Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1897-03-18

.Lispeth, who stood near, and she with
energetic activity attended to both, dis
regarding him apparently on the ground
that he was useless incumbrance. But
be looked on with pleased admiration
at her industry.
The young men crowded about Maud's
corner, and Alec looked in her direc-
ton very often with envious eyes. She
had a Hne color this evening, ana IN
dress certainly was beauty. Every one
noticed her, the girls came and spoke to
her, and she sold large amount Of con-
fectionery. Many Of the young men
tried to joke with her familiarly, but
she became SO cold and silent that they
soon stopped that.
Just before 10 O'Clock Alec glanced
hastily over the crowd, thinking it was
about time to bring in the COLLATION.
'Lisbeth had proposed, but his eye was
arrested by strange figure near the
door. 1t was no other than Mr.. Bennett,
Maud's father. He had just come in
and was looking about in bewilderment,
but just as Alec saw him he in turn saw
Maud, and she saw him. Slowly he
made bis way toward her.
"Well, Maud, a fine place this" Alec
heard him say. He saw Maud's lips an
swer Eyes" but he thought she was
very white.
"Your mother sent me to fetch you
home," Mr.. Bennett went on after a
pause to look about, in which his eye
met Alec's, though it was hastily with
drawn.
II am 1S; l am Of age. You can't
take me away against my will, said
Maud in hurried tones, drawing back
little behind the counter as if she feared
her father might try to reach over after
her and take her away by force.
II don't want TO take you back,
said Mr.. Bennett hurriedly. do you
say you won't go?"
EYES," said she, the color coming
warmly in her cheeks again.
There was a little silence, and then
Mr.. Bennett motioned with his head to-
ward Alec.
us he going to marry your"
"He's been a good friend to me,
said Maud hastily, as if in answer to
an accusing tone in Mr.. BENEFITS voice.
Alec heard and turned away. His
heart thumped ominously as be realized
the perfect faith she had in him. But
be said to himself over and over:
II am only her friend. She under
stands It,"
A little later he went up to Mr.. Ben
nett and shook hands with him. He
spoke about Maud as if she had come in
the ordinary way, and before they part
ed Mr.. Bennett seemed to brighten con-
siderably.
The collation. was soon brought in and
eaten with hearty relish. When it was
finished, one Of the young men stood up
on a chair and amid many awkward
tests moved that vote Of thanks be ex-
tended to Mr.. Howe for bis very fine
display and fine COLLATION..
The motion was carried with loud
applause, when his place was immedi-
ately taken, as had been arranged be-
forehand, by young woman, who
moved vote Of thanks to Miss Lis
beth Higgins and Mrs. Higgins, which
was carried with as much earnestness.
The undertaking had proved an i'm.
mensa success. Nearly $500 worth Of
goods had been sold for cash Or credit,
and the management Of Alec and Lis
beth was firmly established in populari-
ty among the young people, while the
older ones looked on with approval
That "store opening" led the way for
general revival Of social interest through.
out the town, and its significance was
regarded on all sides as decidedly more
social than mercantile. Another tie in
the indissoluble bonds had bound Alec
to the country
ITO BE CONTINUED