Wauwatosa news. [volume] (Wauwatosa, Wis.) 1900-1948, 1904-08-27

to big parish tea that was to signal my
arrival at my new rectorY. 1t was a far
cry from DIIIry Lane to Stepney, but
Critters" came, and strange to say. es-
corted by a red-faced and hugely embar-
raised young coster. She had previously
asked me if she might bring a pal, but
somehow or other | had expected to see
anather lady of plush and feathers.
Whom | made my next floral purchase
| laughingly rallied her on the subject
TO my surprise, she flushed crimson.
@tiit out" was her first smartly de-
liyered retort; I'm no such bloomin' fool
as to marry. If ever you ketch me
messin' abaht wi that cove agin"
lleT silence was eloquent.
Have you refused the poor fellow
Oh Glitters Glittersl and after raising
his hopes by letting him escort YOU! \
nice looking chap, too, broad and of good
inches"
Yus, he do look nobby" agreed Gilt
iers" with slight sigh; then her voice
hardened. "P'raps / maynt never see
him no moTean' ! wish | could sling my
'ook / do but | won't never marry"
Her full lips closed sullenly, and
remembered the tragedy OF Il drunken
father and sadly abused mother that
must have darkened the girls youth.
Speech on the subject was useless, so
forebore
1t must have been some time in Octo
Der when ! ran across "Glitters coster
again. Yes, know now it was October.
ieeause my own wedding was fixed for
the middle of December, and Cynthia
hal orllS. eoff IoI 4ho d,4,
Poor coster boy, he had been hardly
treated, for since om last meeting Fate,
in the eliise of a runaway van. had
dashed ai'n to the ground, and crippled
him for life. He was hobbling along on
cfutehes, and ted me he had only been
out OF the hospital a week. | forbore
70 speak to him of "Glitters;" that sub
jet might be raw yet. When asked
what he was going to do for living. he
spoke brayelY on the subject of the sale
at papers, looking cunously bright and
contented. ! marveled at his courage.
and after asking him to come and look
lie up, turned on my heel, and left him.
wondering at the patience of the poor
and the strange, pathetic resignation 10
trouble
4 fortnight later | was buying great
bunch of vivid autumn foliage one read
the date of the year in "Glitters'" big
basket-when | suddenly became con
scious of a change in the girls face. 1t
had grown far softer. all its frank bold
ness gone. Also there was something de
lightful i'll her smile, a depth. a warmth
lacking before. Her very voice had
changed it was not half SO s,H-assertiye.
vet had more strength in it.
| looked at "Glitters.' Her eyes fell
before mine and a great wave dyed her
face, even to the white throat barely lid
by her kerchief. Then she smiled,
slow, conscious smile, and laughed a lit
tie nervously
F" Ave some vilets, sir; jist a penny
bunch for the Idly"
"Glitters,'' | remarked sternly, II am
not to be put off in that crafty fashion
What have you been doing with yourself
to look so happy"
Lord love YOU, sir-'ow you do 90 on!
Did You want the vilets?"
All, the mystery was out, for. holding
up 4 bunch of sweet purple violets. moist
.2mong green leaves, "Glitters" betrayed
her secret.
Why are You wearing wedding ring,
madam r l asked, smiling.
Dyer think | was a-going to see i'm
down on his luck and not comfort i'm?
Lay your life not. Why! | loved i'm all
the time, but niver so much as now.
Thank yer, sir" for | had grasped her
hands, and stood holding them tightly;
thank yer kind"
And, Glitters, my dear, splendid girl.
you are happy" | eried ''really and
truly happy?"
Appy?" her whole face lighted up
"Selp me. Gawd, I'm Apply there, now,
you've got it straight
| took off my hat to this daughter of
the people, as to queen in her own
right, and walked away, glad that | had
seen how grand a woman can be. When
! reached home / found n letter from
Cynthia awaiting me- knew the LARGE
handwriting, the blue crest, and the faint
perfume that always chung to her notes,
and ! seized on it eagerly, for had found
her out when | called
4 quite short letter, merely breaking
off the engagement on the score of the
worldly wisdom of mamma" and C2n,
thia's distaste for gray poverty and soup
kitchens. | was stunned for second
then aforementioned how often ] had met
Lord Ancaster with Cynthia lately-and
] saw clearly at last
| tore up the letter into tiny frap-
ments. and rather enyied certain Grip
Piled coster.--Claudc Askew in London
Free Lance.
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THE TO0THPICK INDUSTPY