Waterbury evening Democrat., 1905-01-27
David affected not to De conscious of

duu Au em long DelOre my NlLle fox terrier got at one of 'em, and be- fore could get it away from i'm, he'd eaten one of the pink roses and cou- pie of the forget-me-nots."
 Mrs. Meadows was surprised into a ridiculous guffaw. Then, conscious ap- parently of the impropriety of her con. duct, she evaded her daughters eye and became absorbed in contemplation of the ceiling. David could hardly help echo- ing this little outburst of encourage ment with grin of his own; and Sophie set her teeth together and felt that was fighting the whole world single-handed and alone.
 Then" continued David, there's these ere braces"
 Sorhie turned her head away sharply. It was doubtful whether, in her altered relationship with MT. Trotter braces were things that could be discussed with propriety. The articles in question were luridly embroidered in red and blue upon green background, and in any. thing like sustained silence they might have been relied upon to speak for them selves. It was evident. however, from their present condition that they had been more decorative than useful; and David's attempt to strengthen the weak CT parts by the addition of piece of stout string had done nothing to en- nance their artistic beauties. David, remarking Sophie's attitude out of the corner of his eye. placed the poor mangled remains of the braces , reverently on the table, and gazed at them with sigh. as if he regarded them as still beautiful. even :a death. Then he produced pair of woolen cocks from his parcel.
 These 'ere," he said. % course they've bin in wear a good deal and" T didn't give lem to you for to keep under glass case" protested Sophie her bitter feelings softened a little by the fact that he had been glad to make use of her present
 "No; quite so." said David. turning and addressing her for the first time "Only. you see, when you've got to give things back again"
 "I don't want them back" said Sophie
 Well, there don't seem to be no choice about it. as far as can see," replied David. And as couldn't give 'em back with 'oles in 'em. and didn't like to let no one else touch 'em now, tried to mend 'em up bit myself You'll sec"
 Mrs. Meadows guffawed again. And finding her mirth not so easy to check on this occasion, she fled precipitately into the shop, and left the young people alone. Sophie frowned at the interrup- ton, but the next moment she found herself half smiling at David's dilem- ma. This big, rough fellows confess ! sion of his helplessness was not dis. pleasing to her. It showed her at least that there were times when she would be missed, and the reflection softened her little.
 David passed the socks along, and in- dicated with his finger the spot where his handiwork was to be seen. A huge, lumpy blotch of red wool that had been laboriously grafted on to gray back ground, it did not need to be pointed out, It caught the eye at once and absolute ly riveted the attention. Sophie felt the corners of her mouth breaking down, and. finally, unable to resist the ludi- crousness of the absurd incongruity, she burst into peal of derisive laughter.
 "T never was much of and with a needle" David explained, smilingly. Then, as if realizing that Sophie's mirth was a distinct sign of encouragement. he leaned across the tablbe and said, in tone of gentle protest: See what a mess I should make O things if you give me up"
 Sophie stopped laughing and looked at him sternly.
 There is-Faith Duker," she said Not for me. there aint," he said, scornfully. An can't make out what you keep on about the gal for. don't suppose I've spoke dozen words to Ter. Father give 'er people job mend in the sacks at the mill, but the works done now. and"
 But Mrs. Green said that Bobby Harper told 'er-"
 "Yes. I know. An you give my com. pliments to Bobby 'Arper, an ask i'm what 'e's got is left eye shut up for. AS for old mother Green. scandalmonger- in is 'er business when she's got no drinkin' to do. You don't want to go listenin' to a parcel of old gossips like that. Spose you let me keep the things you gave me. Come, now. that's a bar gain. And the things gave you" Fl returned them" faltered So- phie, as her right hand mechanically sought the finger of her left hand that only yesterday had been decorated with a gold ring set with two pearls and a garnet
 David turned to the second parcel op the table
 "I brought 'em back on the off- chance" he said. Shall undo th. string"
 By way of reply. Sophie took her scis- sors from the maDtelpiece behind her and reaching across the table. cut the string in several places. Then shs looked up at David's face and laughed
 And Mrs. Meadows. coming into the parlor abruptly 10 see if David was still there. remarked that she was very sorry to have interrupted. but hadn't. of course. had the least idea that every.