Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1900-01-04

what she had let Howard Webb think
that morning in the orchard?
Annie, dear" he whispered. you
must know-you must have seen how
much ] think of you. Don't send me
away as you have done the others
let me stay and III be so good to
you that you'll love me in spite Of
yourself. Won't you. DEAR"
II don't know. Harry" she said at
last, u cant decide. And ii | cared,
I'd know, wouldn't H."
mo, no" he answered, ut is be-
cause You have not thought about it.
Don't answer yet IN come tomorrow.
You do like me little, don't you?"
be asked.
"Very much" she said truthfully.
They were standing by one of the
porch pillars and the moon etched her
slight figure and bright face sharply
against the background of the trees.
I'm going now" Branford said. "I'm
afraid TO stay for fear you'll decide
It's no. But tomorrow I'll come--as
soon as ! can get away promised
Webb to look him up in his labora-
tory in the evening to show him some
new Photographic prints
Howard Webb,' Anne exclaimed,
'taring little. "0h. don't go!"
Bradford looked at her in surprise,
Not go!" he repeated. why not?
I've always gone there. The fact that
he is openly in love with you has not
prevented it, II was Il fair field, and
he had an equal chance-till now
There was a suppressed ring of hap.
piness in his voice he felt sure what
her answer would be. Gently he bent
and kissed the brown curls and for
moment she swayed nearer him,
She felt ashamed of her sudden protest
against his visiting Webb
II was the next evening when Bran
lord sprung up the stairs leading Ia
Webb's laboratory. He burst into the
room impatiently. Cant stop long
he announced, Fam in a hurry, But |
brought the good heavens, Webb,
what have you been doing to your
SELF"
He stared at the man before him.
whose face was hollow and drawn,
with encircled eyes. No answering
smile greeted him.
Nothing said Webb, shortly, "bW
working, That always flags me
Haven't eaten anything today, I've
been 50 busy, except some fruit
could snatch up. Help YOURSELF
lie waved his hands toward the cut
glass dish ON the table and BranforG
picked up fat banana, and sitting on
The table end swung one foot as HI
ite ii. Look at the prints he said
"rhey'rc extra good-that new de
veIopcr You mixed worked especially
we'll"
"You ought TO go to bed, Howard,
he ordered. "'rhere's no sense IL
working yourself to death just becaus,
you have an idea, 1t will keep. Yol
are palcr every minute. Ilcre-isn'l
there any brandy or stun in the ROOM
You'll collapse in minute
Without enclosing his eyes Webb
motioncd toward cupboard ant
BranIord lnrriedy went to 1t ant
found Il bottle. "Its wine he said
disappointedly, "but guess it will
do lie filled two glasses. "TaM
II and drink to your good health ant
return of common sense and to my
to my happiness
Webb opened his eyes instantly
"your happiness" he said hoarsely
"'rhat means tell mel"
BrandIord looked in establishment ~
the fevcr-bright eyes.
"Perhaps," he answered, n little stitf
ly, 81 should have said my desire fol
happiness How you pick one up
NIdl II tue illHl
For Webb was staring at the harm
less bottle on the table. ut is Char
lreusc," he muilcred.
Nothing very tragic about that, il
there quccred his guest 81 shal
think you off your head in u minute
You'd better drink that"
A curious CLEAN came into Webb'i
eyes and he spoke with difficulty
wait" he said, putting out a trem
bling hand and motioning the glas,
from lIranford's lips, before yor
drink, tell me, honestly, is Anne Bar
RTE going to marry your?
His intensity was such that Bran
ford could not grow indignant. 81
cannot say yes" he replied "becaus,
! am going there tonight to hear hel
say H. But she will am certain
She has given me every reason to hop,
VIII you tell me why you askedY
Webb fell back in his chair and hi
face was liyid. Suddenly he laughed
brutally, loudly. Drink" he cried
I'm join you' He raised his glass
and swallowed the wine at a draughi
and Bradford mechanically followed
suit.
II asked Webb said "simpIy out
curiosity. "lll explain Gurther-to
morrow