The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1891-08-07

1t was still early when Mrs. Dewry,
Cloved and bonneted, rushed into the
lighted parlor where her sister sat dream
ing
"Oh, Doll, get your hat, quick! Harry
Burton's at church with that Blodgett
girl from home. / wouldn't have you
miss going for the world! He will think
you're staying home for him.
I'm not-I wouldn't. Oh, where's my
shawl ?" she cried.
Her hands grew suddenly cold she felt
excited. SO great was the shock that,
save for physical sickness. she felt ex-
hilarated, as thou, Ii something good had
happened.
They hurried across the street. The
church was only short distance from
the house. Mr.. Dewry was waiting for
them outside.
There's such crowd I'm afraid
you'll not find seat, he said anxiously.
However, an usher guided them up the
thronged, brilliantly lighted aisle to a
half filled pew. Dolls ears were ring.
ing. She felt blind and moved mechan.
ically. 1t was not until she was seated
that she became conscious of well
known hand holding hymnal close be-
side her. She turned quickly; her shawl
was brushing the arm of Harry Burton.
How white and set his face was, and he
made no motion of recognition.
at is because he thinks that I'll be
jealous" thought Doll. "Tll show him
that l don't care enough to behave in
any unusual way. Good evening,
Harry" she whispered.
He turned such peculiar face toward
her that she felt it to be question.
What surprises you?" she asked.
didn't you know was in the city?"
He bent his head, but did not speak.
She knew that he would not have done
SO under any circumstances his respect
for his faith had always held him silent
in the house of worship
1t was the strangest evening of her life.
To be with Harry and yet to know that
he was with another! There seemed
something tragic in finding the hymns
for herself with Harry so close. A lump
rose in her throat, until she found diff
Guilty in singing. But gradually the
solemnity of the place overcame her
sense of individuality, and she forgot, in
the enthusiasm of the hour, the ache of
her one girlish heart.
The last hymn was sung, the vast
congregation had risen, and Doll, sud-
denly recalled to earthly pangs, had
turned toward the aisle, when she felt
familiar hand adjusting her shawl.
Harry had forgotten that his attentions
for the evening should have been given
to another. Half his life he had been
Dolls escort; the little checked blue
shawl was as familiar to him as his own
hat, and seemed as natural for him to
take care Of Doll caught a glimpse of
his companion standing awkwardly
alone.
"You have forgotten Miss Blodgett,"
she whispered.
But want to see you. l must see
you for moment, he answered.
Come over to sisters after you take
her home. I'll wait on the porch"
"You haven't an ounce Of PRIDE"
scolded Mrs. Dewry.
How could II" replied Doll, with a
gentle face. ats only Harry, and one
doesn't feel angry at anything after such
a meeting"
She had not long to wait before tall,
dark form appeared at the gate.
why don't you come in!" asked Doll
in surprise.
do you want me to? May II"
MAY you! Why, Of course! How
strangely you act and speak,"
why shouldn't 1, after you've ordered
ne of the premises once to-day?"
Doll gave little cry and ran down tho
steps toward him.
"Oh, Harry Burton-you don't-you
can't mean that it was you who rang the
bell this afternooni"
You told me that you knew who it
was" he replied.
Mrs. Dewry woke her sleepy husband.
"Just listen, she gasped. "What can
those two be laughing about? Doll don't
think Of waking the baby now."
But, good sister that she was, she was
awake when Doll paused at her door, and
came out in the hall to be kissed and
confided in.
ITS all settled" whispered Doll.
"We're to be married the last of next
month, and I'm to go home at once to
get ready"
But what is the object Of such haste ?'
Doll stihed laugh.
Harry says he wants me away from
here as soon as possible. He's afraid I'll
ruin my temper putting the baby to