The Elk Mountain pilot., 1924-03-06

1T is pretty hard luck, isn't it? You
may be sure of one thing. If 1 were
not your brother would be Barry
Lapelle's most determined rival. BY
the way, l hope matters are going
more smoothly for you and Barry"
Her face clouded.' She shot a sus-
picious, questioning look at him.
II want to talk to you about
Barry some day." she said seriously.
you seemed to resent 1t most Bit
terly the last time attempted to talk
to you about him." said he, somewhat
pointedly.
You were horrid that day." said
she. Il have good deal to forgive.
You said some very mean, nasty
things to me that day over there,n in
dicating the thicket with a jerk of her
head
Il am glad to see that you took
them to heart and have profted," he
ventured boldly.
She hesitated, and then spoke with
frankness that shamed. "Yes, 1 did
take them to heart, Kenny. will not
say that have profited, but I'll never
make the same kind of fool of my
self again. hated you with all nv
soul that day-and for a long time
afterward-but guess you took the
right way with me, after all. If was
fair and square, would say that am
grateful to you. But, you see, am
not fair and square. I am as stub
born as mule"
what is it you want to say to me
about Barry? ?" he asked, abruptly.
oh, there is plenty Of time for that.
she replied, frowning. ut will keep.
How are you getting along with the
houser'
Splendidly. 1t was in very good or
der. will be settled In a day or two
and as comfortable as anything. To-
night Zachariah and, I are going to
make list Of everything we need and,
tomorrow shall start out on a pur.
chasing tour. 1 intend to buy quite
lot Of new furniture. things for the
kitchen, carpets and"
Viola interrupted him with an ex-
clamation. Her eyes. were shining,
sparkling with eagerness.
"Oh, won't you take me along with
your
"Hurrahl It's just what wanted,
Viola. Now you are being real sis
ter to me. We will start early in the
morning and-and buy out the town.
Bless your heart you've taken great
load of my mind. haven't the intel
ligence Of a snipe when it comes to fit.
ting up a-why, say, I tell you what I'll
do. will let you choose everything I
need. just as II you were setting up
housekeeping for yourself"
''Oh. Kenny, what fun we'll have" she
cried. And, first Of all. you must let
me come over right now and help you
with your list. know much better
than you do what you really need-and
what you don't need. We must not
spend too much money, you see."
Cad" he gulped, "you-you talk
Just as II you and were a poor. strug-
Cling young couple planning to get
married"
mo. 1t only proves how mean and
sel6sh am. ! am depriving your fu-
turs bride Of the pleasure Of furnish
ing her own house, and that's what all
brides like better than anything. But
promise to pick out things that
know she will like. In the meantime.
you will be happy in knowing that you
have something handsome to tempt her
with when the time comes. Come on,
Kenny. Let's 60 in and start making
the list"
She started of toward her own gate,
but stopped as he called out to her.
''Waitl Are You sure your mother
will approve Of your"
"Of course she willi" she flung back
at him. "She doesn't mind our being
friendly"
There was q yearning in his eyes rs
they followed her down to the gate !;
then he shot quick, accusing glance
at the house in which his enemy lived.
He saw the white curtains in tie north
parlor window drop into place, fiutter
for a second or two. and then hang
perfectly still Rachel Gwyn had been
watching them.
He met Viola at his own disabled
gate. which cfeaksd and shivered pre-
cariously on Its rusty hinges a. he
5erked 1t open.
They spent the better part Of an hour
going over the house. Che was In an
adorable mood. Once she paused In
the middle Of q sentence to ask why
he was SO solemn.
"Goodness me. Kenny. you look a. II
you had lost your very best friend.
Aren't you interested1 Shall we stopf''
A feeling Of utter desolation had
stricken him. He was sick at heart.
Every drop Of blood in his body was cry
ing out for her. She had removed her
bonnet II he had thought her beauti-
ful on that memorable night at Strik-
er's he now realized that his first i'm
preston was hopelessly inadequate.
Her eyes, dancing with eagerness, NO