The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1926-12-09

heard her coming. Must look fool
was his thought.
at was very kind of you, but en-
tirely unnecessary" Mary spoke
severely.
Her tone reminded Ned of all he had
forgotten about his apparent station
In life. Suddenly he disiked this
blue-eyed girl intensely, II she was
that kind.
He slipped out of the offending
apron. took up his hat, and looked at
her gravely. "I1l bring Mrs. Pulsifer
up after luncheon" he offered, Imply.
Mary's sense of humor, which had
momentarily deserted her, returned
She thought herself fool TO handle
the incident, however annoying, in this
manner
"Oh, Mr.. Carter, will you please
bring up two pounds of Graham flour.
and some table salt don't remember
how salt comes-and three cakes of
soap. I'm awfully grateful for all
you've done for me-"
She blushed wildly at the end of
her speech. Ned instantly forgave her
everything
ITS nothing. Uncle orders me to
do these things" Ned He'd cheerfuly
He made an elaborate note In a
book, which Mary, now aroused to note
this young mans customs and man
ners, saw was little red leather
nin T..
was not at all the usual orderbook of
a grocer's clerk. Her suspicious grew.
MAY ask" said Ned feeling very
businesslike. IF that was uncle on the
telephone2 Because, that's why l
waited knew he might call up"
Mary admitted that II had been his
uncle.
"Did he want me2' Ned inquired. a
shade uncomfortably.
Grasping her chance Mary an
swered demurely: 81 don't know.
told him that you had gone. ] should
think, II you are In the habit OF spend
Ing most Of your working hours wash
ing dishes for any customer whose
help leaves her, you might be very
nice man. but pretty poor grocer
Ned laughed 81 wasn't concerned
about Uncle Claude wanting me, but
about his requiring the car Don't get
a false idea from me of how the gro
Gerry business Is run, Miss Johnston.
The shop is Uncle Claude's. I'm al
lowed to do odd Jobs, while visiting
him."
Mary's eyes unconsciously took In
the young mans outer garments. She
had been so domesticaly absorbed
that she had only concerned herself
with his actions and intentions. Now,
she realized that before her was
young man. clad In garments far too
sophisticated and too well cut to be-
long to any grocer's assistant In Peace
Valley. Undoubtedly she was being
had by this young man. Marys
blue eyes snapped,
"a admire your uncle" she said
with feeling and obvious emphasis.
Hes my hero, too, just now" Ned
agreed.
Mary could not keep from laughter,
and somehow laughter cleared the air
and seemed TO leave all explanations
for future time. Ned went gayly
down the steps Al the foot he turned
and looked back at the girl. she
stood watching him from the door
way. He had not the slightest doubt
she was Specializing about him. He
devoutly hoped sol
That afternoon Ned helped Mrs.
Pulsifer ont and ushered her into the
Johnston kitchen, which was empty,
and urged her toward the dishes
piled on tray. Not knowing the ETH
quette of work by the day, Ned feared
moniously welcomed He watched her
begin her task and, much relieved,
went into the garden.
He found Mary there, investigating
the growth of lilies in a small flower
bed under the side window. He was
whistlIng, and she rose from the
ground and put finger to her lips,
He stopped instantly.
81 think my mothers asleep" was
the low-toned explanation she gave
him. with gesture toward an upper
window. Ned explained briefly the
arrival and temporary employment OF
Mrs. Pulslfer
Mary, delighted to hear this, inti-
mated politely that he had now done
all and more than was expected and
might add TO her debt of gratitude
by his departure.
II being lovely spring afternoon,
warm and delightful, Ned had no Idea
whatever of doing this and obtusely
followed her into the kitchen. He
insisted. pleasantly, That having
brought Mrs. Pulsifer there. he must
introduce her.
The Introduction performed. Ned
still fingered. Mary ignored him, but
Mrs. Pulsifer had been young once
and scented an approaching romance
more readily than might be supposed.
She was the tyDe of woman who