The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1894-04-12
ONE SHROVE TUESDAY

stiff snow off his boots at the back door
Of his house, smiled to hear the merry
din inside.
''Well, Bessie" he cried cheerily, as
he strobe into the kitchen, I've got an
invitation for you. I 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" I'D. ~
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 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
CO."
Something that was not in the heat Of
the fire, lent her cheeks a deeper rose
I Jonsensev' returned Jasper, pleas
antly "Why not? Dora is so well now
you can certainly give yourself night
off"
ooh, it isn't that! declared Bessie, and
said no more.
Bessie Atwood was 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 care Of the children.
She became a great favorite 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-
1oto oY,6
the receipt of a more formal invitation
from Maple Hill, she wrote her regrets
and a personal visit of prOtestation
from Stella Macarthur was the result.
Now come, Bessie? And we are 60
ing to have such lovely time, old-fash-
toned games, and dances, and tableallX,
and afterwards charms, and pancakes
with a ring put in the batter, and
everything. Why will you persist in re-
fusing Bessie?'
"Oh, must go home very soon,'' re-
turned Bessie, evasively, ''and 1 like to
spend all the time I can with Jasper and
Dora these last few days.
Homer repeated Stella, quickly.
-"To the city," Edgar Merrill went up
yesterday. He said he could not be
back in time for our party. We feel so
provoked about his absence. He is
such delightful fellow"
ooh, did he, asked Bessie. In a few
moments she said; "Tll try and go to
your party, dear"
Miss Macarthur and Mrs Jasper At
wood exchanged a significant glance,
which said:
"You see how it is! 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.
GAS near worthy Bessie as any man can
be. I can hardly think that she has
thrown him over"
The night Of the party arrived-dark
warm, soft, misty. Bessie dressed ear
where she slowly revolved for thu
inspection of Dora ana the children.
"You look lovely" cried Dora, frank
iy. And. then with a quizzical glance
cit is too bad Mr.. Merrill will not b.
there to sec you"
Bessie turned away hastily and began
pulling en- her gloves.
"Good night, Dora. Don't stay w
too late. dear"
The handsome. old fashioned home O.
the McArthurs was festively lighted
from attic to basement. Bessie men
tally decided that it was not at all lilS
a city supper, but very much licer
n The chef d'oeuvre Of the cook was tn
pancakes. In one of these ring wa
hidden. The finder. it was asserted
would surely be married within tn
year. Much gay ralllery went on a
to the happy finder.
Have you got it, Stellar"
rsH ono Willis Hill has if Soa hoy
he is blushing'
"Wrong you are. Bessie Atwood ha
itv'
And Bessie, dimpling and laughing
held UP the golden circlet.
A storm Of congratulation, inquire
and entreati"s arose. And Bessie wa
protesting and disclaiming, when til
door Of the dining room opened and E(
gar Merrill walked in.
He was a TALL muscular, blond
young fellow with handsome, beart
less face, keen, dark eys, and a fac
II resolute mouth.
His hostess went forward to WELDON
him. The others called out to hill
with the familiarity of god conrad
ship:
'.Almost too late for a pancake, E,
gar''
f miss Atwood has the ring"
you've missed your chance for tn
year"
Better late than never"
Bessie Atwood alone spoke no wo!
of welcome A scarlet tide DaSSt
over her pretty, high-bred face, leavir
Mer very pale. When, later, she M
Edgar Merrill in the parlor she answe
ed his glance Of appeal with a slig]
bow After the tableaux they hs
games again, games which they hs
not played since they were little lat
and lasses in knickerbocke:s and sho
skirts.
With the final word they all brol
ranks and secured other partners, tt
one left out being obliged to stand
the center of the ring. 1t was du
ing one of these merry raids that Be
sic felt her hand drawn through tt
arm of Edgar Merrill. She was abo
"a, to refuse to continue the game wi
him, when she recollected that doll
so would be very poor taste, indeed.