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Show LEHI FREE PRESS, LEH1. UTAH 11 Miss i aladpsnT By Christine Whiting Parmenter Sriot was staring at them all In blank WNU Copyright fcf yfcrtatiaa CHAPTER I Wbltlnc Parmantar V Dad was worried about somethlni. All through dinner Nancy bad been war of It Not once bad be taken part Id the conversation, and though outwardly unchanged (the girl was proud of her well groomed, youthful looking father) be seemed, somehow, miles and miles away. When even Jack's spirited account of Exeter's Tlctory at the game that afternoon quits failed to rouse blra. both aunts (lanced up, puzzled ; and Mother, saying: "Let's have our coffee In the living room," went to ber husband and touched bis shoulder. "What's wrong, Jim? Has something happened ?". startled Dad turned quickly, - ' .' ''' at the question, "Something has,"- - h admitted, pulling himself together with wnat seemed to all of them a tremendous effort, "and since the little boy's sway, It's a Don't bother good time to tell you. with coffee tonight, Margaret Come Into the other room and close the door. I I must get It over." But after all, James Nelson did not hare to break the news. It was hla later, always quick to grasp a situation, who asked as they gathered Id the living room: "Did that crash In the market today bit you very hard, -- Wlf ',- JImr Her brother nodded wet his lips, "I I'm down and out, Louise," he nswered ; but Nancy saw that he was looking at her mother. And Mother was looking at him, strangely. She seemed, thought the girl, stunned for just a moment "Down and out" James Nelson repeated grimly, still staring at his wife with eyes that bad grown haggard. "After all these years the firm's gone under. I thrnk I fear, Margaret, that we'll have to begin all over again." "Well," countered Mother, coming suddenly to life, "why not?" She sat down on the davenport beside Dnd, and put an arm across bis ghoul ders. "Tell us, dear, Just how bad everything Is." He drew a relieved breath, as If the worst were over. "Not so bad as It might be, perhaps. I can't go Into details now; but at least, I'm not In debt to others. That's the thought I held onto when I looked at the crowd of desperate, men In the stock exchange this afternoon a terrible scene. Their faces well, I wish I could forget them. . I went back to the office and Just sat there thinking trying to see my wayN I'm fifty-six- . It's not easy to start again at that age, Margaret This house Is yours; but we can't afford to live here. What hurts me most is that the hardest part will fall on you all of you, I mean. The servants, too; they'll have to go. And and Nance was to have had her V debut so soon!" "Oh, forget It I" The girl spoke because she couldn't have spoken otherwise without crying. "For my part" observed Jack, "I should think Sis would be relieved to get rid of all that fuss. I'll get a Job, Dad. I never was keen on college anyway. I was only going so's not to disappoint you. And I won't need Mary Ann If I go to work. She'll bring In something." "Mary Ann" was the boy's beloved roadster. James Nelson's eyes brightened suspiciously as he said: "You're good kids, both of you. I feel better already to have you meet this blow with so much pluck. I knew I could count on Mother; and Phil's too young to feel the hurt As for you two," (turning to his own sister and his wife's), "you're safe, thank heaven I That was my first grain of comfort-rel- ief that I'd put your money Into good, dependable bonds." "For mercy's sake!" broke In Aunt Louise, "Why didn't you tell us sooner? If Judy's savings and mine are still Intact, things aren't so bad. Even with that small capital you can start again, Jim." "If you think I'd touch a penny" he began, when Aunt Judy Interrupted. "Why shouldn't you? What would I have now, Jim, If you hadn't managed my affairs so carefully all these years? This crash In the market Is no fault of yours. Make him see sense, Margaret Of course he'll take our money If It will help." Said Mother: "Perhaps he won't seed to If we sell this house." "This Is no time to ell real estate," Dad told her, "but Tve no doubt we can rent It at a good price. And If we