The Washburn times. [volume] (Washburn, Wis.) 1896-1976, 1903-01-01

dollhouse flowers to Susan, and lavish
like attentions on Miss Morrison at
one and the same time. We would in
augurate a new system with the new
year.
'You opened and read this letter." |
asked slowly, possibly with some sever
ity, when you knew it was not writ
ten to you?'
She flushed deeply, and a look of
panied indignation swept over her face
why, Tom! What do you take me
for? Of course not! | thought it was
for me, or l would never have broken
ful!' added Sue, clasping her hands
with a gesture of despair.
whats in it|' | asked bluntly.
''You must read it, Tom, to under
stand and help me out. Louise will
never, never forgive me, and she will
never, never believe that / did not open
her hateful letter out Of mean curl
osity."
''Of that you may be very sure, my
dear child" l said.
This was not magnanimous, but
was seriously annoyed at the absurd
imbroglio into which four people were
being plunged by CamerOns folly. For
the life Of me | could not understand
how any man in his senses could fail
to appreciate that little girls immense
superiority over Louise Morrison, that
unreliable, small souled young woman,
whose vanity was as all pervading as
her astuteness = two hideous traits.
The letter Was--well, a glance sufiiced
to inform me that it contained the
usual rhapSodies and idiocies.
ut was in the first pages of the
book" explained she tearfully, land so
you see, Tom, that was sent to me; so,
without noticing the address, I opened
and read the nonsensical thing. Do
you know, Tom, DEAR" continued Sue,
and in spite of her mortified distress
two lovely dimples crept in the corners
of her mouth, lit was by a mere acct
dent l noticed Louise's name on the
envelope. 1t fell on the floor with the
address uppermost."
''Well, child" l said, "all you have
to do is either to notify Cameron of the
accident, and let him try his hand at
an ELUSIVE epistle to his ladylove, or
inclose this thing just as it is to Miss
Morrison and write her an honest ex-
PLANTATION Of your error. To my mind,
the first would be the safer plan of the
two. 1t would be little awkward for
you both, and will delay the extremely
ready acceptance that Is waiting for
him, which is a pity, as, If l under
stood his extremely involved sentences,
he is hoping. believe the fellow wrote
'pining,' or some such word, this very
afternoon. Wants to start out on the
new year with a CARLOAD Of illusions
and fantastic anticipations Of coming
happiness. Happiness, with Louise
Morrisonv' 1 added sardonically.
"Why, venture to predict, on next
New Years he will be looking around
for a method to escape"
/ poked the fire viciously, for / was
sorely grieved to note the pain way
down in the depths Of Sues gray eyes.
and purposely 1 spoke roughly of the
absurd affair. The little girl must
needs grow accustomed to the situa-
LlOu. LIE sooner the D6IIor.
'I'll send note to him right off,
then, Tom,' Sue said hurriedly. 1T
will be my New Years greeting to
him." and she laughed brightly.
But my ear could detect a jangle in
the sweet notes.
'What ounces men are" / solilo-
quized internally, and from the van
tage ground of my old bachelorhood 1
looked with supreme contempt on the
blunders and misrepresentation | could
note in the matrimonial ventures of my
friends and acquaintance, by which
they so very determinately brought I'M
told sorrows upon themselves.
Serves 'em right," I added mentally.
Harris, take this note around to Mr..
Cameron and bring the answer di-
frected to the butler, who had answered
the bell you'll be apt to find him
I'M
Silence fell between Us when the
door had closed and I Lit a cigar.
'sWeu, little one,n said finally, 'it's
about time to dress for dinner. By the
bye, / put a snaH box from Tiffany on
your plate"
you are a dear old boy" she said.
putting her arms around my neck.
1 drew her down by my side and kept
smoking, while she leaned her head
confdingly and sorrowfully on my
shoulder. A carriage dashed up to the
house and I heard a pause and the ball
door slam.
"Mr. Cameron announced Harris.
AS Sue had started UP and I was sit
ting in shadow, Herbert Cameron evil
IDENTIFY failed to perceive me.
did you believe it possible" he said
agitatedly and in pleading voice,
leaning forward with outstretched
arms, that | could write such a letter
to any one but you? To any one but
the dearest and loveliest woman
"Ahemp' l interposed, rising and
coming forward. Good evening, Cam
eron; glad to see you. Wish you a
Happy New Year Hope you under
stand Susans slight mistake in open
ing Miss Morrison's note"