Gloucester County Democrat. (Woodbury, N.J.) 1878-1932, 1902-03-20

Why don't you reprove me for being
sentimental, as you always do? Oh
are. you already under the influence
Of tomorrow and kindly disposed to
ward every one, even me?'
"Even you. Now, Martha''-
"Oh, well, I'll take it back IL you
| don't like it," she hastened to say
laughing, then in tone of almost
bantering tenderness: my dear, /
| wanted to tell you about some plans
for tomorrow, but how can talB
Christmas when you are in such 8
solemn state? You'd dishearten SAINTS
| Claus himself
i've been thinking" answered Miles
slowly, "that perhaps you may have
! thought the roses-may have taker
them in way-may perhaps have mis-
understood them a little.' He rose
took few steps around the room and
then began again with better courage
1T occurred to me after l had semi
them that as they would arrive this
evening you might not take them as
as my gift. I must tell you something
that has been troubling me for long
time. Things are not quite the same
with father and me as they were wher
first met you. Perhaps you knew
it."
There was questioning infection
in his last words. The girls face had
paled little, but just the faintest
smile curved her lips. She was gazing
steadfastly at the rose jar, on which
her hand rested, and she made no an
swer
Until Christmas came I did not
realize the change in our prospects,"
he went on steadily. perhaps I did
not want to think Of that, but if ii
does make difference, why, them
Martha was looking straight into his
eyes, with an expression of infinite
tenderness.
1T has made a difference, Charles
all the difference in the world. / have
been wondering for weeks what you
would like for Christmas gift, and
what you have said tonight solves the
problem" There was a queer little
catch in her voice, but she went on
bravely, "And I've decided, sweet
heart, to give you that which I think
you need most Of alI'-her hand crept
tremulously into his-"myself."
Miles stared at her in dazed fashion
and she smiled at him gently.
Il realize now, dear, how selfish /
was to insist on being a June bride
just because my mother and Nell had
been married in June. The family will
all be here tomorrow, even Aunt Helen
from Toronto Of course it would be
such a quiet wedding, no finery, no
gifts, but l thought that now, when
you were in-trouble, you might need
me-and"-
The matter of fact Miles was alive
to the whole glorious meaning of her
words now, and, drawing her to him,
he murmured brokenly:
IF need you! Oh, you can't under
stand how much!"
=
The Christmas chimes were ringing
as Miles left the house A few mo-
ments later Martha stood before the
gas log in her own room. A half rue
full smile settled about her lips.
'.And I haven't even a new white
frock that will pass for wedding
dress" she murmured.
Then she crossed to a quaint chest
OF drawers and drew forth a bulky
package tied with blue ribbons. From
nest of tissue paper she unwrapped
a mans travelling set in richest silver.
Piece by piece she laid it forth on her
dressing table, breathing an occasional
sigh.
In the morning early I shall have
Nell exchange it for two scarfpins,
just alike, for Bob and GRANGER. Real
ly, GRANGER ought to be best man, if
there was such parsonage tomor-
row.