Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1891-02-26


ding gift for ne.
''Phyllis!'
"Weli-one, two, three, BessieI''
ooh, Infantile tuition be blessed CRIED
Archie in evaporation. as he flung him
self out Of the room.
But he managed to meet Phyllis on he
way home
''PhylIis," he said, eve thought of q
great scheme. Marry mel
You We said that before, - with shake
Of her head.
Yes, but about the screen, yor
know. Well give that to mother as {
peace Offering when you are her daughter
in-law."
Phyllis laughed merrily But she wa:
absolutely unrelenting.
No, no, no, ArcIne!'
81 shan't take no for an answer!
avowed the young fellow. stoutly.
You mustr"
Il WON'T
THAT is a,nice way to contradict ladyr
reproved Phyllis, with great evidence of
indignation, and at her heart warm,
glad thrill.
That evening Archie presented himself
at the door Of Mrs. Merritt domicile.
Regardless of his sweetheart's protest,
he marched boldly in to see her aunt.
He quite dwarfed the little parlor and
It's furniture.
The wrinkIed old lady in the window
looked at MIN in amazement.
Mrs. Merritt, | presume?" he said,
standing, hat in hand, before her. I'm
Archie Van Roosevelt, and want to mar
toss Phyllis. if she will accept a man who
has to depend on his brain and hands for
a living"
But your father and mother?'
Have disinherited me-"
For wanting to marry Phyllis?'
Yes"
Then l shan't'' = began the girl
promptly.
oh, yes, in a voice both coaxing and
confident: oh yes you will Phyllis!"
Mrs. Merritt turned her gieamting eyes
on her niece.
You'd better!'' she advised dryly,
You won't find such lover every day.
Look at my luck
The remark was effective. The eyes of
the young people met, and out of each soft
cheek of Phyllis Clyde glowed a bright
flag OF surrender.
The following day Archie Van Roose-
welt went to the city and secured work,
and Phyllis received note from his
mother dispensing with her services.
A year passed, during which Archie
worked hard and saved every cent he
could. and Phyllis, half regretful that
she had made such a sacrifice as his nee
cessary and wholly glad of his loyal love,
counted the weeks till she should see him
again.
1t was in September that he came back
golden, fragrant, delicious September.
Very quiet was their wedding. And
Phyllis in her simple, snowy wedding
gown, looked more radiant and lovely than
ever.
Just as soon as the cottage could be dis
pose1 Of, Mrs. Merit was to go to the city
to live with the young couple.
When the sacred ceremony was over the
little old widow said, briskiy:
Now, Phyllis, I'm going to give you
the present | promised"
The screen, auntie?'
Eyes, dear"
She took tiny key from her bosom
went toward the heirloom.
Does it open?' cried Phyllis Van
Roosevelt, In amazement.
MIS-. MeEE1LU Eul1leQ.
In the heart of the papier mache rose
she thrust the tiny key-turned it. The
whole back of the screen opened like a
door, and came tumbling down on the car
pet folded papers and heavy little packages
wrapped IN tissue paper.
''Bonds! exclaimed the eccentric wild
ow, briefly. The bonds ] told Oswald
Merritt had burned, just to test his af-
lection. And my jewels. They are yours
now, my dear-yours and Arches. |
was bound you shouldn's be married for
your money, as | was. There is SIS. 5000
there, Phillis, not to mention The stones.
"Jupiter!" cried Archie.
ooh, gasped the bride, ''it sounds like
fairy tale?''
But it wasn't. It was every dollar as
true as it was delightful.
Now" declared Mrs. Merritt, ''you
know why | said | never was offered
enough for that screen"
When she joined them in their charm
ing little home she proved herself once
more the blessed magician of their des-
TIMES
Il have heard Arches mother is heart
broken over her quarrel with MIN, Phyl-
lis. You should send her that screen with
yOnr love.
The bride took her advice. The result
of the gif5 was avisit from Arches
parents, and their proud acceptance OF
their lovely daughter.
whoever would have thought" quer-
led Phyllis, ecstaticalIy, that the old
screen held such d secret? But beautiful
things do happen outside of books, don't
tn y-sometimes!'