Montour American. (Danville, Pa.) 1866-1920, 1905-03-23

w Az AIlut "IlhI MISS NblNDAih
a wedding"
yes" he admitted, that IS what she
meant" And he was white as his
rosebud.
She looked at him, and suddenly the
battle was again In her eyes.
How stupid Of me-" she said and
made a low bow to him. "Of course
only the bridegroom sends the bride
roses. Allow me TO congratulate you.
You've been breaking II to me gently
l am so much obliged 10 you-that you
are the happy man"
1T is my wedding" said Bert and
set his teeth,
so kind Of you TO mention 1t. Has
Miss Carl come yetT'
Il don't know"
shouldn't you be finding out|'
But here there came a diversion-the
swish Of skirts, with chatter and laugh
ter, going down the hall.
oh" said Mike, they're going In TO
dinner"
Mr.. Jordan gravely offered his arm
The girls lips Quivered. She looked
up at him In swift appeal in the way
or the days before the quarrel.
They'll all know" she faltered,
that you've been telling me, and
they'll try not to stare and not TO smile.
and it will be horrid, horrid"'
Don't 60" said Bert.
She gave nervous laugh and slip
ped her hand within his arm, but he
stood still.
1--WE must 60" she said and gave
little pull and set her mouth in as firm
a line as she could. Its too late not to"
ITS rather late to CO." said Bert.
They're all seated by now. II Miss
Cordelia has given us the places that
she used to give US
We'll have to walk the whole length
Of the table" broke in Mike and gave
a little sob. I'll never forgive Miss
Cordelia-never. And where" sudden
" drawing away from him, '1s Nellie
CarlT
II think" said Bert, astutely bend
ing his head 10 listen, that they're
sending for us" Truly n step came
down the hall.
"Oh." gasped Mike, 80 they are!'
LET'S cut and rum" said Bert.
/, another instant they had whisked
OFT among the stray flakes OF the piaz-
"a. She leaned against one Of the pill
lars. One hand in a hurried little flutter
Of excitement went to her throat. The
other Bert held and felt it trembling.
Come on" he said, Joyously facing
the snowy night, come on"'
Come whereY' The dismay Of II was
touching, but Bert laughed.
ITO the bishop" he explained. THE
impromptu.'
But don't want 70 go there now"
why not? You always intended,
didn't you-to be married by the bish-
OPT Why not nowT
There was pause, wherein yainly
through the darkness he tried TO search
her face.
Let me carry you to the sleigh"
Bert entreated, 80 that your little feet
will not get wet in the snow"
Your sleigh is waitingT
"At the curb"
"And Nellie CarlT'
He laughed triumphanuy and, snatch
ing her up In his arms, ran out into the
street, and ready under the great fur
robes of the sleigh was the hooded
cloak.
How ever did Miss Cordelia guess :"
laughed Bert as lie drew it about her,
"or did you tell herr
You are two wicked plotters," re-
turned Mike Indignantly. II shall go
back TO that dinner"
But the groom had stepped back from
the horses head.
Its great" cried Bert, as they dash
ed down the street with the soft. cold
beat of the snow in their faces. And
| can't stop the horse unless
well, unless?"
Unless you want him stopped, Nix
ie."
DO you know" asked Mike demure-
ly, 'ff either of us has told the bishop,
because 1t would not be respectful TO
disappoint him"
But there's one thing. Mike" This
somewhat later.
'Qh, Is thereY
you haven't your mind at all on Mel
lie Carl. have youf"
We'll" said Mike, and softly laugh:
ed. II don't see why you should kidnap
the wrong girl"
So they dashed on toward the bishop