Aberdeen herald. [volume] (Aberdeen, Chehalis County, W.T.) 1886-1917, 1902-05-12


~ marry" If Il cyclone had struck
the sharp featured man who sat
with his feet elevated upon the iron
railing of the veranda it could not have
caused him to start up more quickly.
He shipped the ashes from his cigar.
paced to the farther end of the veran-
da, and returning to the questioner's
side. he said:
Harry, what made you ask me that
question:"
The young man, upon whose shout
der the others hand rested lightly, lift
ed his eyes. Evidently the Colonel was
deeply moved.
"Why. all men marry; that is, men
Of means or-anyhOw. they should
marry"
But you have not married"
and for a good reason; l am not
able
But you could support very COM
Portable household If you We're not
well. what you are" said the Colonel,
as he moved away.
"Ah! Hold on, Colonel; do not leave
me III lnat-ne gone.
The other, paying no attention to
his words. went down the broad steps
and walked slowly away in the moon
light.
Il know what he means: he might
just as we'll have told me in so many
spendthrift! Hang it all!
know very we'll that am careless
about finances and all that sort Of
thing. If had been forced to work
early I'd know the value of dollars ana
be a very different sort of chap now.
All, well! Life is too short to fret
over mistakes gone and done for. Edith
Lsle is a--here she comes now
Was it the tap-tap of tiny feet or the
frou- frOu of snowy skirts that made
Harry Lancaster's heart throb tumul-
tuously? 1t was both-and the fact
that the woman he loved more than
all others was nearing him. Rising, he
tossed his cigar away, lifted his hat,
and offered the charming creature in
white Il chair
do not disturb yourself. Mr.. Lam
caster; merely came for brief walk
up and down the veranda. Isn't it
lovely EVENING"
There was witchery in the tones Of
that low, sweet voice Harry's heart
pumped away more vigorously than
ever. If the veranda roof hadn't been
eave-fringed with ivy the moonlight
would have disclosed the hot flush that
mantled the young mans face.
1T is indeed delightful evening If
you will not rest here for a few mo-
ments will you permit me to Offe: you
my arm for the stroll?"
She laid her dainty hand upon his
arm an | the pair strolled slowly to the
farther end of the veranda; they turn
ed to retrace their steps when Edith
said:
WAS not that freely? Over there
there it is again, and such a glowing
one, too! There. it has disappeared"
at may be a FREELY, but it Is my
opinion that Colonel Drake Of the reg
ulars is smoking a cigar out there
among the shadows" said Harry.
"Is that charming old bear here?"
she suddenly asked, allowing her hand
to slip from the others arm.
HE came this afternoon"
And as was not down to tea did
not meet him."
"YOu seem to be acquainted with the
Colonel, Miss Lisle."
Fairly, but really ought not to
hno TIM I,o lin.
gentleman. He is quite engaging. but
l detest that absurd idea about his
strange umbrella
umbrella? What umbrella. may !;
ask" inquired Harry. puzzled at her
remark.
"Why, have you never heard about
the Coloners umbrella"
Never"
Colonel Drake possesses blue. old
fashioned umbrella which is supposed
to be very potent love charm or some
thing like that. Plainly, so it is told.
when he invites a lady to share its
shelter against the rain her heart Is
won forthwith. Strange, Is it not?"
absurd! Have you ever"
mo, not yet.
81 should not like you to accept Its
shelter ever-though l do not believe
in such Stiffness" softly said Harry.
If she understood his meaning she
was coy of acknowledgment, for, lift
ing her hand to his arm again, the pair
resumed the stroll just in time to meet
the Colonel as he assembled the steps.
The Colonel lifted his hat and passed
indoors, while Harry and Edith stroll
ed and chatted the hours away.
The next morning Harry Lancaster