The Weiser semi-weekly signal. (Weiser, Washington Co., Idaho) 1904-1911, 1905-06-28
when Hattie reached Colonel Lind

When Hattie reached Colonel Lind
says door she stopped, hesitatint
whether or not to go in. Sarah prob
ably has other company" she thought
"and mamma would not want me to in
trude."
AS she stood irresolute a gentleman
came rapidly up the walk
"Well, l have overtakens you" he
said, speaking in the short, hating
way of one who is a little out OF
breath. 81 reached your house soon
after you left. Aunt Emily told me
you had come over here, so / followed
you" He moved briskly forward and
rang the bell.
Even in the cross lights between, the
moon without and the gas within one
! could see that the newcomer was not
ditfident man. He seemed ready,
well equipped for an emergency and
fairly satisfied with himself. He was
handsome, OF the blond type Ut is said
that in time the gray and blue eyed
people will lead in all good things,
upheaded and evidently on a comforta-
BILE footing with the world. One could
see, too, that there was an absence of
conventional veneer about him, but
this might have been due to an innate
force of character or a settled scorn of
shams.
''Mr. Wayland," Hattie cried, you
frightened me!''
The young man was distinctly con-
scious of the pleased surprise in her
voice
only a passing fear, trust" he
said, looking down upon her, smiling.
Then the door opened, and Hattie
moved lightly on In advance of Way
land into the parlor. Suddenly every
thing had grown bright to the little
lone visitor. She threw off the care
that oppressed her-the disappointment
about the entertainment, the sense of
isolation In which she dwelt-and her
wit was so ready, her laugh so spon-
taneous, that Sarah and Wayland lis
tened and enjoyed in pure sympathy.
1t was only when leaving that the re-
vulsion Of feeling came.
Il cannot come to your party, Sa-
rah,' she said abruptly, the color rising
slowly In her face. '1-I-there are |
various reasons" She was singularly
embarrassed. Mamma is not at all |
we'll you know"
Wayland and Hattie went down the
walk in silence. The full moon was |
now spIendidly abroad, the trees
stretched themselves in gigantic sill
houettes on the grass, their somberness
intensified by glowing splashes Of white
light. Hattie's face appeared pale, her
eyes full Of an unwonted luster and as
she drew the white Grape shawl with
its long dropping fringe about her slen-
der shoulders she might have been a
creation of the shifting shadows.
Il feel like picking you up and run
ming away with you,'' her companion
said, stopping as though possessed of a
sudden resolution. He looked capable
Of putting his threat into execution
great, stalwart fellow that he was.
Il do not think any one would like
to do that" She laughed nervously
and moved little in advance of him.
Il would" catching up with her.
They had crossed the street, and the
moon was not hunting them so persist
emily.
Mamma says nobody cares for u.s."
The confidence escaped her involunta-
lily; she drew in her breath hard for
II dol To- YOU"
Hattie did not speak. In her excite
nent she again quickened her pace,
md they were soon at her own gate.
Wayland lifted back the old cumber-
ZONE affair-one hinge was gone-and
hey went inside together.
Have you no word for me?' He was
matter of fact man. entirely IMMERSED
lovers parlance. "Will you be my
wife, Hattie?" They had reached the
'orch. This was her first proposal |