Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1924-09-03
OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES Js~H-6-H-6B-B-B1B-B
THE JOLT
BY MOLLiE MATHER
MISS DAPHNE DALE smiled at
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sstern Newspaper Union.)

MISS DAPHNE DALE smiled at
AVA her niece. Yes, Dorie," she re,
marked, Joel and I have been en-
gagged going on fifteen years. l never
saw man as contented as Joel, and
faithful. No other woman could even
take his eye. Winters we've read
books together; summers we go driv.
ing about in his little car But as for
marrying-Joel has forgot that matri-
mony usually follows engagement. I
don't deny'-the elder womans tone
was wistful-"that I'd rather be mar.
ried, Dorie, being alone in the world.
And then, the neighbors never get
tired of quzzing me about the we'd
ding day, and smiling among them.
selves because it don't happen"
The young girl Oh the doorstep
looked back at her aunt. Isn't there
anything you GOULD say or do" she
asked, ito make him realize the
wasted years."
Miss Daphne laughed good natured-
ly. Take a pretty good jolt, guess"
she replied, ito shake Joel out of his
contcnted she'll"
Theodore Dale, out from the city
for Il visit, was gains across The farm
lands that bordered her relatives
home. Here her father had lived
now Aunt Daphne left desolate occu
pied the biz house, in solitary state,
Aunt Daphne" she questioned,
had YOU no other admirers all this
timer"
Miss Daphne laughed and blushed
ro4iIy. Land, child" she answered,
there were young men coming to
town now and then who would like
to have waited on me, but Joel, poor
SOUL he'd be sick over the thought of
It, so ! always turned them away.
Now there is no jealousy left in Joel;
knows that I'd not be likely to take
one of the old widoWers who might
apply, in crder to get good care Two
elderly widOWers are the only eligibles
in Lynden. Joel did tell me the last
time Tom Barry called that he'd have
to carry me Oft himself if that excuse
for Il man tented on my doorstep; but
Tom didn't call any more"
Dorie's silvcry laughter answered
Well" she said, Il wish old Tom
/ might have repeated his visit, seeing
] that you never will marry any one hui
/ your precious Joel, my true aunt
! Would ii be Il satisfactory jolt to al.
/ low him to think that your income had
/ departed in the usual unwise invest
j
must be your natural support and
| protector?'
Aunt Daphne stared, Mortified. mn
! dear!" she exclaimed, II would not de
! ceive"
"Of course not; you d rather go on
making Joels free evening hours com.
| Portable in your coy parlor, and hay.
| ing hired men work your productive
land. Joel could take it on with his
own as we'll as not, if you two We're
! Joined by nature"
The girl put an affectionate arm
| across her aunt's slim shoulder; ten
! derby she regarded the elder woman's
| Wholesome pink cheeks, her bright
dark eyes. You are worthy of
handsomer man than Joel" Dorle said
| tritely. "Still if you must have him"
Must? what are you saying?" Miss
! Daphne smiled. 1--WE only been ex-
! planning about ou long engagement
because you asked me, dear"
Dorie kissed the wholesome pink
! cheek nearest her. 81 must run to the
station TO meet Larry Dinsmore," she
said you know l told you he would
be out from the city to stop at the
| inn for few days"
Invite him to tea" said Miss
| Daphne. Joel win be here"
! The young man from the city APP
peared TO be very well acquainted
| with DOre, indeed. His arm went
about her shameessly; in fact it
might truly be said aroudly, as they
walked on where houses grew few and
far between.
you will give me your answer this
time, dearest" he begged.
Dore looked up at her young man
with roguish eyes. Upon condition
only that you pay absorbing and fiat
tering attention to Aunt Daphne dur
| ing the entire time of your stay here"
Larry Dinsmore appeared to be en-
chanted with the soft mauve color,
| and told her So He sat adoringly at
Miss Daphne's feet during the evening,
in the moonlit porch the other guests
| ignored-or, it might have been. had
! forgotten.
Dorie endeavored to draw Joel into
| conversation, but his usually shrewd
eyes seemed now absently wondering.
And now" remarked Dore TO her
unhappy lover you must propose to
Aunt Daphne in Joels hearing, ap-
parently unaware of his presence.
Then, if he is any man at all he will
carry her off, under your very eyes"