion reused herself as II shaking
OF chill.
There he is, by the second window"
As Marion looked, she saw young
man who seemed very much at loss.
He was scanning the hall for someone
who might possess the key to the eve
ning's pleasure. You don't mind II 1
Introduce you, then you can present
him to some Of your girl friends"
Taking her silence for assent, Walter
piloted Marion toward the stranger.
Ed Condor acknowledged the intro
ductiOn with look OF relief. and turn
ing to Morrison said: II was afraid
you had forgotten me. but" smiling at
Marion. my walt has been more than
compensated by the pleasure Of meet
ing Miss Harvey"
After few minutes conversation.
Walter said: 81 must 20 back 10 town.
Marion, but I'll return to take you
home"
As he turned away, Marion replied.
Better spend the evening planning
your future. Mr.. Morrison"
AT the door he looked back TO see
them chatting cordially. and continued
out into the darkness.
After Ed Condor took charge of the
gnruge he became II frequent visitor nt
the little cottage where Marion lived
with her aunt. During the long fall
and winter months. when the town
seemed closed within itself. Marion and
Ed spent much time together, and
when summer smiled on this little sea-
shore resort they were inseparable.
The second summer since Morrison
passed out Of Marion's life was draw
ing to close and the glorious days
when the sun kissed sparkles from the
blue Atlantic. coupled with soft nights
uf mellow moonlight beside the whis-
pering wuves. wove spell about Ma
rion and Ed. so that 1t was Inevitable
that he should ask her TO be his wife.
At the last dance Of the season, Ma
rion looked radiant. and Eds heart
beat or two as lie thought
OF the possibility of her answer being
unfavorable. One dance for fornality,
and then he led her to the veranda.
Before giving her answer she told him
of Morrison and asked II he. too. might
he overlooking her future.
Marion" he replied, II want you
more than ever. rich or poor. now and
for all time; 80 won't you please say
'YesT"
"a Mrs. Edward Condor to see you.
SIR" announced the office boy. Morri-
son hesltsted. Then, VERY well, show
her In"