Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1902-05-28

explanation has been made. He might
still be standing there, for all Miss Max
well would do to admit him; and the
widow. seeing Bellies perfect indiffer-
ence. answered the ring herself, In a
grent state of vexation. She presently
returned with the caller. who salutel the
young lady. receiving distant return.
Mr.. Curry was practical, at least, and
never wasted time. The particular object
of his call was made known before lie
had taken seat.
Miss Maxwell, have lately bought
pair of fine trotters, and have not yet
had them out on a long ride. ! am go
ing over to Ridgford tomorrow, and l
should be pleased to have you accompany
me. 1t Is business trip, but l think it
will be pleasant one. 1t WILL of course,
take ali day."
The widows heart leaped. Things were
getting on admirably For her daughter
to be seen riding with Mr.. Curry behind
those trotters was almost as good as an
engagement Of marriage. She had never
heard of his taking lady out to drive.
The next instant Belle made reply
that gave her mother chill.
Il am greatly obliged to you, sir; hut
1t would be impossible for me to go to-
morrow. l have promised to sing at the
public Memorial Day exercises in the
square,
You should not decline on that ac-
count" the mother eagerly put in. You
can get them to excuse you. There are
Others that can sing. Go with Mr..
Curry by all means"
The girl looked at both her mother
and the gentleman with a quiet but Sc
we're dignity. She was dutiful child;
but there are occasions when mild re-
proof from child to parent is the correct
thing; and it was so now.
II shall sing at the exercises, as
promised" she said. decidedly. Ever
since the war closed, from the time was
little girl. have taken part in the
observance of this day, and shall do so
as long as live. You surely can't mean
to advise me against it, mother?'
No, Belle, you know l would not; but
this Is an unusual Invitation"
ut must be declined" was the firm
interruption.
Mr.. Curry was very much vexed, and
was indiscreet enough to show it. He
was also foolish enough to say some
things in his vexation, which, while cor
rectly representing his own narrow views,
were very impolitic things to say in this
house.
II am much disappointed, Miss Max
well, at your REFUSAL
She did not think it necessary to say
that she too was sorry; for she was not
sorry, and this was the last man on
earth that she would tell white lie To,
for the sake Of mere politeness.
"And am rather surprised" he pur-
sued, that you should prefer such a
meaningless show to pleasant ride in
the country at this charming season"
Meaningless show! The blood of her
heroic sire flushed up in the girls cheek
at the words; but she kept back her tenn
per, and kept silence.
1T has always seemed to me to be a
very silly parade of false sentiment" the
doomed man went on. '.The soldiers en-
listed as mere matter of business; they
were paid for their work: those that did
took that risk at the start: tho account
was closed some years ago. For sensi-
BILE people to get up these observances
every year, to sing, and pray, and pala-
yer, and have great fuss with flowers
over pack Of dead soldiers seems to
me the very foam of folly. wish
He never had the opportunity to en-
press his wish. Belle Maxwell bounded
from her chair with flashing eyes and
burning face.
Mr.. Curry, such sentiments are dis
graceful" she cried. II won't sit here
and listen to them. Mother, if you get
any pleasure from this mans company
you may stay here and enjoy it; l must
be excused"
She abruptly withdrew to her own
room.
On the following day Mr.. Curry drove
his splendid trotters over to Ridgford
alone, thinking along the way great
deal about his investments and alternat-
ing these reflections with others about
the curious nature of girls.
Belle Maxwell participated in the ten
der and touching ceremonies of the day;
and many remarked that her voice had
never sounded so sweet rs when she sang
"They Sleep the Sweet Sleep of the
Brave"
A tall young veteran walked by her
side as they went to the adjoining Gene
terry to witness the ceremony. There
was much talk between the two, in the
course Of which she observed tlx0t he
had not called upon her lately.
NO." he said; 'and believe no man
has but Mr.. Curry"
III you mention that odious mans
name to me again, I'll never speak to
you," she said
The tall young veteran was very glad
to hear this, and he governed himself ac-
cordingly. And he conducted himself
generally In such way toward Belle
Maxwell that before another Memorial
Day the two were married.
Years have elapsed since then. Moth.
Ing In our country Is more common thar,
a sudden reverse of fortune; yet such ex-
amples are always surprising. 1t will not
astcnish the reader to learn that the tall
young veteran became an inventor and
accumulated great fortune by his pat
ents; but 1t may occasion mild surprise
when it is stated that Mr.. Curry lost
every dollar in speculation. and is now
earning ten dollars week in the employ
of Bellies husband. And old Mrs. Max.
well, sitting by the happy fireside of her
daughter, with her grandchildren abou,
her, has often confessed to herself that
Bellies way was the best.