Reporter and farmer. [volume] (Webster, Day County, Dakota [S.D.]) 188?-1946, 1894-04-19
ONE SHROVE TUESDAY

OF his house, smiled to hear the merry
din inside.
Wei, Bessie" he cried cheeriiy, as
he strobe into the kitchen, I've got an
invitation for you. / met Mrs. Near
thur. She said the young folks are go
ing to have a Shrove-Tuesday party,
and that they want you to be sure and
attend"
Bessie Atwood was making molasses
candy at the stove. She had the baby
on her left arm, and was stirring the
taWny bubbling mass with a wooden
spoon. Fred and Flossie, aged 6 and 8,
were interestedly watching the process
of candy-making.
I'm sure they'll have a good time
they always do have at Maple HILL"
replied Bessie, 'but-but don't think I'll
so"
Something that was not in the heat of
the fire, lent her cheeks q deeper rose
Nonsense" returned Jasper, pleas
antly. Why not? Dora is so well now
you can certainly give yourself a night
off"
"Oh, it isn't that! declared Bessie, and
said no more.
Bessie Atwood was a city girl. When
soon after New Years day her brother
wired her that his wife was very i'll,
She came down at once to help nurse
her, and to take are Of the children.
She became a great fayorite with the
young people around Briarley. She was
so gay, and pretty, and winsome, and
accomplished, withal so unaffected, she
quite won the hearts of all whom she
met No social gathering was cOnsid-
cred complete without her, and so, on
the receipt of a formal invitation
from Maple Hill, she wrote her regrets
and a personal visit of prot2station
from Stella Macarthur was the result.
Now come, Bessie? And we are go
ing to have such a lovely time, old-fash-
Toned games, and dances, and tableauX,
and afterwards charms, and pancakes
with a ring put in the batter, and
everything. Why will you persist in re-
fusing Bessie?'
"Oh, 1 must go home very soon," re-
turned Bessie, evasively, land l like to
spend all the time ] can with Jasper and
Dora these last few days"
Homer repeated Stella, quickly.
'"To the city," Edgar Merrill went up
yCSGClddss liz Sdlu lit SOulo uOJ bS
back in time for OH party. We feel S o
provoked about his absence. He is
such a delightful fellow"
"Oh, did he, asked Bessie. In a few
moments she said; I'll try and go to
your party, dear"
Miss Macarthur and Mrs. Jasper At
wood exchanged a significant glance,
which said:
You see how It isi She will go be-
cause Edgar Merrill is not to be there.
There is aSSuredly some trouble between
them"
Mrs. Atwood spoke to her husband
that night concerning her suspicious.
Merrill is a fine fellow" he declared.
LAS near worthy Bessie as any mar can
be. l a hardly think that she has
thrown him over"
The night of the party, arrived-dark,
warm, soft, misty. Bessie dressed ear
", and came down to the pretty purlor,
where she slowly ~revolved for the
inspection Of Dora ANA the children.
You look lovely" cried Dora, frank
ly. And. then with a quiZzical glance:
TT is too bad Mr.. Merrill will not be
there to sec your
Bessie turned away hastily and began
pulling en- her gloves.
Good night, Dora. Don't stay up
too late. dear"
The handsome. Old-fashioned home Of
the McArthurs was festively lighted
from attic to basement. Bessie men
tally decided that it was not at all like
q city supper, but very much licer.
The chef d'oeuvre Of the cook was the
pancakes. In one of these a ring was
hidden. The finder. it was asserted,
would surely be married within the
year. Much gay ralllery went on as
to the happy finder.
Have you got it, Stellar
mo. Willis Hill has 1t. See how
he is blushing"
Wrong you are. Bessie Atwood has
itr'
And Bessie, dimpling and laughing,
held up the golden circlet.
A storm of congratulation, inquiries
ard ~entreatins arose. And Bessie was
door of the dining o op2ned and Ed
gar Merrill walked in.
He was a tall, muscular, blonde
young fellow with q handsome, beard
less face, keen, dark eys, and q face
reSOlnLe MOUTH.
His hostess went forward to welcome
him. The others called out to him
with the familiarity Of god comrade-
ship:
Almost too late for a pancake, Ed
gar"
Miss Atwood has the ring"
you've missed your chance for this
year"
Better late than never"
Bessie atwood alone spoke no word
of welcome. A scarlet tide passed
over her pretty, high-bred face, leaving
her very pale. When, later, she met
Edgar Merrill In the parlor she answer
ed his glance Of appeal with a slight
bow. After the tableaux they had
games again, games which they a
not PLAYED since they were little lads
and lasses in knickerbocke-s and short
skirts.
With the final word they all broke
ranks and secured other partners, the
one left out being obliged to stand In
the center Of the ring. 1t was u
ing one of these merry raids that Bes-
sic felt her hand drawn through the
arm of Edgar Merrill. She was about
70 refuse to continue the game with
him. when she recollected that doing
so would be very poor taste, indeed.
Bessie" he whispered, under cover
~ tho music and the singing, "Tye