The Filer record. (Filer, Idaho) 1919-1930, 1923-03-29
DAMARIS
BY FLORENCE MELLIsH


paper In the other. getting society
news" between sips.
Major Wilmington announces the
engagement OF his daughter, Paula. to
Henry Augustus Winch. our es-
teemed-"
Brainerd set down the coffee cup
and took the paper in both hands.
There's no mistake about It
they're engaged hardly thought
Paula would do that. Well, / wish
her all the Joy she can get out OF IT,
No use 10 let good cup OF coffee
get cold"
Dick Maxim came breezing In
George. my boy. | congratulate
you"
Congratulate mel" Brainerd glanced
down at the paper. Haven't you
seem"
"Oh. yes" cried Dick. joviaily. I've
seen. l know. Henry Augustus is
elected. / came to congratulate you
on your narrow escape"
"Not so narrow as you think. per-
haps. There were Others" laughed
Brainerd.
"And there win be-right along.
That charming little firt isn't going
out OF the heart-breaking business just
because she Is going to wear the
Winch diamonds.
But she'll sparkle In those dia-
monds."
ION your life she will. She's much
better suited for Winch. with money
to burn-and she'll see that he burns
II mpressively-than for a rising
young chap like you"
You're right. Dick. I guess I've
been a fool"
Il guess you have" Maxim agreed.
genially. but you look little seedy.
boy"
Every likely. I've been burning the
candle at both ends"
BLOW II out, boy. Take one OF your
long walks Into the country. I'll make
II all right with old Hawkins.
Dick Maxim was wise. Brainerd
loved the country air and the open
road. By-and-by a guidepost informed
him that he was IL miles from the
city. An enclosure that seemed to be
a private burying ground appealed to
his curiosity. and he went inside and
strolled about among the graves. read
Ing the epitaphs.
'Damaris westcottl An odd. old
fashioned name; pretty. tool"
He drew out his notebook and
copied the lines under the name:
The sweet. domestic virtues were her
boast.
Which. though they dazzle least. endear
the most"
Brninerd closed the book and stood
'or a moment. picturing Damaris her
,elf.
Il hope TO goodness I'll never be
iazzled again. But how a man might
owe woman like that, II her race
we're not extincti l shouldn't have
minded being contemporary OF Da-
naris'. Not much like" He drew
himself up with jerk. "Pshawi
'egin to feel tired. hungry. too.
ancy l could relish some of Da-
narls' cooking. wish had brought
! lunch along. | wonder II there Is
house In sight"
On the highway again he looked
round. Only few rods away was q
eat. white cottage. He opened his
urse. Fortunately II was not empty.
A stout. motherly woman with red
heeks and grazing hair answered his
mock and readily granted him hos i
itality. In response 20 her invita-
ION. he stretched himself on the wide
hintz covered and valanced lounge
! her spotless kitchen. and slept to
ream Of Damaris westcott. I
When he opened his eyes a young
Iri. fairhaired and gentie-motioned.
he very embodiment OF his dream. :
as laying a snow cloth on the square
,ble.
"Damarisr' he said. dreamIly. {
she turned. blushlng. and smiling. /
Did you want somethingY- she asked ?
! a soft. quiet voice
"oh. no." he answered. stiii dream.
y. Il like to see you moving about" :
The older woman stood by the stove. y
.ftly turning some white cornmeal =
! griddle. She looked around and
niled Hospitality. y
II guess you've had a good nap. =
upper win be ready soon. Bring
r Of honey. Damaris.- :
Damaris Brainerd raised himself e
! the couch. Had his dream come =
uef
The girl brought the honey and bent $
I'M the Nd OF shining kettle. send =
: an appetiEins odor through the :
schen.
The dumpllngs are done now y
,fher- 81
Then III take NJ the stew. You
d better cut the sponge cake you =
ked this morning
While he was enjoying second
lplng II the stew. Bralnerd ven
red - speak 70 the giri Of her mama :.