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About Heppner herald. (Heppner, Or.) 1914-1924 | View Entire Issue (April 3, 1923)
Tuesday, April 3, 1923 THE HEPPNER HERALD, HEPPNER, OREGON PAGE FIVE (Continued from page three) .touched the peak of his cap. He watched the automobile disappear at a most unepiseopal pace down the back drive. When it was out of sight, Billy walked very slowly to his quarters over the garage. CHAPTER XXVII "We won't scold her any more to day, Tony dear," said Lady Scroope, with the daintiest note of pleading in her voice, "will we?. This extremely naughty child. She has had a rough time." "Yes," said Lord Scroope, heavily, "that is what I feel, Delicia. We we must temper justice with mercy." Aimee sat between her two stern parents on the lounge in the library at Scroope Towers. A night's rest had not restored the color to her cheeks. Her eyelashes were slightly wet. She smiled faintly. "You dear people," said Aimee, stealing a hand into her mother's. while the other clasped the long white fingers of her sire, "you haven't scold ed me at all. What you ought to do is to beat me. It's no use my trying to tell you how sorry I am. There aren't any words for it." "Aimee dear," said Lady Scroope, stroking her hair, "try and look a little less tragic, This isn't like you. It's all over now." "Is it?" said Aimee wistfully. "I am glad, mummle. I've told you both the story, all over and over. I've tried to make it clear. It's a fearful tangle, I know. You have both been so sweet about it." "It is finished," said Lord Scroope gently. "I am so devoutly thankful, Aimee, to find you have come safely through the dangers which beset you at Jervaulx what might have hap pened appals me to think of that It is impossible to be harsh. And and it distresses me to see you looking so un happy. For the first time in your life. I can never remember to have seen you in such a mood." Aimee stood up. "The thing I want to know," she said, piteously, "is, what about Billy? You won't answer me. Mummle, you, I know, will understand. If I lose Billy, Ijjon't care whether I live or die. That is all." Lord Scroope passed his fingers through his snowy hair. Aimee's mother put an arm round her and led her out of the room. "Go upstairs and rest for awhile, Baby," . said Lady Scroope, gently. -lou are very ureu, and there has In a few minutes Lady Scroope re turned. "This," said her husband, sadly, "Is the most distressing aspect of the whole affair." "I had a long talk with Aimee this morning," said Lady Scroope, "and it isn't a thing we can dismiss lightly, Tony. I know the child better than you do." She reflected. "This Eil this Mr. Spencer appears to be rather remarkable." "If we can trust Aimee's account," said Lord Scroope gloomily. "But a young man picked up by the wayside," he added with a bewildered air. "My dear Delicia !" "He is not English, Is he?" "American, I understand. It seems curious," said Lord Scroope, pensively, "but I believe he is the first American I have met." His wife laid a small white hand on his shoulder. "Tony, darling," she said laughing, "you know very little of the world, but one thing at least you know. You saw this man. Is lie a gentleman?" Lord Scroope paused. "Whatever else he may not be, he is that." "I rather gathered it from what I heard of him." "Jint Delicia" The butler entered with a card on a tray. Lord Scroope Inspected the card. It bore the name "Hiram B. Itivington," which conveyed nothing to Lord Scroope ruder it, in pencil, were the words, "About Mr. William Spencer." "Is the bearer of this below?" asked Lord Scroope. "Yes, m' lord. He wishes ,to see your lordship urgently." Lady Scroope glanced at the card, and suppressed her curiosity nobly. "I shall leave you to receive this vis itor, Tony," she said. "I do not think Aimee ought to be left alone just now." She retired. A very large, clean shaven man with a rectangular jaw and thin, humorous lips, was ushered into the library. He was attired in roomy gray tweeds, his eye twinkled faintly, and there was something com pelling about his presence. "Lord Scroope?" he Inquired, bowing courteously. "It's very good of you to recelre a stranger. I thought that my nephew William. Spencer, would, he JJe. "HiTpromised me to arrive arm., now. I rne It's something big that's