The St. Mary banner., 1901-01-12
mn. DODSON'S ND-M/RROR.
BY EMnA A. OPpER.

it, she was sure, for Uncle Dodson
was not an ogre.
And yet, how could she meet his
possible displeasure and his certain
disappointment?
The words died away on her lips.
"A bashful pair of youngsters you
are. vow.' said Mr. Dodson, with n
laugh. IF Dudley didn't behave the
same way! Oh. well, you'll get over
it,
Annie opened her lips. hesitated,
closed them again, with a weakness
and cowardice Of which she was
painfully conscious. and rose, with
helpless tears dropping.
Her recent purchase was still in her
hands.
Il have brought little present for
your birthday, Uncle Dodson," she
said. chokingly. and she laid it on his
knees
1t was not until rather late hour
that afternoon that Annie found cour-
age to visit Mr.. Dodson's room again.
She had carefully avoided Mr.. Ho-
bart
Hobart. It was certainly the uglI-
est name she had ever heard
She had taken lunch In her room,
and she had not been out of it since.
At o'clock a messenger-boy had
brought very small parcel, adj
dressed to herself in Hobart's we'll
known writing, which, when she had
opened it eagerly. had found to con-
tain a little band of gold, set with q
glittering stone.
1t Is 4 most unnatural proceeding
for a young lady to burst into tears
at the first sight of her engagement
ring: but that is what Annie did
For the pretty. shining thing seemed
only the symbol Of her trouble and
perplexity.
She knew perfectly that her right
course was to put the ring on the
proper finger. go boldly to Mr. Dod-
son and explain its position there.
She did. indeed. get as far as put
ting 1t on. and gazing at it fondly and
admringly, and tearfully, from every
conceivable point of view; but there
her courage failed her
Dear old Uncle Dodson! how could
she dash his well-meaning hopes to
the ground with n cruel word or two?
He was so far from strong. besides.
Sudden disappointments always did
him harm.
She dried her eyes. as these de-
spairing thoughts came over her, and
started for Mr. Dodson's room.
Mr. Dodson sat facing the window,
as usual. His head was thrown back
and his eyes were closed.
Annie drew 4 sigh Of relief; he was
asleep.
Dudley Hobart was sitting in back
corner of the room. with news
paper In his hand, and his feet dis
posed comfortably. II not gracefully,
OH a second chair. lie rose hastily AS
Annie entered.
HE is asleep" he remarked, after
a tmid pause
II had observed it," said Annie.
shortly. not deisnins to look at the
speaker.
The young man looked confused. He
laid down his newspaper, and passed
his hand over his closely
head in troubled way. and finally
offered her chair.
There seemed to be nothing else to
10, and Annie sat down Stiflly.
Mr. Hobart to"z the other chair.
f Annie had glanced at him, she
might have seen that 4 pleading look
illcd his bOyish face; but she looked
oddly over his hcai at the wallpaper.
There was silsnce for several mo-
ncnts.
Then the yOun. man. with nervous
'lutch of his chair-back, and with a
.isible effort. bcgah desperately:
"He said he had told you this-his
,lan.'
Annie was cruelty unreaDonsive.
MAY l inquire what you think Of
t"' said Mr.. HObar', with face
.rown pale with asooiZed cmbarrass-
ncnt.
Annie rose sharply
Words wuu'd not express what l
hink Of it, she said. flashing an in
ii-nant glance ..wald the young man.
1T can't possihl: b.!'
The occupant O. the armchair moved
es;lessly; he was waking up.
\, ME lowered her vo.ce as she went
n. severely:
Il am already engaged. L"
She paused N bewilderment. The
ace Of her listener had been suddenly
with unmistakable rel'e-
nd Joy. lie seized her hands warm
V. |
Engaged? Well. II we aren't in the
anne boat. so am ~ u,
Annies severity vanished. Her cold
azc gave way to quick smile Of
'Are you, Mr.. Hobart?" she cried.
I III SO glad.'
Don't call me Mr.. Hobart, said the
oun:. man. impetuo,lsiy. Call me
,,.I EyaryhoIy calls mo Dud1