Gloucester County Democrat. (Woodbury, N.J.) 1878-1932, 1886-05-13

tion Of Howard Candy would do it, she
was sure, for Uncle Dodson was not an
ogre.
And yet, how could she meet his pos
sible displeasure and his certain disap-
pointmentg
The words died away on her lips.
"A bashful pair of youngsters you
are, / vow" said Mr.. Dodson, with a
laugh. "If Dudley didn't behave the
same wayl Oh, well, you'll get over IT. /"
Annie opened her lips, hesitated, closed
them again, with weakness and cow
ardice Of which she was painfully con
scious, and rose, with helpless tears
dropping.
| Her recent purchase was still III her
hands.
II have brought little present for
your birthday, Uncle Dodson," (" she said,
chokingly, and laid it on his knees.
It was not until rather late hour that
afternoon that Annie found courage to
visit Mr.. Dodson's room again.
She had carefully avoided Mr.. Hobart.
At four O'Clock messenger boy had
brought very small parcel, addressed
to herself in Howard's well-known writ
ing, which, when she had opened it
eagerly, had been found to contain lit
tie band Of gold, set with a glittering
stone.
1t is most unnatural proceeding for q
young lady to burst into tears at the first
sight of her engagement ring; but that is
what Annie did.
For the pretty, shining thing seemed
only the symbol Of her trouble and per
plexity.
She knew perfectly that her right
course was 10 put the ring on the proper
finger, 60 boldly to Mr.. Dodson and ex-
plain its position there
She did, indeed, get as far as putin G
it on, and gazing at it fondly and ad-
miringly, and tearfully, from every con-
ceivable point Of view; but there hel
courage failed her.
Dear old Uncle Dodsonl how could
she dash his welI-meaning hopes to the
ground with cruel werd or twoG He
was SO far from strong, besides. Sud
den disappointments always did him
harm.
she had dried her eyes, as these
despairing thoughts came over her, and
started mechanically for DIR. Dodson's
room
lIr. Dodson sat facing the window, as
usual. His head was thrown back and
his eyes were closed.
annie drew a sigh Of relief, he was
asleep.
| Dudley Hobart was sitting in a back
corner of-thc room, with newspaper in
his hand, and his feet disposed comfort
ably, ifnot gracefully, on second chair.
He rose hastily as Annie entered.
fHe is asleep" he remarked, after a
timid pause.
II had observed it." said Annie,
shortly, not dcigning to look at the
speaker.
The young man looked confused. He
laid down his paper, and passed his hand
over his closely-cropped head in a
troubled way, and finally offered her a
chair.
There seemed to be nothing else to do,
and Annie sat down stiffly.
Mr.. Hobart took the other chair. If
Annie had glanced at him, she might
have seen that pleading look filed his
boyish face; but she looked coldly over
his head at the wall paper
There was silence for several moments.
Then the young man, with a nervous
clutch Of his chair back, and with visi-
bic effort, began, desperately:
He said he had told you his-his
plan"
Annie was cruelty unresponsive.
May inquire what you think Of ita"
said Mr.. Hobart, with face grown pale
with agonized embarrassment.
Annie rose sharply.
Words could not express what I think
of i'll" she said, flashing an indignant
glance toward the young man. sIt is
absurd and abominablel He is dread
fully Mistaken" she went on, more
mildly, indicating Mr.. Dodson. "It
can't possibly bem
The occupant of the armchair moved
restlessly; he was waking up.
Annie lowered her voice as she went
on, severely:
II am already engaged. In
She pau;ed in bewildcrment. The face
Of her listener had b.cn suddenly trans
70 med with unm;stakable relief and JOY.
He seized her hands warmly.
"Engagcda Well, if we aren't in the
same boat So am IT.
Ann;es severity vanished. Her cold
gaze gave way to quick smile Of sym
pHthy.
"Are you, Mr.. Hobartan she cried.
I'm SO gladI'
Don't call me Mr.. Hobartl" said the
young man, impetuousIy "Call me
Dud. Everybody calls me Dud"
Annie laughed; and then they sat
down again, in friendly way.
II have only been. engaged since this
morning." said Annie, con6dentially.
s'See; he's just sent the ring around. He's
the incest fellow in the world You'll