delayed him." "Is Mr. Spencer yonr nephew?" said Lord Scroope guardedly. "That is so. Tou know him, I think." "It is hardly the word. I know less than nothing of him. Mr. Rivington." "Correct. He feels, and so do I, that a proper explanation is due to you, Lord Scroope. I don't know the whole story, but circumstances have impelled William, by no choice of his own, to break into the society of East-shire county in a way that would probably be called unusual down here. He came to London and consulted me last night He was very much distressed which isn't usual with him. It's only fair to William that his credentials should be presented, and I think I'm the man to do it I should like, Lord Scroope, to tell about Billy." Ird Scroope stiffened. But there wag an uncommon dignity In Mr. Ely- Ington; there was also something re markably likable about him. He ap peared to have very strongly the Spen cer gift of attraction. "Will you be seated, Mr. Rivington. I will give my attention to what you have to say." Mr. Rivington twinkled again, then became grave. "I should have thought," he said, subsiding gently into an old bergere chair, "that it was enough for anyone to meet William to size him up. How ever, he is the son of my only sister, and of the late Liudon Spencer of Den ver. Who was, on the whole, the finest man I ever knew in the course of a life that has been described as varied and comprehensive. And Billy is as good as his father. I wish you had met Lin den." 'I appreciate what you say," replied Lord Scrope. "I do not gather, how ever, what Mr. Silencer's occupation id." "He has developed himself as a mo tor engineer." "I know so little of mechanics " be gan Lord Scroope. "Mechanics," said Mr. Rivington, smiling, "are, of course, a matter of taste. They have un Interest for me." A light dawned suddely on Lord Scroope. "Is it possible," he said, "that you are the the author as it were of the Itiv ington motorcar?" "That among other things," said the visitor pleasantly. Lord Scroope looked bewildered. It was not possible, however ignorant one might be of mechanics, not to have heard of the Itivington automobile. Nor, however casual a reader of the secular press, could one avoid the echoes of the fame of that solid manip ulator of millions, that human comet of progress, Hiram B. Rivington. The name on tiie pasteboard had not till now connected with Lord Scroope's mind. He contemplated Mr. Rivington with wondering interest. "Mr. Spencer," lie said, "is Indeed fortunate in his uncle." "I would rather say that I'm fortu nate in my nephew," replied Rivington. "Billy doesn't need an uncle. In my country we haven't much use for a young man whose only assets are his relatives. Billy has made good by his own efforts, sir. He is the Inventor and proprietor of the Flying Sphinx motorcycle." "An experimental machine, I under stand. I hope, for Mr. Spencer's sake," said Lord Scroope, politely, "that it may prove ah successful." Mr. Rivington smiled. "The present model of the Sphinx, though a big advance on the others, is past the experimental stage. Of the first and second models, a quarter of a million have been sold in the States. The plant for the latest, on mass pro duction, is now being laid down. In the company that's being floated I hold a third control and I'm very thank ful that I have. Billy stands to clean up three hundred and fifty thousand dollars on the deal hard earnings." "I have not a very good head for fig ures, Mr. Rivington. Could you trans late that into terms of English cur rency?" "About seventy thousand pounds." Lord Scroope sat perfectly silent, gazing at Mr. Rivington. "But the youngster himself Is what I'm concerned with not what he's got. However," continued Rivington, look ing out of the window as a faint whir ring noise was heard below, "I see he's arrived, so I needn't say any more. But I'm very glad to have had this chance to speak for hiin. Billy isn't good at praising himself." Billy's card came up, and Billy short ly followed It. He iooked at Lord Scroope diffidently. "I shall be glad to have a few words with you, Mr. Spencer," said Lord Scroope with his most amiable air, "there was a staccato quality about our first meeting, that rendered a mutual understanding difficult." "The first duty of un uncle," said Mr. Rivington, is to realize