The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1888-02-25

of purposely. but he hoped she had.
Lottie knew; but she looked quite In
noccntly regretful.
They CROPPED about together for the
missing curtain fixtures among the
empty boxes under the counter. Oc-
casionally their hands touched each
other.
'we'll never find them ALL" said
Lotto.
IL hope we won't I'm willing to
keep on hunting" John rejoincd. with
a sly. shy glance at the pretty face near
him.
"rve got lot Of things to do Mt
home" said LottIe. smiling back Mt
him. 'Tm trimming new hat"
'.You couldn't improve on that one"
John put in. with another admiring
glance.
.And II I'm going to have rice pud-
ding for dinner. 1t ought TO be going
on" said Lottic. muslngly.
But she kept on feeling aimlessly
about for curtain fixtures.
"rd be glad to walk home with you
IL my time were my own" said John
wistfully.
You've never been to the house.
have you p'' Lottle queried.
You've never invited me-" John re-
sponded with gentle rcproach. mot
that I'd dare to come II you did" he
added. with faint motion OF his head
toward Mr.. Lamphier.
Lottie sighed.
IF you could get an evening of"
she suggested timidly. ''Pa isn't home
till haf-p past 10 or so. and
John turned radiant grateful face
upon her.
You know I'd be delighted. Miss
Lamphicr." he almost gasped. I'D"
"Stockhamr Mr.. Lpmphler's voice
was alarmlngly near II want that
box Of spices opened Immediately.
''Mr. Lamphier's head projected IT.
self over the counter; he glared down
at the startled pair beneath it.
John looked Mt Lottie. There was a
daring light in his eyes.
I'll come this evening"
He formed the words inaudbly with
his lips, and hurried away.
Mr.. Lamphier slapped the package
OF rice on the counter. frowningly.
Lottie brushed off her dress. read
justed her veil. extracted a piece of
citron from jar aud nibbIed ut IL and
went out with parting smile for John
Stockham.
HLottlc put on her best dress and
her prettiost ruchings, aud her silver
hair pin and bracelets that evening af-
ter her father had eaten his supper and
gone back TO the store; aud IL some-
body knocked mt the kitchen door about
8; and IL the kitchen rcsounded for two
hours thereafter with pleasant chat and
harmless badnage and light hearted
laughter-If these things occurred.
surely IL was nobody's business.
al don't need 10 tell you how I've
enjoyed the evening. Miss Lamphier."
said John Stockham earnestly. as he
rose at last, lingeringly. II know /
shouldn't have come; butt couldn't
help 1t. and cant be sorry did"
Certainly not" said Lottie. with
pretty warmth.
IL should like TO come again." John
pursued; but of course this isn't the
way"
II don't carc-so noww said Lotte
| stoutly. ''lf pa will be so unreasona-
bic don't know what else we can
Goodness. what is that Mr.. Stock
| hamp"
She shifted the air apprchensively.
John shifted. too.
Its smoke!' he delarcd.
mercy! where?" cried Lottle.
We'll have TO investigate" said
John, taking up the lamp.
They went into the back enty. IL
was blue with smoke. Lottie gave a
little scream.
something's afirc," said John
Stockham. Don't be alarmed. Miss
Lampher," he added. soiicitously.
He opened the WOO dhouse door. They
were choked by tho rush Of smoke and
hot air. Their startled gaze revealed
one side OF the woodhouso alive with
licking. dartlng flames.
John Stockham's practical mind
worked qu ckly.
where's the sink. Miss Lamphicrp"
he demanded. land a water pail. Two