Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1932-06-12

up to you. Sorry. but here's Mr.. Beckett. He's
trainin' Lucy to speak piece, an he's goin' to
drive me over to the Town Hail."
All that night, and the next forenoon bitter
struggle waged in the mind and heart Of Luke
Draper. All the town was a-twtter about the
evening exercises at the Town Hall. When
upon reaching home in the afternoon, he found
a note from Jenny stating that Lucy had been
invited to dress at the home of schoolmate
who lived near the Town Hall, thus saving taxi
fare he felt the loneliness of utter rout Not
even word that he be present that evening
the evening his girl was to graduate!
But yes-laid out On his bed with meticulous
care were his Sunday toys, everything from col
lar to socks. At the sight bit of warmth
touched the cold place where his heart should be.
Suddenly a thought came. with such unex-
pectedness. and of such momentous possibility
it purpled his face and set his hands shaking.
A watch-the watch he had promised Lucy for
a graduation present! There might be time,
even now, to purchase one-redeem, in part,
his pledge.
TOO late for the bank, and not enough money
about him. Luke bethought him of a hid
den store secreted at odd times, for many
months, in an old teapot down at the fish
house. There ought to be enough for a watch
$50 at the very least
1t was already after o'clock-stores closed
at S. Luke's progress the uneven stones
and steps was more than usually laundering
because of the queer. shaky feeling in his legs
He threw open the door at last, hosted him.
self on the work bench. and reached up to a
certain rafter where the precious teapot lay
concealed
With fingers that trembled he inverted it
over one cupped hand, experiencing vague
qualm at its lack of weight. The qualm spread
almost to nausea as, shake as he might no
single cent dropped from the yawning cavity
Somehow Luke reached seat close to the
front at the Town Hall, full Is minutes before
the time scheduled. He was hot perspiring
From ESTABLISHMENT as much as heat. Then
bright idea struck him. He pulled from his
pocket single five two twoS and one dollar
bill These he wrapped in an old envelope
Laboriously, with the stub of worn pencil he
scrubbed on its outer surface:
Here's some of what promised you Rest
later Father"
Take this into the dressing room and give
1t to my girl-see!" he said to one of the boys
who was actirg as usher, and who went grin
ming on the errand.
1t wasn't more than five minutes later that
the music broke into a march. and on both
sides OF the stage came flock of bows and
girls. Luke broke into clammy perspiration
What ii his Lucy didn't measure up to the
othersi Showed up his stinginess! That's what
it was, he admitted miserably just plain
StingineSS.
He made her cut at last. Head of the row
by graciousi And lovely! With keenness for
detail never before accorded to any woman's
gown, Luke studied the dainty ruffles that rose
like ocean foam. from Lucy's ivory satin Slip
pers even to her shoulders
But what was that sparkling on her wrist?
If it wasn't a watch! Now how in timenation
and what of the $40 he had sent up?
Almost he regretted But just then the
boy usher thrust into his hand program, on
which was scrubbed. in Lucys delicate writing:
Bless your dear heart-thank you! But
you've done quite enough already"
1t was confusion worse COMPOUNDED But
through it all Luke perceived that Lucy his
girl. was first in the class, outranking them all!
From then on Luke could hold up his head
with the rest. Could clap, loud and unendingly
after Lucy had made the finest recitation ever
by criminy!
1t was over at last. Congratulations given
and taken Lucy staying for the dancing
Jenny hurrying to get her wraps.
Luke extricated himself with what speed he
could, fired with an overwhelming desire to be