Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1899-12-28
: AN INTERRUPTED EL0PEMENT.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
A young woman came very quietly
from the door of the handsome house
and stepped softly down the stone
walk and through the gateway. 1t
was cloudy evening and her move
ments were hidden by the shadows.
She walked to the nearest street cor
ner and was Immediately joined by a
young man whose arm she took as
they passed. along.
"Did l keep you waiting long,
Fred?' she asked. ut seemed quite
impossible to get away without being
observed"
NO." said the young man, 1.-THE wait
ing was nothing. But why is it neces-
sary that we should resort to all this
-" he was going to say nonsense,
but wisely checked himself, this mys-
tery?' a
1T is necessary, I tell you, Fred. I
can't receive you at home and there
is no other way. l have told you many
times that my father would never
consent to give you my hand. 1t
might be different if mother were
alive, but now it is more than likely
that father would forbid you the
house."
"That isn't possible, said the young
man. 81 am the son of his Oldest
friend. He has ever professed great
regard for me. Surely there is moth
ing in my conduct that could preju.
dice him. l am poor, but my pros
poets are excellent, and"
II tell you, Fred, he intends me for
higher game. No struggling architect
is good enough for his daughter. But
he shall not tear us apart
"Of course not" said Fred, hastily.
"But, really, Elsie, | don't like this
sort of thing. 1t seems"
She drew her hand from his arm.
Don't like it?" she echoed.
"Of course l like it," he quickly as
serted. 'At least like you, which is
great deal more to the point
The girl took his arm again.
''Let me tell you, Fred, dear" she
softly said, that if it wasn't for this
very sort Of thing this secrecy, the
opposition of my father, the romance
OF it all, it is very likely shouldn't
love you half so much The more
papa sights you the more determined
l am to be yours. Funny, isn't it?"
DELIGHTFULLY."- funny" said the young
man, and then they switched away
from the subject and pursued their
secret half hour stroll.
When they returned to the hand
some home the young woman, after a
tender though brief parting with the
young man, re-entered the side door
with a most elaborate effort to be
both cautious and noiseless.
The young man walked away, softly |
chuckling
The secret meetings were continued,
and Elsie assured her lover that the
opposition of her father to him was
becoming more and more marked.
"Why, Fred" she cried one evening,
papa said he believed you were
mercenary youth, and that you had a
deceitful face. Why, | felt like rising
right up and defending you before all
the world, and then telling papa that
though he threw me into prison |
would never, never, never wed anyone
but you! But | didn't"
"That was WISE" said Fred. ut
isn't quite time for that"
There was moments silence.
II tell you what it is, Fred" said
the young girl, with little catching
in her throat, "the only thing for us
to do is to elope.'
Fred was not startled.
'It's the very thing was about to
suggest" he quickly said. What
night do you prefer?'
"You dear boy" cried Elsie affec-
patting his arm; there is
some romance in you after ALL"
"Thank YOU" said Fred, stolidly;
what night?'
swell, supposing we say a week
from next Thursday"
"That suits me-" replied the young
man. what are your plans?'
II have them laid out" replied the
young girl eagerly. my new street
suit will be finished Wednesday. It's
the loveliest thing you ever laid eyes
On. Madame Summerson never gave
me such fit before"
"Pm afraid we'll soon have to give
up Nine. Summerson," said the young
nan gravely.
do you really think so, dear?" Be-,
"Yes, love. Marrying a poor, but
honest young architect is a pretty
sure cure for the fits you mention.
)f course, we can't count for certain
IN your fathers forgiveness
Eyes, yes, we can. He'll welcome
is back with open arms"
I'm pretty sure we won't deserve
t. But go on"
well, I'll put on my new dress and
70 over to Name Holidays in the
afternoon. I'll manage to smuggle
ver a lot of things in paper parcel
md you must come up with new
raveling bag and we'll pack them all
n that. Then you can order the car