Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1903-09-05

The west"
1.-THE dining ROOM
"When you arn't hungry, yes. Well,
well, old man, this is treat. l am
amazingly glad to see you
anks-eh-Osborn? Yes, you are
Osborn"
'"The same-Charlie Osborn, at your
service, sir. Dick, you are gazing de-
jectedly upon the happiest man in the
world"
Inherited a fortune?"
"Why man alive, I'm getting mar
ried tonight. Swell affair at old ST..
Johns, over town, you know. Party
out for last seaside frolic and all
that. Going in on a special train, you
know. Join us, old man, come in at
the eleventh hour, as it were, and share
the fun"
The man from the west frightened.
Osborn, I've come home on similar
Grand" And the two men shook
hands warmly.
''Sly old dog! Well, a fellow feeling
and that,a you know. Stay at home,
will you?"
Don't know. You live in the old
town."
"No place like it. Bought the old
Jasper place and remodeled the house.
Fine property. Bought it for Rather
ines sake She is very fond of it." He
spoke with a sort of glow in his voice.
He was large and fair with tender
heart that looked out at his laughing
eyes.
The other man suddenly stiffened.
''The old Jasper place." he repeated.
con the corner of Spring and Pop
lar-across from the park, you know.
We are coming back after a short
northern trip" He laughed softly.
There was no sympathy in his friends
sunburnt face. But the light was dim
in the lilac walk.
"You are-marrying Katherine Jas
PERI" The man from the west stood
with his back to the light.
why, to be sure, thought told
you. Prettiest woman I ever saw.
I'm surprised that she'd look at me.
Remember her, don't your
eyes. / am stupid-see you later,
Charlie" and he turned sharply away,
followed by a long, low whistle that
maddened him. He was glad that
Charlie had not called her by her pet
name, the pretty, caressing little name
that he loved.
He went down to the sea and walked
up and down the beach while the lit
tie waves whispered and died at his
feet. After long hours the moon rose
from the ruddy waters. He heard a
late train come out from town. It
would be going back after awhile. He
might as we'll take it and catch an
early express and get back to the west
and the comfortable forgetfulness
from which he had come to this bit
ter disappointment.
II.
He hurried back to the hotel, found
sleepy porter and sent his baggage
to the station, paid his bill, shook him
self and turned his face to the west.
He had choice between the wide
bricked walk to the front gate and the
sandy path that was bordered by lilacs
as it wound around the old house and
through the garden to little tumble
down gate half way to the station.
He hesitated and chose the path. The
garden was damp and tangled and
sweet Moonlight, white and clear,
bathed it in unearthly glory.
Before him he saw the CLEAN of a
white dress. A woman met him. He
held out his hand His blood danced
wildly, and he was used to having it
flow steadily. "I-thought you were
in town." he said, curious ring in
his voice.
II was" she answered simply, show
ing no surprise at his manner of greet
ing. 81 returned on the last train.
The others are sleeping in town. There
can't begin till morning. Weddings
are rather tiresome. We expected
YOU"
cit was quite unavoidable"
II understand, of course Still
rather expected you"
IF l had known that you cared
She interrupted him quickly: II
didn't, specially. Charlie told me that
he had met you and asked you to the
wedding"
He leaned toward her, his eyes
stern. "Did you think l would go?"
Her chin went up a little. cit was
over when he told me-
1T was?" Between set teeth. But
I dare say you'd have gone with him
just the same il he had told you be-
FORE"
II suppose So" she answered wear
lily. "1s it not little chilly? 1 had on
Raglan over my wedding garment,
but left it in the hall. l shall have
to be going In. 1t was a lovely we'd
ding"
Osborn will be looking for you," he
said
She laughed softly. "No, he is in
town, you know. But must not stay
out longer. Good night"
cit is gOOd-by," he said. IT am 60