move to a small apartment, or even Into the suburbs for a while, so as to cut all possible expense. It will give me a chance to look around." "See here!" spoke up Aunt Judy as If surprised, "the place at Edgenier Is vacant now. Why not go there aud have no rent to pay?" Judith Hale had Inherited the family home at her father's death some fifteen years before; but Edsemere was more than twenty miles from the city, and as no one spoke for Just B'pment, she questioned: "Could you stand commuting, Louise? It would mean a pretty early start for you." "I offgbt to he able to stand it as well as Jim; it I could stay In town ' and Hut go home ,'or the week-endI'm thinking tx,bj Nance. It seems flip-pant- x hard to give up a debut and be torn from ail one'a young friends at the same time." This was a surprise, not only to Nancy but to ber elders. It was seldom that Louise Nelson, who taught fashionable girls' school, English In displayed sympathy of this sort She considered the debut foolish, unnecessary display, and bad said so repeatedly. She wanted Nancy to go to college and fit herself to be a teacher. It was amazing that In this time of stress she should give a thought to her niece's disappointment, and the girl i said: "Don't worry about me. If I'm not to come out In a blaze of glory. Aunt Louise, I'd almost rather be away somewhere." "Why shouldn't Nance go to work?" asked Jack abruptly. "She's almost nineteen. Lots of girls her age " "Oh, see here !" broke In her father, "I guess we'll manage without that I think your plan about Edgemere Is a good one, Judith, unless It sounds too hard for Margaret But of course I'd pay the rent like any other tenant" "Oh, no, you wouldn't!" Aunt Judy bristled with Indignation. "It's a pity If I'm not allowed to help after all you and Margaret have done for me. Don't I know that when I came here years ago you'd never have thought of engaging a mother's helper If you hadn't known I was lonely and adored the And later Margaret prechildren? tended to need a housekeeper, so I'd feel I wasn't Imposing on you to stay longer. Take the old house and use It Jim. I've always felt It was Margaret's as much as mine. Don't say the word rent to me again!" She 'was so obviously wrought up that Dad laughed a little; and Mother said: "Honestly, Judith, since we must go somewhere, It will seem heaven to go back home. But whatever we decide, Louise must do what's best for her. As for Jack, since this term's tuition at school is already paid, he may as well finish, I suppose." "Wouldn't they give the money back Dad?" questioned the boy. James Nelson glanced at his sister, the Inner workings of a private school being more In her line than his; and she responded: "In a case like this I believe they'd refund most of it; though If Jack wants to finish out the year I'll finance his expenses." "And. relinquish that European trip next summer?" countered her brother. She , colored, as If guilty of. some .' misdeed. "Oh, what's a European trip when I've been before? I'd hate to have Jack change schools, when he's done so well; and you've, set your heart on his going to Harvard, too. Let him stay where he is." The boy arose, standing with his back to the fire as he looked down at them. During the past year he had growp an appalling number of Inches, and like others who shot up with such rapidity, was far too thin. He snld, soberly : "With all due respect to you. Aunt Louise. I think I have a right to decide this thing myself, Td feel like a slacker to stay at an expensive school when Dad has lost his money and Nance Is giving up her party. Tou say I'm doing well In my studies, but It's only because I've crammed, and I'm sick of cramming. I'm no bright stnr, and you all know It. It's a shame to disappoint you, Dad, but I'm not going to college that Is," he added, "If I can help myself." His father answered: "But I wanted a son to graduate from my Alma Mater, boy." "Send Phil then. Phil's smart. He ll be a credit to you. Why, that kid knows more now than I did when I entered Exeter! I'm the dumbest member of the Nelson family, but I can get a Job that'll pay my board And If you ask me, so can Sis, If she's a mind to try." Aunt Judy