Waterbury evening Democrat., 1904-08-02


 have the runnin' of 1t in few years If he'd stay. We'll, we'll! Fools ain't all dead yet. But here comes Hank. Guess he wants to see you, Ell"
 Elsie had been slipping into the house with heightened color, but turned back. Hank was the son of their nearest neigh Dor, and was a good, whole-souled feI- low, with clear head and energetic hab- it's, but woefully diff1dent and slow of speech. Elsie liked him, but had never cared to analyze what Hanks feelings might be toward her.
 As he approached them the young man nodded to her father, who was moving away toward the barn, and then turned to her expectantly, with the color rising slowly to the roots of his hair But not until her father was out of hearing did he speak
 s'Elsie." he began then, bashfully, Fred just said good-by to me. He'll be gone for long time.'
 "Yes," tentatively, "he said good-by to me-
 There's thatrehearsal tonight Sat urday night, you know, Elsie" he went on. Its quite a long walk, and-and you'll be needing somebody to go with you. Thought I'd better run over before any of the other boys got round.''
 T can go alone just as we'll as not, Hank. It's bright moonlight
 'sYes, yes, know 'tis,'' desperately. "But there's rehearsals next week, and church to-morrow night, and-and there's all summer long, and all next winter. It won't be moonlight all the time. You'll need somebody to walk with you Of course ain't asking you to keep company with me-" hurriedly; .only only you'll need somebody till Fred gets back, and I'm handiest.''
 I'm not engaged to Fred" proudly.
 No, of course not I know that-or thought so But he sort of kept company with you, and-Im handiest, Elsie, and you'll sure need somebody, and and you and will understand"
 She looked at him thoughtfully.
 Yes, you and I would understand, Hank" she said, land maybe will need somebody sometimes. Ives, you may come for me, Hank
 The rest came about naturally. Hank became Elsies steady company as the neighboring young people said; but Hank and Elsie themselves understood. And Fred, when he returned home for a few days at Christmas, understood, too. and he wrung Hanks hand and called him a good fellow for protecting his girl from the other boys.
 Before the end of the next year there was rumor that Fred's father was not quite satisfied The firm had not ad- vanced Fred as 1t ought. He was still receiving six dollars week, and money had to be sent from home to pay for his clothes; then his letters were filled with theaters and the proper things in high life, with nothing about his work.
 By this time Hank had developed into tall, broad-shouldered young man, perfectly capable of managing the farm which was now almost wholly under his care.
 Then one day Fred suddenly appeared among them, jaunty as ever, and home for good, as he said. The city was too crowded and unsatisfying; and besides, his father needed him to manage the farm And all he brought for his two years work and the money sent him was large diamond which flashed upon one of his fingers, and experience.
 The very night of his arrival he dressed himself with all the elaborate ness of his city knowledge and went across to Elsie's home. She received him in the parlor, in the pretty white dress which he remembered she was having made for her graduation. As she entered the room, something in her bright, winsome beauty, so different from the chalky complexions of the shop girls he had become acquainted with, made him step forward impul- sively
 Why, you're beautiful, Elsie" he ex- claimed T had no idea. It's fine to be home again Ain't you glad to see me?"
 "Yes, indeed am, Fred, " she answered frankly, as she gave him both her hands. "It will be nice to have you with us again
 Fred laughed complacently and settled himself comfortably in the easiest chair in the room. "Oh, by the way, Elsie" he said presently, mother told me there was to be a party over to Iulls Wednes- day night. Shall we go? haven't got my invitation yet, but it'll come soon's they hear I'm home.
 "Yes. you'll get it all right" Elsie agreed. 'But can't go with you, Fred. I've promised Hank He's got cousin staying at his house, though, a nice girl. Suppose you ask her?'
 NO, thank you." smilingly, tI'd rather have you It'll be all right about Hank. I'll see him myself and tell him he's off duty"
 The color deepened little in Elsie's cheeks.
 T don't believe Hank will agree to that, Fred" she said demurely. We're co be married at Christmas, and he don't seem to want me out of his sight single evening. But he'll be here in few min- utes now. You can ask him and see"
 Saratoga Bank Will Reopen.
 SARATOGA, N. r., Aug. 2.-The stockholders of the First National hank have consented Io u 90 per cent