Askov American. [volume] (Askov, Pine County, Minn.) 1914-current, 1927-11-17
THE STORY

CHAPTER XIII-Next day Mary
tells Ned Of her mothers knowledge
regard to Loren Rangeley. whom Mary
hates. She is astonished and deeply
hurt when Ned admits his relation
ship to Rangeley. To his astounded
Monaire and that Rangeley, who is COM
ing to Venice to see him, Is in q way
his paid servant. Dabbs leaves the girl
with Ned while he goes to see Polly
CHAPTER XIv.-The meeting leaves
Polly with a better understanding of
Dabbs with much of his early love
for his wife returned. He tells her of
Ned's Identity and Of his own wealth,
but she is not seemingly impressed by
with him to meet Rangeley and the
young people. Ned secures from Mary
a practical promise to marry him.
makes the best Of the situa ton and
leaves them. Polly and Dabbs arrive at
a partial understanding.
CHAPTER xv.-Returned to Peace
Valley, Ned appeals to Polly to end
the uncomfortable situation, since
father and mother are completely r eel
onciled. Polly, only her pride hay
to Claude as his wife. Ned and Mary
enters her husbands house, which Is
henceforth, through her presence, to
be, like the imaginary home Of Lyt-
toms famous play. lit by "alabaster
amps"
Continued from last weekly
They watched her go down the path
and ride away beside her "agent," and
Mrs. Mannheim had the last word.
"She may join with us now" she
said a little sadly, land she has all
the earmarks of an enthusiastic work
er, but what will happen after she
marries Rangeley?"
They drew together to discuss that
aspect.
Once out of sight, the agent became
the father.
Handled them like born politi-
clan, Mary. I'm proud of you"
The landlord, seeing that the road
was clear, Rugged the agent.
On High Ridge road, where the wind
swept across fields Of young grain,
and clover scented the air, Ned, who
had been driving the silent Polly at
breakneck speed, slowed down.
''It's pity you don't really love me.
Polly Johnston" he remarked, glanc
ing at her, .'fOr 1t seems to me we
ought to cling together for protection.
We are being cold-shouldered to a de-
gree"
Don't be silly, as well as disre-
spectful. Both Claude and Mary
adore you. I am the odd number"
"Are you so sure about Mary ador-
ing met" he asked her.
Polly leaned toward him curiously.
Aren't your she asked.
Ned shook his head. He turned
face toward his prospective mother
in-law that was too honestly panied
and puzzled to smile at or doubt.
"Pm in frightful predicamenr,
Polly. I'm mad about your daughter
and she-well, she's just engaged to
me-"
Polly Johnston so far forgot herself
as to whistle softly.
"How long has this been going on"
"Since the beginning. l took her
then on any terms she was willing to
make. Now, 1t hurts"
why did she engage herself at ALP
Polly demanded, but more as though
she was thinking aloud than asking
q question, and fairly unflattering
question.
Ned did not answer. Polly glanced
at him. Something in his face set her
thinking. Presently she looked up and
said, with the utmost sincerity, IF
understand you correctly, Ned, it's a
pity"
Eyes, isn't 1t. You see, Polly, how
your youthful mistake involves others"
1T wasn't entirely a mistake. Look
at Mary"
.Have you said that to Claude?"
"No," admitted Polly. "You and
Mary and Claude are all SO clever,
thought I'd leave you to discover the
fact yourselves"
Ned slowed down the machine and
stopped it In secluded spot on a de-
serted road.
II Just barely remember my own
mother" he told Polly distantly, "and
I think she must have had a rotten
time with my father. But 1 don't be-
neve she would act as you are acting
toward Mary. have sneaking idea
she would have stood for my marble
hearted father rather than have made
1t hard for me-"
Polly Johnston burst into tears.
Ned stared, astonished, and then
looked frightened This was not in
the least what he had expected. He
put his arm about Polly, and she put
her head on his shoulder and cried
heartily. Ned patted her at intervals,
little distractedly.
If this is doing you good, it's all
right, but it's rather hard on me-"
Il know It, Ned" Polly shifted.
III you need help or want work.