The Elk Mountain pilot., 1924-07-10
HIS WEDDING
BY JANE GORDON

70. 1924. Western Newspaper Union,

20. 1924. Western Newspaper Union.)
DATTY was wilful; Patty was per
verse; Patty used well the power
of her charm. For charm she had, or
the five big tried brothers, to say moth
ing of Mrs. Perkins, the housekeeper,
would not SO long have held happily
to her sway.
When quite an infant she had begun
to rule the parentless household, and
her rule had continued undisputed
ever since. Richard, when he learned
the overwhelming fact of his love for
Patty, sat down promptly in his office
chair and considered way out OF his
problem; there seemed no way out
but to win Patty-teaching her per-
force to return the affection that
obsessed him to the exclusion of all
else. Looking into a blissful, though
uncertain future, Richard saw himself,
like the five brothers, Patty's submis-
sive slave. Then tormenting thought
occurred-Patty had been, so far, OBJ
durate to other worthy admirers who
sought to claim her, despite her per-
verseness and mockery.
Poor Robin Train had gone abroad
to heal a damaged heart, while Patty
continued her nonsense songs seated
on the wide bench that other swains
were eager to share with her, before
the piano. Charlie Holt, too, had
been hit hard. Patty told Richard con-
fidently that he could not help the
tragedy. 81 think" she said, these
friends of yours all like me, through
pure contrariness; they know I don't
want any one of them-or any lover.
Lovers turn into rulers, and enjoy
my own sweet way
~ asked her to stay at home dur
ing the hot weather." Brother Ted
told Richard, land she Immediately
packed and went away. 1t is always
so lonesome without Patty, I wanted
to keep her here. But she will do as
she likes"
81 begged Patty TO get nurse for
me during my serious Illness" Brother
Bob confided, .but Pat would care for
me herself; has not slept a night
through in weeks What Patty will
do, she will"
Mrs. Town would have come in to
do the house work while l was laid
up with rheumatism" Mrs. Perkins re-
marked, "but Patty was so afraid her
brothers might not have the usual at
tention that she did the work herself
and the child not used to cooking"
Patty Price," Charlie Holt spiteful-
| ly exclaimed, twill canter about on
her brothers fiery horse, though he
has repeatedly asked her not to drive.
Serve her right if she broke her neck"
And so on, always-Patty would, or
Patty wouldn't.
Patty would go riding in romantic.
moonlight with some good-looking
youth when Richard, in his torment
ing jealousy. had entreated her not
to do so. There were days when Pat
ty, willful no longer, but all apparent
sweet submissiveness, would turn re-
sponsive ear to Richards pleading,
and promise that "some day" she
would think about marrying him. No
other, he knew, had gained this en-
copragement.
Acting upon suggestion given by
his experienced sister, Richard tried
the old means of provoking Jealousy.
This was disastrous. Patty in her
conQuering power would brook no RI
valry. And all the time his love deep
ened like the unmanageable emotion
it is. Far from remorseful in the
havoc she had caused was Patty.
In desperation Richard went away.
In the adjoining city he had his inspl-
ration. The printed name of price"
in town paper cavsed his eyes for
moment to blur with sudden fear-for
two names were linked in an engage
ment notice-"Miss Price to marry
Howard Gibbs" Trembling investiga-
ton proved the Miss Price not to be
Richards adorably perverse Miss
Price.
Two weeks passed-three, and he
refrained from writing to her. 1t was
hard not to receive line himself.
The home town paper kept him in
formed concerning the girl he loved.
Patty must be well or she could not
have attended the Leslie reception;
Patty must be at home. Missing him?
That he could not know. After the
fourth week Richard called long dis
tance. At the thrilling sound Of Pat
ty's voice over the wire he almost lost
his resolution; but he persevered.
called you," he said, after some con-
versation, "to state a piece of news.
l am to be married, Patty. You must
be the first to know" Silence, pro-
longed silence, encouraging or discour-
aging, Richard could not learn. The
voice trembied under brave effort at
control-"Married, Dickyl You! When
is it to be?'
Tomorrow evening" he cheerfully