Western news and the Libby times. [volume] (Libby, Mont.) 1920-1933, 1930-08-07

! that the swift kiss VIII had Imprinted
on her cheek had been seen, for papa
was flustered and hostile, and mamma
looked at her In pale reproach.
/ Mamma" said Ernestine, do you
+ remember VIII Todd?"
Mamma gave VIII her hand. and ne
moved awkwardly forward. looking
shabby and Ill at ease beside the mag
nlfcence and possession OF papa
and Loring.
We've just been talking about you,
mamma said to Will. II didn't know
until yesterday that you were such
friends with my little girl. I'm sorry
you haven't been here sooner
VIII murmured something, ana
Ernestine introduced him to her grand
mother, who looked at him severely
and gave slight snort Of recognition,
and then Lillian came and onered MIN
her hand and said she remembered
him. The two men straddling the
hearth acknowledged the introduction
with silent handshakes Mamma asked
VIII to sit down and rang for tea.
Ernestine. full OF guilt, sat down close
beside him and turned to speak TO
mamma.
! The conversation moved haltingly as
they waited for tea. Papa, somewhat
maliciously, asked VIII about his
father
Hes WE'LL" Will answered In
calm natural voice. But my mother
has been almost an invalid for a year
now We feel very anxious about
her."
I'VE are sorry to learn that said
mamma, and then went on quickly:
"What have you two children been
doing all day."
There was dramatic pause, but
Ernestine took it up quickly.
Mamma. you forget that am
twenty now"
They laughed politely. The ten;
wagon came, mamma poured tea for
them all, and they talked. OF things
about which VIII knew nothing.
Ernestine could see how they were
making him feel like an outsider. Sit
ting In the deep chair, his long legs
drawn up before him. VIII was not so
disturbing Her heart was full OF
tender loyalty.
-You have changed great deal"
mamma said to VIII. You used to be
shy little boy"
Il don't feel very shy today he
told her. and smiled at Ernestine.
His bright black eyes, like shiny
bits of anthracite, under his white,
domelike forehead, were beautiful, but
Ernestine knew that the others could
see nothing but his queer clothes.
TELL them, WILL" she said at last.
putting down her cup and taking bis
from him
They all stopped. and turned startled
faces toward the two. Will squared
himself and turned first to mamma.
We've gone and done It," he said.
smiling
Gone and done what?' asked
mamma sharply, and her pallor startled
them all. VIII
We've gone and got marrled-to
day"
Married. Who2'
II was papa's voice, harsh, protest
Ing.
-Ernestine and L." answered VIII
stnndfIv and nrinr co;d uNforrfaa ~.
In a hoarse. incredulous tone, and
Ernestine. looking up. saw his face. ms
pale as mammals, and as startled. With |
deep chagrin and CONSERVATION writ
ten on II. But none of the others no /
ticed him.
"lon see" said TrntTline gently. |
we were engaged anyhow. and when
nnmma invited VIII to Ten. today, /
thought we might just as well make II
an announcement party"
You thought !"
Certainly, pupa. Ii was my idea"
Not nj all." said VIII quickly.
But anyhow. we are married. know
this strikesfyou suddenly. sir, but we
just decided In haste. and as we want
but your blessing"
DO still" exclaimed papa passion.
ately, and he turned to Ernestlne.
Where were you married7 BY
whom?'
VIII took the conversation into his
own hands with deliberation.
I'VE went to town about noon, went
20 the courthouse and got our license.
then to a jeweler and bought the ring
and waited while 1t was engraved.
Ernestine held up her slim hand, and
showed the astonishing gold band on
her third finger. Then we took
AK out to my mothers house, got her
and went to the church was reared
n. In Avondale, and were married"
but why this mad haste?" SMUT.
cred papa, who was almost inco.
lerent. "Ernestlne," turning To his
laughter, In renewed determination
o have nothing TO do with VIII,
what's got into your am sure you
lave been under some dreadful inhu.
nee. / can't understand how you
ould act this way. cant be.
ievo IT."
- ~rAA Asx-{ l.