The Chickasha daily express. (Chickasha, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1899-current, 1901-04-19


vorlte rendezvous Of the toughs that in
tested the neighborhood. And another
figure, his stern father, in close pursuit.
But Anna had reached him first. had
saved him from his father-perhaps
from worse, for that very nights lark
ended IN a fray that put two Of the
gang behind prison-bars.
And here. in George Gieason's hand,
sixteen years later. lay the ring that
he had bought for Anna on his first trip
to the city with his father. But she
never wore 1t. having taken advantage
OF their absence to marry man whom
both opposed. And It was a terrible
mistake. followed by a life Of poverty
and wretchedness. Ignored by home
friends, even by the brother who should
have been as much to her as she once
was to him. poor Annie lived and died.
Her children we're scattered and
GLADYS; Gladysw called Mr.. Gleason.
reused by a step in the hall.
Gladys had been very willing to leave
her father in peace since obtaining his
consent TO her giving the party planned
entirely to herself and the housekoep-
er; yet she answered his call promptly.
when your cousin comes tonight.
Gladys"
Audrey. papa?" interrupted Gladys.
Yes; when Audrey comes tonight.
bring her to me. want to give her
this ring"
Gladys surprise rivaled her con-
fusion. A prettier ring than she had
ever owned TO be given to Audreyl
but, papa. she-she isn't coming"
Isn't comingr said Gleason sternly.
And why not?"
"Because-I-dldnt ask her." stam-
mered Gladys. Il thought we never
you never. papa"
Il see" said Gleason. 1T has all
been wrong. This is very wrong. Set
1t right, Gladys. or give up your party.
She Is my only sisters child"
II seemed a tardy awakening, but
Gladys understood. She was a girl Of
resources. but even her brain failed
to hit, at once, upon a plan TO "set It
right" at this late hour. She could not
give up her party. for In three hours
her guests would come, nor could she
ask Audrey to leave her own party,
though II must be a miserable failure.
Sitting on the porch steps she thought
and thought-then her eyes sparkled
and running TO her father she cried:
Papa, may / do what please? May
have cabg win you give me the
ring? III TX It all right"
Without a word Mr.. Gleason handed
her some money and the ring. glad to
have q disagreeable matter of his
hands.
10 Miss Boggs' best front room four
girla were gathered, Audrey, with red
eyes and swollen face; Kate Lane and
Lou Cassell. two others whom Gladys
mad deemed beneath her notice, and
Maud Bacon. too faithful to desert a
friend in trouble. 1t was not a merry
yarty, for Audrey could not talk and
Maud did little better. Kate and Lou
alternsted abuse OF Gladys and sym
pathy for Audrey until their hostess
could endure It no longer. Hurriedly
she left the room. Maud soon followed
and found her lying face downward
on the cot, sobbing conyulsiyely. She |
knelt beside her friend, longing to speak
some word Of comfort, but she could /
only lay her head by Audrey's In silent
sympathy.
An unwonted noise In the street sud
denly aroused her, and the rattle OF
wheels ceased at Miss Boggs door.
Then there was sharp rap, followed
by cries Of "Audreyl Audreyr The
noise filled the front room. and the Gin
ing-room, and soon another arm slipped
around Audrey and Gladys voice said:
Don't cry. Audrey. We are all here
cakes, ice cream and everything and
everybody. Wen have the incest time,
now and always, too. Just see what
papa sent you'll"
And, sure enough, there they all we're.
Gladys and her guests. with everything
tnat had been prepared fer them. The
Gleason party had been brought TO Miss \
Boggs'. and 50 Audrey had two parties
all IN one.
No one seemed 10 remember that
there had been any change In the origi-
nal programme. They did have just
the incest time" and. as Miss Boggs
said 10 Lucy Sykes the next day:
1t was the eompletest surprise