Aberdeen herald. [volume] (Aberdeen, Chehalis County, W.T.) 1886-1917, 1904-07-14
Lucky Rain Drops

Keeling spruce and merry. They sailed
ont again. however. with undlgnifipd
haste when sudden dOwnpour Of rain
came from nowhere In particular-for
no one had noticed any clouds-trans-
forming most of them into mere mass
es OF drenched misery in less than
three minutes.
Lily. her head bent forward against
the wind. and with both hands holding
her winddrlven skirts. started to run
toward Grant monument. Not many
yards had she gone when she cOllided
with Clayton. who was scnrryihg to
ward the park corner.
Il beg your pardon" said he,
Lilly stood still, her back to the wind
aud her wavy golden hair blowing
prettily over her shoulders and fran
Ing her flushed face.
"YOu!" she exclaimed.
Now he was standing still. too. They
stared confusedly at each other. neither
knowing what to say.
II thought" he ventured at last,
that had nearly killed somebody.
! sincerely hope But, there. I'm
forgetting the rain aud you've no um-
brella. Hi. there-you with the tent.
IA give you five dollars Tor it,
This to a ragged old man who. new
srtheless. seemed to be comparatively
happy. having a mtsshapen but invit
ing umbrella.
'Donew said the old fellow. jumping
eagerly at the bargain. 1T aln't much
OF a beauty for promenading. sir. and
msbbe it amt worth 80 much, butt"
1T Is to me-" said Clayton. Here's
tina money. Now" turning once more
to Lilly, lets ind a more sheltered
place."
Beneath the ugly umbrella the young
couple hurried along toward huge
tree that seemed to offer some protec-
tl0n from wind and rain.
How strange" remarked Clayton.
that we should suddenly find our
selves jOurneying along together again
once more. just as we used to do. as
though we had never quarreled! At
this moment can scarcely realize that
ali Is Over--"
~ tNu ~ 5uNpP'N 'iN So ''APAi"e
tcally. II mean, the rain isn't over
yet But 1t will soon be. and-and you
really needn't have bothered about an
umbrella"
We'll, you needn't stand 80 far away.
X you do hate me-"
He took her arm and pulled her ever
NJ gently. toward him.
ola ,,.~I
that his heart was pounding violently.
but hoped he was not as observant Of
the tiutterlng Of her own.
Il suppose Wilfred Gray would be-
grudge me these few moments with
you II he knew"
Let us talk about something lmper-
soual," said she. The rain. for in
stance"
Don't you lind that "A sufficiently
fampening subject already"
well. then---um--er-Oh yes. Have
you seen Miss Gertie Terry iately:"
Il have. very lately. | tell you,
Ike Gertle Terry tremendously"
Il know you do lt's an Old at
tachment."
She made a proud but unsuccessful
attempt to free her arm from his.
why shouldn't | like her." he con
ttnuesl I'm to be the best man Mt her
wedding next month She marries my
friend Bentley"
Lily unc0nscio,lsly breathed a Sigh
Of relief.
Aren't you happy. alone here with
me. Lily" he querled. with sudden and
uncomfortable tenderness.
Goodness! There's n perfect stream
running down this slope. My skirt is
alt draggly"
What thoughtless fool | am" he
exclaimed Here. step up on this
bench
He helped her upon the bench, and
took his place beside her. and both
laughed again like children.
81 wouldn't part with this umbrella
now for a million. Why. where on
earth Is your engagement ring, I.ily?"
"What has that to do with the UNI
brella?"
Answer me You must What has
become Of your rng?"
I'm sure I don't know what he did
with It, after sent 1t back to him.
Then you're hot You're free!"
Silence.
LILLY guess what I'm going to do"
Don't you dare. Remember. you
said when we parted you would never
forgive me for 6irtlng with Wilfred.
That's why l grew reckless and en-
gagged myself to him. That's why"
Hang Wilfred! I'm about to kiss
the tip OF theprettiest ear In Chicago"
"If you DO I'll never forgive you.
Besides. they can see us plainly from
the boulevard"
Il don't care II the whole world"
A nondescrlpt. wOebegone woman.