when he's In the way. With your permission, Lord Scroope, I'll go below." He retired, leaving fhe two together, and drifted into the sunny morning room overlooking the lawn. In a few moments Lady Scroope came in. Mr. Rivington made himself known to her. In a very short time Lady Scroope had skillfully elicited from Mr. Rivington all the information he had given to her husband, and a good deal more. She bubbled with amusement and sympathy as the enthusiastic Rivington expound ed Billy's qualities. "I had a few words with your neph ew, Mr. Itivington, before he went up stairs," she said laughing, "a mosl magnetic and alluring young man. I tremble to think what his Influence may be on my simple-minded husband." Mr. Rivington, coloring with pleas ure, looked admiringly at the little lady, wondering how she came to have a daughter as old as Aimee who at that moment entered the room. Lady Scroope Introduced her guest. "Well"' murmured Mr. Rivington, holding Aimee's hand after shaking it and regarding her vivid beauty with the most intense appreciation, "I can understand Billy's anxiety now." "Do you mean to say," exclaimed Aimee, "that Billy Is here?" "He is at present with your father In the library, dear," replied her mother. Aimee departed hastily. "Aimee," her mother called after her. "you are on no accouut to Interrupt them." 'I'm going to be there when they come out I" said Aimee over her shoul der as she disappeared. The two elder people looked at each other, and both of them laughed. Mr. Rivington was charmed. Lady Scroop was wholly unlike his preconceived no tions of an English peeress. They re sumed their conversation and drifted out through the windows to the lawn near the entrance, where stood the Sphinx. The original Sphinx, with pillion-seat de luxe attached. Ten minutes later Lord Scroope, with a countenance that was positively animated, came toward them across the grass. "My dear Delicia !" he exclaimed. "1 have no objection to saying, even be fore Mr. Rivington, that William Spen cer is a most remarkable young man. Not only has his conduct all through the affair been admirable, but his char acter appeals to me very greatly. There Is more innate honesty, more of the very essence of religion, in that young fellow, than I have yet encountered in anyone of his age." Mr. Rivington, coloring still more deeply, looked at his lordship with ap preciative eyes. Lady Scroope smiled. "Tony, dear, I have seldom heard you express yourself so warmly ; and as a judge of character you have taught me to regard you as infallible. Certainly, from the rather brief interview I had with Mr. Spencer I formed a similar opinion. But do I understand that you have -J" "Hem," said Lord Scroope, with some slight confusion, "we appear to be moving rather ah rapidly. I feel " He broke off, apparently at a loss, as Billy and Aimee came towards them across the lawn, side by side. There was something Olympian in Billy's as pect and the splendor of his smile. Aimee was radiant and glowing. Lord Scroope scarcely recognized in her the pallid and distressed young woman who had returned from Jervaulx. It was as though an errant descendant of the gods had restored his duughter to him. "Dad !" said Aimee. "You've been splendid, dear. And I want to sny all the nice things to Billy's uncle, that I haven't had a chance to, yet." "I hope," said Lord Scroope, wrin kling his brow ia perplexity as he and his wife stood in the library some hours later, after the departure of the visitors, "that I have not been too precipitate. Have I committed my self too far, Delicia?" Lady Scroope pushed her husband gently 'nto an armchair and perched herself on the ami of It. "If you mean, dear," she said, stroking his hair, "did you definitely accept Billy Spencer as a prospective son-in-law you certainly did. And a very good thing, too." "Did I really?" murmured her hus band. "I hardly recognize myself to day, Delicia. It seems very precipi tate. There are so many things to consider to verify " "I haven't the slightest doubt that will be all right. Two of the sound est people I ever came across." "But what" "What I like about Americans," said Lady Scroope, "when a proposition that's what they call it, I think when a proposition Is clear, they don't waste time. I like people who don't waste time It