The Bluffton news. [volume] (Bluffton, Ohio) 1875-current, 1939-08-03

I could have one happy moment
with my mind on Jtldy?"
Bob had looked at her, and then
looked away. Have you thought
that you might get the money from
Towne?"
Her startled gaze had questioned
him. "Get money from Mr..
Towne?"
Eyes. Oh, why not, Janey? He'll
do anything for you."
'But how could pay him?"
There had been dead silence, then
Bob said, "Well, he's in love with
you, isn't he?"
"You mean that I can-marry
hirn?"
Eyes. Why not? Judy says he's
crazy about you. And, Jane, it's
foolish to throw away such chance.
Not every girl has it."
But, Bob. I'm not-in love with
him"
You'll learn to care-He's de-
lightful chap, I'd say" Bob was
eager. Nov look here, Janey, I'm
! talking to you like Dutch uncle.
1t isn't as if were advising you
to do it for our sakes. 1t is for
your own sake, too. Why, it would
be great, old girl. Never another
worry. Somebody always to look
after you."
The wind outside was singing a
wild song, roaring, cynical song,
it seemed to Jane. She wanted to
say to Bob, "But I've always been
happy in my little house with Baldy
and Philomel, and the chickens and
the cats" But of course Bob could
say, You're not happy now, and
anyhow what are you going to do
about Judy?" -,.ssss.g...rv a..
Judy -~~--~@aias. .'a''''-- 'saa-A' s~fs-isEF
She had spoken at last with an eff
fort. ''I'l tell him to come over
after dinner. We can ride for a
bit" s
"Why not stay here? I'll be at the
hospital. And the storm is pretty
bad"
She had looked out of the window.
There's no snow. Just the wind.
And ! feel-Stifed."
1t was then that she had called up
Towne. 81 can't dine with you
Judy is desperately i'll )"
The houseworker had prepared a
delicious dinner. but Jane ate moth
ing. Bob's appetite, on the other
hand, was good. He apologized for
it. 81 went without lunch, I was
so worried"
The bell rang. Jane, going to the
door, found herself shaking with ex-
citement.
Frederick came in and took both
of her hands in his. I'm terribly
sorry about the sister. Is there any
thing l can do?"
She shook her head. She could
hardly speak. II thought if you
wouldn't mind, we'd go for a ride.
And we can talk"
Good. Get your wraps" He re-
leased her hands, and she went into
the other room. AS she looked into
the mirror she saw that her cheeks
were crimson
She brought out her coat and he
held it for her. rs this warm
enough? You ought to have fur
coat"
"Oh, shall be warm" she said.
AS he preceded her down the
stairs, Towne turned and looked up
| at her "You are wearing my rose, "
he told her, ardently; "you are like
| a rose yourself"
| She would not have been a woman
if she had not liked his admira-
| ton. And he was strong and ador-
| ing and distinguished. She had a
sense of almost happy excitement
| as he lifted her into the car.
where shall we driver" he asked.
"Along the lake. I love it on a
night like this"
The moon was sailing high in a
rack of clouds. AS they came to the
lake the waves writhed like mad
sea-monsters in gold and white and
| black.
Jane" Frederick asked softly,
what made you wear-my rose?"
She sat very still beside him. ''Mr
Towne," she said at last, 'tel me
how much-you love me-"
He gave start of surprise. Then
he turned towards her and took her
hand in his. Let me tell you this!
there never was dearer woman.
Everything that / have, all that
am, is yours if you will have it."
There was a fine dignity in his
avowal. She liked him more than
! ever.
do you love me enough"-she
| hurried over the words, ito help
| me?"
"Yes." He drew her gently to-
wards him. There was no struggle.
She lay quietly against his arm, but
he was aware that she trembled.
"Mr. Towne, Judy must have a
great specialist right away. It's her
only chance. If you will send for
him tonight, make yourself respon-
sible for-everything-I'll marry you
whenever you say"
He stared down at her, unbeliev-
ing. "Do you mean it, Jane?"
"Yes. Oh, do you think / am
dreadful?"
He laughed exultantly, caught her
up to him. Dreadful? You're the
dearest--ever, Jane"
Yet as he felt her fiuttering heart,
! he released her gently. Her eyes
were full of tears. He touched her
wet cheek. Don't let me frighten
| you, my dear. But am very hap
py."
She believed herself happy. He