Aberdeen herald. [volume] (Aberdeen, Chehalis County, W.T.) 1886-1917, 1902-09-04
I friend. Tony Baldram, and you came to

1--WE have unavOidably been thrown
much together, and, as a natural conse-
Quence, dear old uncle assigned us to
one another. But-but-it didn't work,
did 1t, Dick?"
| mo, Maisie."
"Not made for one another, were we,
Dick"
NO"
"Dear old Dick, 1-I-like you awful
ly. and l love you. but only like a.
| "Sister, Maisiey
"That's it. Dick. We are quite agreed
on that point"
Yes, Maisie. I was really in love
once, but it was different sort Of love
from that which have for you. l
would do anything for you, Maisic.
you've been so good to me; but it's
quite"
"Platonc?"
Eyes, Maisie, that's It,"
| Good, Dick. We're both Of the same
mind Just for dear old Uncle TOny's
sake want you to pretend that
| that"
Were advanciRg?" suggested Dick,
with a twinkle IN his eye.
Good, again. Dick. He'd be so much
happier. After all, 1t cant be wrong
to brighten his last days, and he need
never know but that it's real. Only
when he's with us need we pretend.
| When alone, we can be as we really
are"
Dick was silent for a long time.
you think it would actually cheer
him up, Maisie?"
"UndOubtedly, Dlckie."
| 'Then, being free man. I'll do It,"
Judging from large bunch Of red
roses on Maisie's breakfast plate next
morning, Uncle Tony had every reason
to suppose that Dick was advancing.
RED roses for love, Dick" said the
old gentleman, in huge delight. "Maisie
knows that. don't you, Maisie?"
Yes, uncle. o, Dick, they're lovely!
Thanks. ever so much"
Dick felt as IL he could kick himself.
| When he hurried Off to catch his city
train. Maisie followed him to the hall.
You're good boy, Dick" she whis-
pered. "Mind you return early" she
cried out loud enough for her uncle to
hear.
"Maisie." said Uncle Tony, 81 always
knew that boy would advance in time.
There'll be such wedding! l knew it
would all come right. You We're made
for one another"
some new songs for Maisie. They were
sentimental-songs OF love and loves
sweet dreams, Of tender eyes and Gu
pld's bows. And as Uncle Tony lis
tened to Dick joining in with Maisie,
he allowed his book to drop and fell
asleep, happy in the thought that dear
Dick and Maisie were advancing be-
yOnd all expectations. So things
progressed as the weeks slipped away,
and Uncle Tony began to wonder when
the ring would make its appearance.
Don't worry about that, SIR" said
Dick. brightly, 1T will be something
special. l shall order one Of my own
design
"Rubies, Dick, eh? Rubies for
hearts"
Presently Maisie's birthday came
along. This" thought Uncle Tony. lis
grand opportunity for Dick to come
out in his true cOlOrs and show himself
to be worthy of his advancement"
Nor was Uncle Tony disappointed
Dick gave MaisIe beautiful gold
bracelet with a heart-shaped clasp, but
only Dick knew the thought and care
he had expended on his purchase
Maisie in private called him a stupid
the sake OF appearances, and suggested
that if he continued it were better the
deception terminated and that Uncle
Tony learned the truth.
"Must do the thing thoroughly,
Malsie. or the dear old chap would s,ls-
pect. The scheme is working splendid
ly. and he's a different man. Quite
happy and cOntented."
Its dreadful. Dick-the deception,
mean. He's no idea it's all fraud.
It's awfully wrong. Dick"
Eyes. Maisie. It's involving me in a
lot of expense, too"
"Stop the presents. Dickie. However.
we must continue the scheme. 1t would
break Uncle Tony's heart were we to
shatter his idol now"
SO the gifts ceased. but in their stead
Dick. more pcrSistently than ever,
showed Maisie all those thousand and
one little attentions which are usually
the outcome of sincere attachment
and are currently denominated as "Cu.
pid's messages" Dick one day found
himself positively delighting in pleas
ing Maisie-and her uncle. Had any
one Informed him at the outset that
such would have been the case he
would have ridiculed him.
Maisie sometimes thought how nice
it would be to have Il man who did
that sort of thing" for love instead OF
for appearances.
"See, Maisie.' said Dick one day, IL
have brought you home this-one Of
SIX" and 10 handed her a beautiful
handkerchi, 'ered with exquisite
lace.
Were aloh TX. You might just
as we'll have 1t for Uncle TOny'S