Pullman herald. [volume] (Pullman, W.T. [Wash.]) 1888-1989, 1902-12-20
Old maids Secret.
nAAM0N@@~ ~~~w~@~~ Observation-Disclosures

furnished room in the hotel, she would
SIT alone for hours after the children
/ were gone to bed and wonder If his
visits, If his confidential manner and
talk II his extraordinary interest in
ner ana the little ones meant any
thing" And If so?
Suppose" she would say. looking
into her little mirror at her own round
cheerful, wholesome face suppose he
should? What? Ask you to marry
him. What would you say?"
And she would smile little doubt
ruby as she shook her head, and. put
ting out the light, lay down to think
1t all over. There was nothing partic-
ularly romantic about Miss Sophie.
she was a demure, modest little soul,
out' being a woman, she could not
avoid bordering such a denouement
Tor this persistent friendship of a man
whom everybody admired and respect
ed. 1t was In such terms that she
thought Of him. He was no hero III
hef eyes, for the little old maid didn't
go III FOR heroes. She fancied that
he would make a gentle, considerate.
safe" husband for any woman,
and
He's like a father to the children
already" she caught herself saying
one night And after that she thought
or Kingsland In new light. What an
advantage 1t would be for Matte and
Harry to have a guardian, q protec-
tor, father like that? Matte, poor
child, was not fitted for such hard
work. The opportunities for girl,
or even for boy, were so small In
the small town. Then they were such
pretty, imaginative, amlable children.
She, Aunt Sophie, had already deter
mined to devote her life to them Why
not complete her devotion to them by
marrying KingslandY
Her reflections always came Oack to
that
AT last one night he called little
later than usual, while Matte and
Harry were at the concert. Miss So
phie noticed that he was dressed up,"
and she felt the fever Of curiosity and
fear come into her plump cheekp and
bright eyes. She had let him into the
little parlor, and was about to light
the lamp, but he stopped her with:
Don't mind the light, Miss Sophie.
| just want to say few things. |
feel more collected, easier, In the
dark"
The scared little spinster wondered
If she might faint, but sat down In the
far corner with queer little sigh. He
went on, speaking rapidly and very
PLAINLY: Il am thinking of getting
married, Miss Sophie. That Is, within
the next year or so. Meanwhile l want
to do something for you-the children.
I'd like to send Matte to some good
school. No, no! She needn't know
anything about It, And Harry want
Harry to keep on at school and take a
course Of manual training. 1t can be
a secret between us-between you and
me. VIII you agree to help me do this
Soph-Miss Sophie"
"Oh, yes, Mr.. Kingsland 1t is kind,
so kind Of you, but, but how are we to
repay-it will cost so much"
Never mind that-now," he said. 81
want Matte for my Wife"
Matte" she whispered, choking
down a sob, wondering at her own
composure.
yes, Miss Sophie, Matte. 1 haven't
said a word to her. 1 mean to give
her little more education-without
her knowing, and then, If she will have
me-what's the matter, Miss Sophie?"
For the poor little woman was weep
ing But she Gained herself directly
and said; but If she won't have you
then?"
ooh, I'll think no less of her and
and-well keep this secret between us,
Miss Sophie. Record Herald.