The Forrest City times., 1905-07-14

They are" she replied; and now we are here, all friends, together. am going to tell you the story of my life. which is known to but very few. Rose among the number My parents are dwarfs and exhibit in circus in England l was sent to this country | when l was quite a child to be edu- | cated I was placed in charge of Mrs. 1 Weston. who saw in me & resemblance i to child she had lost. l visit my parents frequently. and they are de- voted entirely to my happiness.
 There was profound silence after this astonishing revelation. which came so suddenly that Rose with all her tact knew not what to say. She dared not glance at Tom, who was not an adept at concealing his feelings. and she feared his intense surprise would hurt Pearl. He was the first to break the silence.
 My dear Miss Craig" he said with a kindly smile, it does indeed seem odd that one so tall should come of dwarfed race. but I can match you in family peculiarities. l have a brother who is his own uncle.
 Tom, what are you talking about" exclaimed Rose in relieved tones.
 .'It is true" he persisted. He mar ried his step aunt, and of course his aunt's husband would be bis unele!"
 Pearl laughed heartily, and Rose felt that she did indeed love him for talk ing the astounding information so easily Lionel recovered himself and began questioning Pearl about her life and her parents, as if 1t were most ordinary statement she had made. Stephen alone was tongue-tied and i'll at ease.
 He looks" thought Rose, Hike man who has had most terrible shock
 When he finally spoke. it was to propose departure. Lionel acquiesced and asked Pearl if he might escort her home. but she explained that she was staying with Rose. Stephen merely bowed his adieu.
 I'll never again" reflected Rose, judge a man by appearances. They both acted just the reverse of what I expected"
 In the evening Tom came again. but this time alone.
 "I thought" said Rose, that Lionel would come up with you?''
 Lionel has just left the city He had an urgent summons away, and sent goodbye 10 you both"
 Et tu. Brute" thought Rose, glanc- ing at Pearl. who seemed in no ways disturbed by the information.
 Miss Pearl said Tom, thinking to break an awkward moment, Rose some music9"
 Certainly; If you and Rose will go in the next room to listen will play you some dreamy. slow music"
 This was quite satisfactory to Rose and Tom. and they went into the li- brary. As Pearl sat at the piano, her fingers wandering tremendously over the keys, the maid announced a caller but Pearl was 90 absorbed in the mu- sic, she did not hear the announce ment.
 Pearl said a manly voice beside her
 She gave a little. nervous start and looked up from the piano to see Ste phen standing at her side.
 Pearl. am glad to find you alone. I have loved you for a long time, as you must know l didn't know how much until l heard your little story to-day. It seemed to me I must take you then and there into my arms. l could not speak without telling you loved you. so l came now to ask you if there is any hope Pearl"
 T wonder" said Rose to Tom, why Pearl has stopped playing. We mustn't neglect her"
 She crossed the long room and part ed the portieres Instantly she returned l, to Tom.
 Well" he asked, why isn't she making musie?"
 She is" laughed Rose; but it's 6 song without words"