The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1905-05-17

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SM--W had not seen his way clear
Dbl to have one till recently.
1t was a day CT Joy and
kumph for the little lady when, final
the instrument "a fastened to the
all over the Admington's front stair
nding. 1t was Oh a circuit with other
homes and when the bell rang in n
Ruse it rang in ten others. The Ad-
ingtons, like every other family on
e line, had a certain number of rings
II their own particular call, but it
ok them some time to get over being
artled when any other number was
hnded.
It bothered Mrs. A6mington less than
her members Of the family, and it
We her pleasure to talk about ring
up" her friends, which she did
|th an accustomed air that seemed to
fiicate there had been q telephone in
ery room in the Admington house for
hrs.
t was different with her husband.
didn't like telephones any too well
the office, and he was sure n in
house would be an abominatlon.
vas confirmed in this belief the
st night their phone was in commits
g&n by being awakened from a sound
eep by the jangling of the bell and be-
y asked by an impatient inquirer:
P'Say, are you the undertaker:"
The morning after the phone was
Stalled Mrs. Arlington started to
t it to most practical use, that Of
dering things for dinner from the
hrket. She was thinking how pleas
t it was just TO ring a bell and tell
e grocer what to send.
She took down the receiver and put
Ito her ear, but was somewhat vexed
hear q mans voice and discover that
e line was busy.
I'll have to wait, and I'm in such a
rry," she pouted, but remembering
errand in another part Of the house,
E busted herself for a few moments.
er next try at the phone found the
e still busy. Mrs. Admington was
|hpted for a second to- listen, but
san't think that would be quite fair,
again she hung up the receiver and
down to wait till the line should
disengaged. She fdgeted in a little
air for a minute that seemed ten and
In went to the phone again, saying
herself:
Those people must be through talk
by this time"
But they were not. and as Mrs. Ad-
ngton took down the receiver for
third time to call up central she
bird the emphatic declaration Of a
Fy decided young woman:
Well. I don't care. I'm going to
Try him anyway"
1rs. Admington knew that she ought
drop the receiver, but she couldn't
go. 1t was glued to her ear And,
Eway. the next instant she heard
- voice Of the man she had heard
Ice before, and he had been monopo-
ng that wire long enough.
But how long did you say you have
Pwn him." he was asking the young
man..
Why, I've known him only two
eks," was the reply, ''but I've seen
an awful lot in that time"
We'll, don't you think two weeks a
tty short acquaintance to marry
y urged the mai.
t would be in most cases." admitted
young woman. "but with us it's diff
mt. He's awfully nice. and he likes
and I like him. and he doesn't
1T to wait. He. doesn't believe in
< engagements, and neither do l."
Well, you're q simpleton,' was Mrs.
nington's mental comment, as she
ted from one foot to the other
moved a little nearer to the phone
as the mans voice was asking:
sn't heswiiling to give you a little
to get ready? A woman can't
married conveniently on a days
ce. If he likes you 80 much l
lld think he would give you a
bee to get Q few clothes together
pusseau. you know. Won't he give
10 month or six weeks for that?"
o." was the answer Hes going
; within a month, and he wants to
barried so I can go with him"
En't he coming back"
Fes. he's coming back, but he
Init want to wait till then"
Yell, if he likes you so much, don't
think that's a little unreasonable"
Eested the 4
fnreasonable." thought Mrs. Ad-
Eton. "The fellows a perfect pig"
t the young woman at the other
of the wire evidently had a differ
opinion.
might think he was unreasonable
ings were different" she said, "but
n get ready and I don't mind if it
little sudden"
Tell, 1 don't want you to think me
nUch Of a meddler," came back the
of the man, 81 only want to sug-
things that seem to be FOR your
Now. you say you've known this
for two weeks. Are you sure you
care Cor him at the end of two
lbs? Wouldn't it be we'll to wait
long and see?'
e haven't the least bit Of fear of
responded the young lady in
of perfect assurance. "He says
Fere made for each other"
hdc for the madhouse," muttered
Admington to herself, losing all
pee