had been listening at tentively to her nephew's words. Now she said: "He's right I think, about leaving Exeter. Jim. Let him work for a while. He can finish school a year later If all goes well: and the boy will be happier to feel that he's helping now." Said Jack, throwing her a grateful smile: "I can always count on 'our And Aunt shield and defender' 1" Judy continued: "It's really queer how things happen. It Just came over me that I'm out of a Job, myself 1" "The very Idea I" This was Mother. "While we've a roof over our heads. Judy, you've got one, too especially when the roof In question Is your own property !" Her sister laughed. "But you see, Margaret, I feel as Jack does. I'd rather be a help than a burden; and while he was talking I remembered that last week Caroline Spear told me she was hunting a suitable person to take her girls abroad. She said: 'Want the Job. Judith? They'll wear you to shreds but I'll pny well for It Of course I lauiliod at I thought with Nancy's the Idea. debut and everything, that I'd be needed here. But I'll call t'arollne tonight and see If she still mints me. I always get nb'iis with jniing folk. h'H If they keep me spiiiiliiiji nuijbc I'll reduce." . til wonderful, "Reduce!" Jack whistled expressively. "I wager that by the time you return to the land of the free. Aunt Judy, there'll be nothing left of you 'but just the bones and skin.' like that small, red hen you used to read about to us when we were kids. Those Spear twins are wild babies, believe me. Why don't they go to Europe by themselves?" "That's what I asked Caroline. Girls go everywhere alone these days. But it seems that their grandfather Is financing the trip and stipulated that they take a chaperon." "Chaperon!" burst from Nancy. "I didn't know they existed any more." "They do," smiled her aunt "Yon see one before you now, my dear, unless Trn too late to get the Job. Don't look so mournful. Jim. It's a wonderful chance to get a trip abroad." But her gay tone did not deceive them. Even Jack knew that Aunt Judy didn't want to go abroad with two restless young adolescents like the Spears. Dad said, after a moment : "Well, we can't decide everything tonight, and I'm dead tired. The thought of all these changes makes me a bit sick. But I do appreciate" He stopped, because, they all saw, It was Impossible to go on; and Mother brok In with her unfailing tact: "lt's get to bed, Jim. Ifs been n frightful day for you, but after a good aiargarci. a sn.-. m n w--- she She's so ambitious for Nancy, yet He And Jack! never whimpered. helpexcept didn't consider anything to give np ing his father. Offered the boy eWhy. hand Mary Ann. Ana that car! worships tears), (Aunt Judy winked back the "i .unfed to err for her, poor darling! over She's been so thrilled and excited this debut on As for the girl herself, she lay asto r trying beautiful her semble her shattered world. It seemed Incredible that such a thing could happher. It Just couldn't be true. en-to is Edgemere," she mused, "is four-poste- "Why. One migni place. Jumping-of- f well be burled alive. I don't see how . i".v.-- .vfill T , even Jiotner can euuure it, ae,Ul with no Aunt Judy to help out tome bath-rnnto think of It. there's only one She I" entire family fur the threw a glance toward the door that led bath; ana, as to her own white-tileif she could see into the closet that lay beyond, a vision of the new gowns hanging there, waiting ber entrance Into what Jack called "the social swirl," rose up before ber, and the girl's eyes misted. "I'll never wear them now," she pondered unhappily. 