Askov American. [volume] (Askov, Pine County, Minn.) 1914-current, 1927-08-04

long moment, Wnlle ner mOCncr
watched her. Bring out your jewel
ry, Mother, and I'll bring out mine.
Rent must be paid, you know. We
can do without servants"
Mrs. Johnston put her hand on her
daughters arm as Mary rose from
the floor. Don't dear. can 90 to
New York and borrow money on the
land, I'm sure. / was making up my
mind to that when you came in"
Mary turned away and looked down.
All the excitement had gone out of
her face. It was pale when she turned
back to her mother.
"Motherl You were going to Loren
Rangeleyl Promise me you won't"
MARY Johnston !"
Don't you think I know? I've
known right along that that pale, cold,
bloodless-yes, 1 know he's great
banker, but he looks like money
lender. I know he wants to marry
you. Oh Mother! If you go to him,
he'll ask you, and If you do, just to
be comfortable, I'll never forgive you.
I'd rather work for you myself, all
the days of my life!"
Mary" Mrs. Johnston sat up
against her pillows and regarded her
daughter as though she were a stran-
ger. II didn't know you felt 80 strong
ly, or that Mr.. Rangeley's motives
were 80 evident. Don't worry. When
he hears I'm practically penniless,
won't seem so desirable In his eyes.
Mary, stop crying. I never knew
anything $3.50 silly"
"It isn't silly, not so very" Mary
shifted, trying to regain her self-con-
troll. "rve hated him good and hard
for long time, and 1 just loathe
seeing him with you"
Her mother patter Mary's shoulder.
81 only thought Of him-for your
sake"
you'd lose me-" Mary told her firm
ly. I'D 60 and work anywhere first
even in Dabbs' grocery store"
Her mother started. There won't
be any question Of that. Bother,
there's the car. Send that boy away,
Mary"
wouldn't 1t do you good to 60 out?"
"No 1t wouldn't. Leave me alone
with my thoughts and my novel. 1
want to 60 over everything by myself,
calmly. Well tackle the jewel prob
lem tonight, after I've had my think"
"Then I might as well MOTOR" said
Mary.
Mrs. Johnston frowned
II don't like it. But go and ride
with your localized grocer's clerk, If
you want to. Remember, always, that
Mothers wary eye will be upon you
when yod return. I'd forbid you, Of
course, If l didn't know you'd do 1t
anyway and never tell me the inter-
esting details"
They smiled the smile Of perfect
understanding.
"And, of course" Mrs. Johnston ad-
mitted nobly, II want to know every
thing. Don't cheat me Of a single
thrill, Mary"
Mary kissed her. Mrs. Johnston
raised herself on a firm white elbow
and called to Mary's back: ride on
the rear seat, Mary, and don't forget
that you're poor now, very poor, in
deed"
Mary could visualize the impish
smile on her mothers face that &C.
companied this remark.
She had fully intended at least be-
ginning the drive on the rear seat, but
after that, and hoping her mother was
at the window to see, she climbed to
the seat beside Ned, announcing:
Mothers not coming, and you're
to please take me a different route
today"
Mrs. Johnston was not at the win
dow. Her face was set and hard as
she tried to make up her mind wheth-
er she would let this grocery shop sit
uation develop before she belted to
New York, or bolt now. It was puz-
zling, but to go now might solve
Mary's problem and her own. The
solution, however, was very difficult,
through lack of available funds.
In his office, G. M. Dabbs, once more
embarked on his difficult task Of COM
position, wrote, tore up and rewrote,
all afternoon. When he finally ceased
writing he had completed short note,
which he thrust into his pocket, care
fully destroying the others. He still
could not decide whether or not to
send it.
Dorothy .Selden, having waited In
vain for some sign Of just anger, or
at least indignation. from Ned, had
again the privilege Of seeing him ride
by, happy and contented, with Mary
Johnston seated serenely beside him.
It was not to be borne. Dorothy threw
herself suddenly, but gracefully, into
the chair at the writing desk, and seiz-
ing telegraph blank and pen, wrote
rapidly. When she had finished, the
message read:
"Ned here under assumed name.
What shall / do?
Dorothy Selden."
II was directed TO Loren LOrimer