makes life so much less com plicated." "I am certainly conscious of a great access of happiness." "Yes. Because Aimee Is So happy. And Aimee's happiness Is a very infec tious quality. Still, at the moment, Tony dear, you are looking a little worried and anxious. Why?" "The one rift in the lute," said Lord Scroope regretfully, "is this break with the Jervaulx household. Family quarrels are always petty and undig nified. I fear the affair has alienated Erythea. I hope I did not convey the Impression that I disapproved of Alex ander's marriage. Really It Is an ex cellent thing for Georglna, and he will have a most worthy wife." "I," said Lady Scroope, kissing the top of his head, "will make the pence with Erythea. Although she disap proves of my moral character, I am (lie only person she really listens to. I will go over tomorrow and pave the way. I've already talked that over with Mr. William Spencer," she tidied, twinkling, "and he will accompany me. I am persuaded he has great Influence there. I suggest a double wedding here at Scroope. It will suit Erythea much better than at Jervaulx as things are! Have no fear, Tony. It shall be arranged." CHAPTER XXVIII "All's Well" "What," said Aimee, with a little touch of scorn, "are you looking so frightened about, Georgle dear?" "I'm n-not frightened," said Geor glna faintly, smoothing her white silk sleeve with a tremulous hand and glancing at the spray of orange-blossoms on the boudoir table. "I'm su premely happy. But one ought to feel a little frightened, surely? Are not you?" "Not a bit" Georglna regarded her ceusln with a faintly shocked expression, that changed slowly into a gaze of admi ration. ' "How perfectly lovely you look, Aimee !" "Yes, don't I," returned Aimee sim ply, Inspecting herself In the long mirror. "Isn't Billy lucky!" She suddenly encircled Georgina's waist with her arm. "I'm so glad you're happy, Georgle dear. Everybody's got to be happy today; even Aunt Erythea. In half an hour you and Alexander will stand at the altar. Don't tremble like that. I and Billy will be dose to you. Dad will marry all four of us with splendid composure and dignity. There's nothing to le afraid of. Dad Is at his best In emergencies like that." "I do love dignity," said Georgina gratefully. "Don't say nasty things to me on my wedding day. Youil get all the dignity you want When you emerge after the wedding breakfast, the car riage with the two fat horses will be waiting for you ; it will convey you to the train, and then away for where did you say you were going?" "Closeminster," said Georglna rap turously. "Alexander is to be induct ed as assistant to the prebendary in six weeks time. I was so glad when he suggested we should go at once to the place where later his duties will lie. There, under the shadow of that glorious old cathedral " "You'll spend an idyllic, sedate hon eymoon," said Aimee. "How perfect, dear. Aren't you grateful to me? Tf ( if jgi i mm 'Isn't Billy Lucky?" It hadn't been for my stunt, you might have missed a whole life's happiness. But Billy and I" "You're going through to Harwich on the car, aren't you, dear? Alex ander told me " "There's Aunt Erythea!" said Ai mee. "I'm glad mummle Induced the old terror to come." "Who Is that with her?" "My new uncle-in-law, Mr. Riving ton. He's a peach 1 Aunt seems to be getting on with him splendidly. Look at her back! Who's the funny little man that seems half asleep, over by the cedar?" "My Uncle Joseph," murmured Georglna. "He didn't realize till after we left Jervaulx, that I ought to have been at home with him all the time. I don't think he really grasps the po sition, even now." "I don't wonder. These professors never do grasp nnything," chuckled Aimee. "We've beaten Diana and Bertrand. They're to be married In London next week." "Isn't all this delightful to think of," sighed Georglna, "after the hor rors we went through! Did you ever hear whaUiecnn.i of that woman you told me about the wife of the bur glar?" "Never heard a word more of her; I think she got away." "It all seems like some fearful night mare now," shuddered her cousin. "As the wife of a future bishop, you'll wipe It off your memory, Geor gle, dear. But I never shall 1 The greatest time I ever had in my life The joy of living, Georgie!" Lady Scroope suddenly entered the