Waterbury Democrat., 1901-09-07

both sexes at our boarding place. Among them was Mir. Whitcomb, a newspaper man, about thirty years old, very handsome and entertaining. He was very polite to Hattie and me, but said repeatedly that she wished he would keep away from us. Hattie had more curiosity than any r person I ever knew, and her dislike for [ MT. Whitcofnb was, Isthought, due to his refdsal to gratifysth this curiosity in regard to H certain matter. He was fr.eduently seen carrying a box of light colored wood, highly polished ahd boitnd in brass, and the first time sMattle saw it she ty9ndered what it contained. She aske8 | him and he par- riedS thesq question in awaysto still fur ftfier excite her curiosity. z What can the boxbe for, I wonder 9 she Said to inc a dozen times. se Ilaughed and told her it was of no 4conseduenee, but she said she would never be contented tillshe found out.
 MT. Whitcomb's room was in the same hall with ours, and in passing his open door one day we glanced in, and there lay the box on chair. It was in nocent looking and about the size of an ordinary dress suit case. < "IsIl steal in and examine it some time when he is away she muttered, spitefully. She bored me about that box until I grew impatient, and I finally told her that 1t was of nosintsrest kosIne. N we had 4be ei s6ere- several we eks sshen, oiaei SafuTaats after we Fad Zone to bed; Hattie began talking about that everlasting box. Igroaned I and said:
 Please let me sleep.''
 Now, Julia," said she, "you old dear, wake up long enough to listen to me- just this time"
 ''Go ahead" replied, sleepily.
 "I am going to find out about that box tonight
 "How?" I asked.
 "You know Mr. Whitcomb went to the city this evening to stay till Mon Hay. He did not take the box along, |Iaknow.A As came through the hall I tried his door and found it unlocked, and just as soon as everyone is asleep we can slip in and examine it at our leisure.ss f.sat anf sfPshaws" Irepned, q won't go." < |sS 'd'll go alone, ,Sthen.' E S.sA ryoiA ik .,f . te1 |c tsWbnit youfgo with me ?" she asked. " 'fNo;'I muttered. gs a aIsawl her step out into the hall in her nightdress, and then I went to sleep. When woke it was coming day light. Hattie was by nay side and she was trembling.
 What's the matter?" asked, for she felt chilly as if she had just come to bed.
 Nothing, dear," she replied.
 Iwent to sleep again and was aroused by the breakfast bell. Hattie was al- ready up and had gone downstairs
 I dressed and went to the dining room. Hattie was there. So was MT. Whitcomb. She blushed scarlet when | entered the room.
 ''So the railroad accident prevented your going to town last night" said one of the gentlemen.
 Whitcomb nodded and looked slight ly confused.
 { <. e ts
 A horrible suspicion assaiIed me. As soon as breakfast was over took Mat tie up to our room, though she seemed unwilling to go.
 ssMy dear,"s said, "Mr. Whitcomb was in his room when you went in there last night, and looked severe.
 She blushed, and, catching me in her arms. said:
 "We are engaged, and are to be mar ried this week"
 Is it not rather sudden?"
 Perhaps, but was in no position to refuse when he asked me"
 "But thought you disliked him."
 "I thought so too, but know now that love him dearly"
 4'But about the box?"
 ssHe keeps his laundry in it''
 They were married that week, andit broke up our outing, but Hattie always was a little selfish.
 was consoled by Mir. Whitcomb, who said he would bring some nice fell lows to see me, and he did His people were in society, and Mattie's money en- abled her to cut quite figure in their circla, so she is happy. MT. Whit comb gave up his position and devoted himself to the management of his wife's property. spend g great deal of time with them, and am to be mar ried from their home as soon as the proper man can be found to officiate as bridegroom.
 Q z E A naays 4ha e The Kind You Hav8 Always B0uglk cs~.s.-.-. s- W <e