Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1899-11-23

would not break the silence. Cousin
George sat and brcathcd hard for a min
ute or two, and then | suppose he decided
on breaking down the artincalitv of our
interview, for he got up from his chair
and strobe about. looked out of window
and pretended to be pcnsivc. At last he
stopped beside me and said, "Flo."
/ looked up at him and laughed "Cous-
in George" said with mock solcmnity.
Don't laugh" he said, drawing back
his lip.
II must" l said, "whcn you look so
serious"
~ am serious" he declared. "Flo,
-you-forgiveY"
Forgive" ] repeated, wrinbling my
brow and looking puzzled. "Forgiyc2
have no enemies People arc so good to
me rarely have anything to forgive"
"Forgiyc me-, =" he pleaded
"Nou!' cried "Suroly Two nothing
to forgive you. Why, you have never done
mo anything but kindness"
He turned hastily away and muttcred
something which sounded wicked. Then
he turned to me again. "Flo," he plead.
ed evil you row down with mo to tho
islandY"
really was taken aback then. for I
and felt touched But ! rccollectcd his
last letter to me, and Irut on u silly smile
'Oh," said lightly, "fn so sorry, but
I'm engaged this afternoon Then [
sighed and added, i've so many engage
mCuts"
Tomorrow, then-ncxt day-next
week; only promise"
ooh. you've no idea Of my Importance ="
I laughed Listen to this, " and, rising
went to drawer of my writing table
and took ont my littlo tablets.
"Listcn. | said again, holding mp q
finger to him. "Thursday-that's today
tea at tho Forcsticrs'; Friday, drive to
Elletton manor y. p. G.. "
"P. =. c. !" he repeated. Are you GO
ing away"
laughed half shyly, but significantly.
Eyes, l am going away" l admitted.
saturday, TO town, shopping; Sunday,
to the Dalton's, lunch and dinner; Mon
day, picnic on the island. Oh, by the way"
i looked up with pleased Interest," IL
you want TO sec the island. better come to
the picnic. I'm sure the Wendovers would
like to have you. "
"Picnicl' he snapped angrily. "Do you
think | want to go with whole camp
meeting"
"Oh, protested blandly. I'VE shan t
be that sort at all -
Tuesday, he pleaded; "come on Tues
day.
Tuesday" repeated, referring to my
tablets; Tuesday, to town; final fitting
Final fitting;" he quericd, rather puz-
zled.
MY frock, you know, I explained
"Ihursday, oh, yes Here il is. Thurs
day, I'm to be married Ye.es, l shall be
occupied on Thursday.
looked up at Cousin George He was
very, very white about the lips then
ITO be marricd?" he repeated in a sort
Of hoarse whisper
Yes" ! said nonchalantly. After
that l shall he away for awhile.
You're going to be married." he pant
ed again.
l laughed rather dcprccatingly II
didn't know it was considered quite so I'M
likely, - l said humbly.
WHO'S the fcllow;' he asked bluntly.
mir. Featherston Hope" l answered
tendcrly.
"That"- he began, then stopped short
Eyes, " l said, that one.
"Goodby, Flo, he blurted out, shooting
his hand at me as if it were gun. ! real
~ i'iN tio II L NNic tanning NUM- Va q way
onct point.
"Must You go?" said swectly.
at seems | must" And his tone was
bitter, which seemed rather cool, consider
ing how he'd treated me.
Il III so glad you re home" l said pleas
antly. II will send you an invitation. r"
He turned on me then and glared.
"Dun't," he commanded.
"Oh, yes, l must, went on chcerfully
Il want to have all my loving relatives
about me. Uncle Edward would adore
you if you'd 60 one better and relieve him
by giving me away"
Then | know Cousin George said some
thing wicked. | won't repeat it. Then
he strobe out and slammed the door And
! stood still and laughed to myself, for I'd
scored one that time, at any rate. And he
deserved it too. A man shouldn't be
changeable
don't believe it was anger after all.
believe it was pure enjoyment
That's So like IA woman, to mistake the
very core Of a thing and realize it when
she's wasted herself
Poor old George I've been thinking it
over. l don't think III send him the in
vitation after all-Lillian CUTLER Couch
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