Askov American. [volume] (Askov, Pine County, Minn.) 1914-current, 1927-09-29
CHAPTER XII

citing fact that she had met and
talked to her father. It seemed to
her quite impossible that she could
sit beside her mother, and think about
her father, and her mother suspect
nothing and think-well, Mary did not
quite know what Mother was think
ing about.
For the first time in her life Mary
realized that souls could be lonely.
People could be as close as Mother
and she had always been, and yet so
wide apart that when one deliberately
drew down the curtain, the other sat
In darkness and could know nothing
Of the thoughts and feelings behind
the curtain!
Claude's heart and head were full
Of Mary. She occupied his thoughts
to the exclusion of everything else. So
absorbed was he in his own visions,
that Ned, returning in triumph from
a successful visit to the steamship
Office, for the first time In their &C
quaintance was at odds with Claude.
His Indignation was reused by the
news that Claude had actually had
Mary there, in the hotel, and yet had
said nothing at all about Ned. AS
though that were not enough, Claude
calmly demanded that he transfer
their reservation to the next ship.
sailing a few days later.
It had been difficult matter for
him to obtain passage on the same
boat with the Johnstons and now
these efforts were in vain.
When the change had been made
Ned asked: 'Why didn't you tell Miss
Johnston 1 was in town."
Because 1 forgot you, and every
thing else, Ned. ALI I could think Of
was that Mary is my own girl and
nothing that Polly does will keep me
away from Mary-when she wants
me-"
Ned's feeling of evaporation grad
ually gave way to the thought that in
reality Claude had done him a good
turn. By not mentioning him to Mary,
Claude had saved the explanation that
he was not Carter, but Ned Carter
Rangeley. Moreover, there would be
no need, If they Travelled on different
ships, for her to know 1t until they
met. There are some explanations
that should come from the lover.
This was one. Mary still believed
him the grocer's clerk.
The next morning Ned determined
that, by hook or crook, he would have
speech with Mary before the steamer
sailed. He could easily get on board,
and the chances were that he would
be able to have word alone.
He became aware that Claude was
regarding him steadily across the
breakfast table.
''Far be 1t from me, Ned, to worm
myself into any business of yours.
but If you should be thinking Of look
ing up Mary before she sails, my adj
vice is-Don't!"
What's wrong with the idea, sup
posing entertained itT
Everything" said Claude, all the
kindness gone from the blue eyes.
TITS a bad idea. It would mess up
my plans. If necessary. I'm prepared
to rope and tie you. to prevent it"
He leaned across the table, his eyes
growing soft again: "Why boy, can't
you see? There's some women you
can rush, and others you've gotta let
run little before you throw the rope
OF course, haven't been so success
full In my own affair that should set
up for guide, but I know about
Mary. II were you'll wouldn't"
Enough said," Ned quickly agreed.
"But once over the water. G. NJ, I'll
play my game without Interference
Claude's caution prevented Ned
meeting his father. Loren Rangeley
babe Mrs. Johnston an impressive
farewell. He carried himself so pa
ternally toward Mary that only her
fear of antagonizing her mother pre-
vented her from raging aloud against
him
The same jealousy. in different
degree. prevented Mrs. Johnston from
telling Mary Of Ned's message The
sight Of his flowers. a modest bunch
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