'And my white fur evening wrap! I wish I hadn't saved Maybe the it for the great event IU It though. will take back, shop I never use It In In Edgemere. wish I could get a Job like Jack; but what good am I? Aunt Louise was I can't earn my salt not right to mention my silk stockings. . . . Wbat'll the girls say, and the boys, when they hear the news? . . . Not that It matters. . . Poor Dad! How he hated to tell us. . . . I'd like to help him, but but I'm Just useless. . . . Can't even earn my board. . . . No one would pay me. . . ." Nance turned her head. The door was opening cautiously, and as she switched on a bedside light the girl saw her brother, clad In pajamas and a bathrobe. "What on earth do you want this time of night?" she questioned. "Is the - . ! m d ... ... it 1 'if' "Tell Us, V Dear, Just How Everything Is." Bad sleep things will look brighter. As for' me, I really believe It will be a relief to go back to Edgemere and drop all this 'keeping np with Lizzie.' " She arose, a courageous smile curving her Hps; but her hand sought Nancy's with a little squeeze which said as plainly as any words: "I understand, daughter; but we mustn't let him guess our disappointment." Darkness descended on the housethat night, but not rest Plans and more plans whirled through James Nelson's tired head for hours. Margaret, thinking him asleep, lay very still, pondering many things-Na- nce mostly. This change was going to be hard for the girl. Louise had said they were spoiling her, and perhaps they had ; but she was their only No knowing what life daughter.. would bring her later on, and they'd so wanted her to have a happy youth a carefree youth. Parties. Gaiety. Good times. And Nancy was Somehow she pretty. seemed made for jist tat life. Already a row of new and lovely gowns hung In her closet awaiting the thrillMoving cautiously, ing days ahead. the girl's mother wiped away a tear. In the room above Louise Nelson lay staring at a patch of brightness on the celling, drifting In from a street light far below. She. too, wns thinking about Nancy. "If only they'd taught her to be something besides a butter lly." she told herself, "this blow wouldn't come so hard. Not that the child hasn't got good courage, It showed this evening though. when she kept a stiff upper Hp while her house of cards tumbled to pieces before her eyes. That's the pioneer spirit my father used to talk about, showing up In a softer generation 1 dare say. But she can't do a thing to help. Not a thing. No training whatever. Not that she'd have had much time for training at her age; hut I doubt if the girl has ever made a bed !" Across the hall Aunt Judy was fight ing homesickness. She adored her family. It wns hard for her to leave and here them even for a week-enslio was destined to spend six months In Europe with those "crazy" Spear girls. It was all settled. In her relief at the suggestion Mrs. Spear had almost cheered over the telephone. "1 suppose," Aunt Judy scolded herself, "that anyone would s.iy I was In luc k. A trip abroad and a good sabir.v But the truth just when it's needed. cimkln-Is, I'd rather be at for tt: family! I do think they're hold early pretty-astonish- ingly d: ; the house Without answering, Jack closed the two windows noiselessly and sat down on the foot of Nancy's bed, drawing his knees up under his chin. "Sis," he began In a mysterious whisper, "I've got a perfectly corking scheme. Have have you forgotten Cousin Columbine's proposition?" Cousin Columbine's proposition! Nancy had not given it a thought since the week before when Jack, home from school for an unexpected Sunday, had met the postman at the door and brought a letter into the dining room where the family was at dinner.. d "It looks like a screed from Dad's venerable relative In Colorado," the boy observed, "tou read it aloud, Aunt Lou." He tossed the missive deftly across the table where tt landed within an Inch of his aunt's plate. She said, re"But It's for garding the address: your father." Dad smiled. "Read on, my dear. It can't be very private. The old lady hasn't written for a long time. What can she want?" "To spend her remaining days with us, perhaps," opined Jack fearfully as he sat down and his aunt drew some finely written pages from the envelope. "What's she say, Aunt Lou?" "Give me time to find out, please," she returned with a touch of sarcasm ; and then read: "Dear Cousin James: It is some months since any news of relatives has reached my me; and now I am writing to ask what I trust will not be regarded as a long-winde- far-dista- favor" "What'd I say?" broke in Jack. "She wants to live with us! I felt something something ominous creep down my spine when the postman handed me that letter. Go on. Quick." Louise Nelson, always Impatient at Interruptions, paused for an