The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1904-08-19
NV acquaintance with "Glitters"

save herself When l expressed sur
prise that she belonged to the army
Of bachelor-maids toss of her head
rewarded me.
"Wish may die furst." said "Glit-
ters." Whats the blessed good OF
getting married? A lot Of kids and
more kicks than ha'pence."
Hey summing up, If crude, was fair
ly true. The position of the east end
wife and mother has its drawbacks,
and when she went on to tell me in
strong and forcible language that one
of her brothers-in-law was doing time
for knocking his wife about and bad
ly damaging her eye, and that another
was rarely sober more than twice
week. I mentally agreed that cell
bacy had it's advantages. Yet there
was such womanliness in the girls
smile, and such generous hint In the
swelling bust that one felt sorry for
sweetness wasted.
Time passed, and with great diplo-
macy I managed to persuade Gilt
tors" to come to big parish tea that
was to signal my arrival at my new
rectory. 1t was a far cry from Drury
Lane to Stepney, but "Glitters" came,
and, strange to say, escorted by red
faced and hugely embarrassed young
costsr. She aad previously asked me
If might bring a pal, but somehow or
other l had expected to see another
lady Of plush and feathers.
When l made my next floral pur-
chase, laughingly rallied her on the
subject. To my surprise, she flushed
crimson.
Git out" was her first smartly de-
Evered retort; I'm no such bloomin'
fool as to marry II ever you ketch
Ame messin' abaht wi'&that cove agin
-" Her silence was eloquent.
Have you refused the poor fellow?
Oh, Glitters! Glitters! and after rails
ing his hopes by letting him escort
you! A nice-looking chap, too, broad
and Of good inches"
"Yus, he do look nobby." agreed
"Glitters," with slight sigh; then her
voice hardened. "Praps l maynt
never see him no more-an' I wish
l could sling my 'ook I debut l
won't never marry"
Her full lips closed sullenly, and
remembered the tragedy of drunken
father and sadly abused mother that
must have darkened the girls youth.
Speech on the subject was useless, SO
I forebore.
1t must have been some time In
October when ran across "Glitters'
coster again. Yes, know now 1t was
October. because my own wedding was
fixed for the middle of December, and
Cynthia had only just settled the
date.
Poor coster boy, he had been hardly
treated, for since our last meeting
Fate, in the guise Of runaway van,
had dashed him to the ground and
crippled him for life. He was mob
bling along on crutches, and told me
he had only been out Of the hospital
a week. l forbore to speak to him OF
"Glitters;" that subject might be raw
yet. When asked what he was going
to do for living, he spoke bravely
on the subject Of the sale Of papers,
looking curiously bright and content
ed. I marveled at his courage, and at
ter asking him to come and look me
up, turned on my heel and left him,
wondering at the patience OF the poor
and the strange, pathetic resignation
to trouble.
A fortnight later l was buying q
great bunch Of vivid autumn foliage
one read the date Of the year In
"Glitters' big basket-when sud,
denly became conscious of change In
the girls face. 1t had grown far soft
er, all its frank boldness gone. Also
there was something delightful in her
smile, depth, warmth lacking be-
fore. Her very voice had changed; 1t
was not half so self-assertive, yet had
more strength in it.
I looked at "Glitters." Her eyes
fell before mine and a great wave
dyed her face, even to the white throat
barely hid by her kerchief. Then she
smiled, slow, conscious smile, and
lauged little nervously.
Ave some vilets, sir; jist a penny
bunch for the Idly
"Glitters," l remarked, sternly, Il
am not to be put of in that crafty
fashion. What have you been doing
with yourself to look so happy"
Lord love you, sir-'ow you do go
on! Did you want the vilets?
All. the mystery was out. for, hold
ing up bunch of sweet purple VIC
lets, moist among green leaves. "Glit-
tiers" betrayed her secret.
why are you wearing a wedding
ring, madam" asked. smiling.
oyer think I was a-going to see
i'm down on his luck and not comfort
i'm? Lay your life not. Why! 1 loved
i'm all the time, but niver so much as
now. Thank yer. SIR" for I had
grasped fer hands, and stood holding
them tightly; thank yer kind"
"And, Glitters. my dear, splendid
cSrI x-n,, ara bonpyoD or;ad. oroa1lv