Jasper County Democrat, Volume 22, Number 1, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 2 April 1919 — THE PEMBERTONS [ARTICLE]

THE PEMBERTONS

By SARAH B. INGHAM

icopyrtghi. ISIS. by the McClure Newipaper Syndicate.) Beth was aroused from her rending by a heavy chugging sound out aid*. Looking out she naw a young man darting here and there about a large touring car. Evidently something had gone wrong with the machine. Pulling out his watch he exclaimed to himself, “Only ten minutes to catch Aunt Sue on that train. I’ve got to make it somehow. Ah! I know what Til do. Perhaps I can borrow that horae I see in there.” Beth was all alone and grew quite excited when she saw the young man running toward the back door, for already she had thought that he was rather nice. She answered the hurried knock, and the young man said, "Excuse me, madam, but could I borrow your horse and carriage that I see out there? My machine has broken down, and I'm to meet my aunt at the station in eight minutes. I really must be there. I'd take good cure of your property and return It very soon if —” Beth was puzxled. Should she let her prize horse go Into the hands of a stranger, and what would her parents say if she did? Seeing that she hesitated, the young man drew a card from a case, passed it to her and said, “You know my machine is yours until your outfit is returned to you. You really would oblige me so much if you would let me take it.” Were her eyes deceiving her, or was it really true that she had known this young man before? While a young girl, and when visiting an aunt in New’ York, she had met at a party a boy by this name, and perhaps it was the same one. Ten minutes seemed like hours now, for the young maid was quite anxious for the return of the stranger. No wonder they hadn't recognized each other, for it hud been six years since they had met. The incoming train gave its usual shrill toot and Beth pictured Aunt Sue alighting from It, with the assistance of her nephew. Ah! they were coming down the road now. Black Beauty was prancing along at high speed, knowing that her mistress was waiting for her. “Well, we're back safe and sound, and I surely appreciate the loan of your outfit. I see you are guarding my car—l mean yours, ha, ha. This is my aunt. Miss—” “Pemberton,” interrupted Beth. “Pemberton! Did you say Pemberton?

“Why, say, are you the Ruth Pemberton that visited the Smiths in New York about six years ago?” “I think I can answer for that person, Mr. Primrose,” and now she displayed two delightful dimples. A Hands were shaken and a rapid conversation commenced. “You see we arrived Monday from New York, and we are staying at the Burns cottage for the summer. It’s sure jolly to find an old friend close by. Now 1 think if you will trust me again I’ll drive Aunt Sue home and tht>n we can re. sume our talk.” Later in the evening when Mr. and Mrs. Pemberton returned they were very much surprised to find their daughter entertaining a young man on the piazza, but when Bgth told them her' story and after they were introduced he was made most welcome, and this welcome was a lasting one, for the following year he became a son-in-law to Mr. Pemberton, Esq.