aggravating moment before continuing: "'. a favor. I suppose 1 am getting old" "Old Is right 1" burst Irrepressibly from Jack again. "Why, she's a pioneer, Isn't she? One of those covered wagon people who" "Ssh!" warned his mother; while her sister-in-lathrowing the boy what In the vernacular of his generation is referred to as "a hard look." continued: '. . . for I find it more difficult to do for myself, and the neighbors feel that I should no longer remain alone at night In this large mansion." Louise Nelson paused for Just a moment as If awaiting her nephew's comment, but as none was forthcoming she went on : 'I had hoped to secure the services of Mary Taylor, the daughter of our good postmaster; but she has other plans, for which, on the whole, I am relieved. Girls are not what they were In my day, but after all, blood will tell, so I am askln-yo- ur daughter Nancy to start for uoiorauo as soon as ' "Well, talk of nerve!" This wns Jack once more, but no one thought to reprove him for the Even his Aunt Louise Interruption. appeared unconscious of It Dad sat erect. Mother's suddenly mouth opened, and stayed that way a minute Aunt Judy bristled: "What's the woman thinking of J" while Nancy herself amazement Me?" she gasped, after a speech lesi moment "The very Idea!" said Mother, Ending her voice. "For Pete's sake, read on," commanded Jack and as they all leaned forward in sudden Interest Louise Nelson said: "Let s see, where was I? Oh, here'l the place . .. as soon as possible. fixed Though I know you are well Infinancially, my dear cousin, I shall sist on paying the girl's traveling expenses. I also agree to give her twenty-five dollars every month, and her will not be arduous. " duties old "They'd better not be. if the by done 'em to get lady expects Nance," observed Jack dryly ; and hla aunt continued: "'As I believe I have mentioned In previous communications, my good neighbor, Aurora Tubbs, does my on cooking and house cleaning, though and my Ideas the latter subject her own not Infrequently clash. I should expect your daughter to dust the mansion neatly every morning; do her own washing" At this point, unable to restrain himself a moment longer, Jack gave vent to a sort of war whoop; and bis aunt "Really, declared In exasperation: Jack, If you can't keep still until 1 finish, someone else may have the pleasure of reading this ridiculous proposal." "Oh, go on, Louise," placated Dad. "What else does she expect of Nance for that munificent salary?" "Strict obedience, I Judge, The Litter says: 'If she goes out of an evening I shall expect her to be in n( t later than nine-thirtmy bedtime; and though I prefer that she should entertain no young men callers, if such a thing occurs they must leave at the same hour." Annt Louise paused, amused eyei meeting Nancy's as Jack chuckled: "No boy friends for our Nance? That settles the matter, Dad. Just wire your antiquated cousin that your charming daughter doesn't qualify for the position." "Keep still," begged Nancy. "I never heard anything so so wild In my whole life!" Louise Nelson was smiling now. "You are to read the daily paper to Cousin Columbine, Nance," she said. "And listen to this: 'If handy with her needle I should want the girl to do a bit of dressmaking now and then. She would get supper on Thursdays (Aurora's evening off), and In case of Illness on my part It might bo necessary for her to wait upon me. That Is all, I think' And It's enough," declared Aunt Louise, Interrupting herself this time, "I Judge they haven't met the servant problem at Pine Ridge, Colorado !" "What she wants Is a slave," asserted Jack. "I can't quite see my decorative sister being nurse, dressmaker and cook to a prehistoric old lady one hundred-odd years old. Can you. Dad?" "Well, hardly," agreed Dad. "Is that all, Louise?" "Very nearly. She says: 'Let me know what time Nancy will arrive at Colorado Springs, and I will send some trusty person to meet her with an automobile, as Pine Ridge Is on a branch road and our only train leaves early in the morning. If no one greets her on arrival, instruct her, please, to sit quietly In the station until called for.'" A girlish chuckle escaped Judy. Aunt "You can