The Washburn times. [volume] (Washburn, Wis.) 1896-1976, 1901-01-30

was absorbed in some views, and Fred
| was warming his hands by the fire,
! slipped noiSeleSsly out of the room, and,
laughing to myself turned the key softly
in the lock. Then / betook myself to
window opening into the drawingroom
! commanded fine view of any proceed
| ingS within.
| Both seemed to be much embarrassed
| when they found out they were alone,
| but each endeayOred to be obliyious of
| the others presence. After a few mo-
ments, Isobel put down the album of
! views, and, humming softly, crossed to
| the door. After turning the handle once
or twice, she returned to her views again,
| in some confusion.
Soon after this. Fred. who had been
| whistling dejectedly with his face to the
| fire. looked round cautiously, and, seeing
lsobel still occupied, thought it was
good opportunity for escape. He strolled
| careessly to the door, and his look of
! anger and establishment at finding it
Locked changed to one of embarrassment
| at the thought of his unfortunate posi-
| ton.
He sank into an armchair as far away
from lsobel as possible, and took up an
evening paper, from which every now
and then his gaze wandered. as if inn
PEELED, to the dignified little figure at the
/ Farther side of the room.
! Once Isobel looked up and their eyes
met, both turning away in confusion.
After this the book Of views lost its in
terest. and Isobel got up and, moving to
the piano, sat down and began to play
| very softly.
Evidently the air was a familiar one,
for Fred started violently, and. dropping
the, paper. rose to his feet, and went to
lsobel's side. What he said 1 could not
n MI hi fN al ol>o1t-
head dropped, and she ceased playing. l
could see her fingers trembling from
where | stood. The next moment Fred
was on his knees, and Isobel was sob
bling on his shoulder
| In the delight and excitement at the
success Of my plan, 1 danced a hornpipe
and chuckled aloud, to the utter surprise
of my wife, who, seeing the conservatory
door Open had come to shut it,
'What are you doing? Have you gone
mad?" she said sharply.
Look was all said, pointing
through the slip of window
Milly looked, and, although pleasantly
surprised with the effective tableau, as |
could see from the sparkle in her eye.
pretended to be utterly Indifferent, and
edged further away from my touch.
1T was capital thought of yours
Milly.' | said, with admirable tact
What said Mily, surprised out of
herself.
Shutting them up together" | said.
Mflly stared yacantly, and then smiled
sWeetly. She looked up at me, and put
her head on one side knowingly.
1T was so dreadful, you know, John
she said. Il couldn't bear them to treat
one another So"
"Disgracefulr' L agreed, stealing an arm
to follow a good example tonight, if we
have done nothing else. Why, Milly?
Milly had hidden her face in my coat
sleeve, and was crying softly.
"Oh, john" she said, you needn't be
SO horrid if [ have been little wretch
but it wasn't all my fault. You have
been cross, too haven't you?'
I've been brute.'' I declared, kissing
her pretty lips. And now let's come and
congratulate them"
There was a slight shuttle in the draw
ing room as we turned the door knob, and
Isobel was looking at her views, and
Fred at the fire, as we entered.
Il don't want to detain you, Is0bel
DEAR" said my wife, crossing over to her,
and placing an arm through hers. You
know [ love to have YOU but if you would
would like me to send the maid for q
cab"
Isobel looked up blushingly at Fred,
and hung her head.
expect you would like TO be OF, t00
old manT' [ said to Fred. 1.-THE last
train leaves about IL o'clock, you know.
So sorry you can't stay
For answer, Fred went up to Isobel.
and drew her fondly to his side.
IF it's. all the same to you,' he said,
"We-Well, we think we would rather
stay, and [ think we can promise them
what do You say, Belle?-that we can
prove BETTE. company than We have as
yet tonight
Yes" whispered Isobel, looking up
shyly. 1--WE will have a very jolly Christ
mas, after all.i
As she moved away, with her arm
round my wifes waist, heard her say:
THANK you. Milly darling, for shutting
us in together; and fancy you pretending
to quarrel with your husband, just to
shame us! l never felt SO happy in my
life!''
Five minutes later overheard another
grateful remark. This time from Fred.
Mrs. Middleton, | can never repay you
for your happy thought tonight; but ;f
there is any reward in seeing two people
who have been utterly and entirely miser-
able away from one another happy again
in each others love, you have that salts
faction, at least
''And quite enough, too" said Milly,
with an angelic smile.
Oh, fraudulent little Milly!-Answers.
GROWTH OF KRUPP PLANT.