room. "Children," she said gravely, "in five minutes we start for the chapel." Aimee bolted into lier room, fol lowed by her mother. "Do you see 'em yet?" whispered an apple-cheeked woman eagerly. Tin red poppies in her bonnet quivered lis she raised herself on tiptoe. The stuff of the Scroope Towers household was grouped on either side of the great porch, behind the assembled guests. The iipple-clieeked woman was Mrs. Sunning of Ivy cottage, Stnnlioe; the only envoy from the Jervaulx district. Her eyes sparkled, she clutched grim ly to her breast a large bag of rice, a barbarous custom still permitted at Scroope. Aimee and Billy suddenly emerged from the porch at speed, followed closely by Alexander and Georglna, amid cheers, flower-petals and con fetti. Mrs. Sunning, with a shrill cry, opened her batteries. Alexnnder and Hoorglnn, swerving to the right, climbed Into the waiting carriage. Billy, escaping through the shower of rice, shot past to the car. "Bent it !" he cried to the chauffeur", and caught Aimee by the hand. To gether they scudded on foot down the drive. The guests paused In astonishment. Lady Scroope, her eyelashes sparkling, laughed gently. Aunt Erythea jutted an Inquiring nose round the pillars. The bride and bridegroom, having made good speed for two hundred yards, turned Into a clump of laurels that efficiently hid the Flying Sphinx. Billy snatched up a blue cloak that lay athwart the saddle. "On with It!" cried Billy, glowing. In a twinkling Aimee donned the wrap ; as Billy bestrode the saddle she threw herself upon the pillion and her arms about his waist. "Heady partner!" Billy said. "Let her rip!" panted Aimee joy. ously. The Sphinx hummed swiftly along the park road and swung left onto the highway. "Hold tight!" The Sphinx breasted the long rise at sixty miles an hour. The wind screamed past them. Aimee laughed aloud. Leaning for ward from (he pillion, she pressed the smallest, soft round kiss on the hack of Billy's neck, as they disappeared In a cloud of sunlit dust. THE END The End of Perfccl t Meal Never overlook the prime requisite to per fect peace of mind and calmness of thought hy omitting the after-dinner coffee. "The Cup That Calms and Pacifies" Don't unnecessarily take the joy from a per fect meal for most red-blooded Americans. We keep the Lest Folgcrs - Golden West Schillings - Wason helps Grocery Company v v BOARDMAN 4 . . . ......ijiijiJ , i Mrs. Beck is visiting this week in Tho Dalles with her daughter anil new grandson. Ray, Glen and Ernest Brown ami Mrs. Cahoon motored to Walla Walla Saturday to visit, their father who is suffering from injuries caus ed by a horse kicking him. F. G. McMurray, of Yakima, Wash., was aguest at the Highway Inn Friday and Saturday of last week. Mr. McMurray is au old friend of tho Warner family. Mrs. Spring, accompanied bv her daughter-in-law and grand-daughter motored up from Portland on Mon day of last week. Mrs. Spring re mained for an indefinite visit, with her daughter, Mrs. Nick Faler. Business visitors in town last week were Jacob Marty and son of Portland. Mr Morty was here in tho interest of establishing a cheese fac tory, and will return later to mako more definite arrangements. Tho Oscar Beck family moved into tho M. B. Signs residence last Wed nesday, Mrs. Ray Brown and daughter, Katharine, visited in Walla Walla a few days last week. Christian Endeavor on Saturday eve ning was greatly enjoyed by tho large crowd pYesent. Visits -were mado to Holland, Japan, Africa, menta typical of each country were served. After each ono had found his or her way back to tho auditor ium a fino program was rendered, Tho Oriental dance by the sheik's harem was most effective and tho participants deserve praise for their interpretation. No less pleasing wa iho Rose drill and tho several vocal and instrumental numbers. We havo cause to bo proud of tho leaders of such an entertainment for they havo discovered hitherto unknown talent in our community. In honor of their fifth wedding anniversary was tho dinner given by Mr. and Mrs. A. T Hereim Sunday. The following guests were present. Mr. and Mrs. Nick Faler, Mrs. Spring and Mr and Mrs. Jack Gor hain. Tho danco given as a benefit to tho Heppner ball team Saturday night was well attended, well con ducted and a big success, netting tho team about $45. a I