check yourself In the parcel room, Nance! Proceed, Louise, 1 beg pardon for Interrupting." Jack winked at one aunt as the other retorted: "You're as bad as the children, Judith. But there's not much more. She says: 'I feel sure that this experience will improve yout daughter.' How's that, James?" Said Dad, with spirit: on earth should she Imagine "Why that our Nancy needs Improvement?" "And how would she get It In a little one horse western town?" asked Mother. "This way," smiled Aunt Louise, to the missive: "'She would get away from the narrow New Eng. land viewpoint She would learn some- " fastness of her coun- - RETIRING CHIE1 OF STATE Faced WITH DIRE CAR The problem confronts President Is a difficult one! tried to support himself in rjf with a partner. He kaew about business matters and rh. SalwaXt'0 J of his life, through a longtime ended In hi, death. memoirs. In order to get B " President Eoosevelt once reml that any man who had been 1 life long enough to be President so lost touch with his prenoo. fession or business that making , lng of the sort required by bj atl! tion was often a serious probuT He pointed to the case of who after his retirem after hla second term wa supplement hla Income by wrImf .. for ma?n7.In9 --Plnaii. u, uia rriend Thomas F. Ryan, """j obtained hi. polntment at a good salary as a tn ice lur uie majority stock of life insurance society, which relieved him of financial worries. President Taft retired to a 4W Z il tS?7 -- fled lectureship in the Tan. i. school until his appointment to i, Supreme court President Coolidg, had saved enough of his salary te support him. But he supplemented his Income by his writings. He wii of a placid temperament and so wai content to live as a sort of national sage at Northampton. It has been suggested that tht t great experience of ought to be available to the eonntrj dj an automatic retirement to tht federal senate. This would requirt a Constitutional amendment To tht objection that such procedure would state mort give the than two members of the senate, tht answer Is made that an more than any other man, hat a national rather than a state viewpoint and allegiance. Kansas City Star. Proof Potitir The moon shone down brightly the two lovers nestled together the park bench. He was whispering sweet Into her ear. ta a nothing! "Darling," he cooed, "darling, I swear I have never loved like this before." She started. "Oh, Jack," she exclaimed, "yon know that Isn't true. How about when yon ran Into a tree when yon were out with Doris, and a telegraph pole with Mary?" NEVER FELT BETTER SINCE SHE LOST 33 POUNDS OF FAT Three months ago I started nanj Kruschen and weighed 201 lbs. Todr after starting my 4th jar I've lost SB IDs. ana am in pens condition really I never felt so wel Mrs. B. C. Terr, Tampa, Fla. Don' stay fat unattractive when it's so tsA B easy wd anf to iret rid ble chins, ugly of dou hip-- and unbecoming plumpness on upper arms at the bum time build np strength nd mcreas-tality-fe- el younger and keep free J acidity, indigestion, headaches, fatigna and shortness ct breath. Just take a half teaspoonful of Kn ehen Salts first thing every moronce a a glass of hot water. If not joyWVr satisfied with results of one 85 cent from Mf (lasts 4 weeks) money back But mm drugstore the world over. SAFE wT sure yon get Kruschen the to reduce. PARKFR'S IB FLORESTON UAIS RALSAMF Mr EamoVM Impair Color ed s Duidrett-Stoo- F''? nd mi""p- - to Gray Beuly 60c ana i .t SHAMPO- O- hair soft and fluffy. 60 cents by mail 8tb ta. Hiacox Chemical Works. PatthoguftM- ltfhjn Blisters, crscVed skin, ana nwburning soon relieved promoted with sootrung ResinoU Salt Lake City's fewest Hotel try "I suppose she means those great open spaces' we read about," laughed his aunt--"- Snjr " self-suppo- rt Aunt Louise looked call that the--the up. , "Well - very limit!" TO WB COXTINCED. When Jr.iwl(iit'iri nf f -i- he satisfaction of being lng. Please write at once, and believe ne. dear James, your affcotionaf though unseen cousin, Columbine Gun. Do Not Fir. sr., .iru t Wetl 1 iff" M HOTEL TEMPLE SQUARE 200 Rooms 200TAeViAt Radio connection in RATES FROM every f"0 5 luil MtMli Uormo Tui" ERNEST C ROSSITEM |
