Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1905-02-04


bud in his coat. and he was rather
white himself. but kind of smolder-
Ing fire was in his eyes.
''Will you show Mike my new or
ehids:" suggested Miss Cordelia. 81
must stay here to receive the other
guests. And. Bert. tell her about the
impromptu-the bishops impromptu"
Mr.. Jordan bowed. Mike led out
with graceful nonchalance.
They at once forgot the new orchids,
though whole end of the conservatory
was cascade with their weird rain
bow bloom.
After a silent time Mike pouted.
"You needn't sulk." she told him.
II didn't mean to-" Bert protested In
hurried meekness. Il was only anxious
about-about some roses that I've or
dered.''
"Oh. indeed.'
"Yes. l was wondering IL they'd get
to the bishops in time"
"You and Miss Cordelia," she re-
marked sedately. ''seem to have the
bishops impromptu quite weighing on
your minds"
"Oh. it's no great matter to her." said
Bert.
But great matter to you?"
"Well. they 're-bride roses, you see."
a Wedding cried Mike alertly.
"was that what Miss Cordelia meant
a wetlding:"
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 met" she said and
made low bow to him. "Of course
only the bridegroom sends the bride
roses Allow me TO congratulate you.
You've been breaking 1t to me gently
/ am so much obliged to you-that you
are the happy man."
1T is my wedding" said Bert and
set his teeth.
$50 kind of you to mention it. Has
Miss Carl come yet?'
Il don't know
shouldn't you be finding out?"
But here there came n 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
Of 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 ii will be horrid, horridv'
Don't CO." 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 a
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. If 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
Cor,ielia-never. And where" sudden
ly drawing away from him. sis Nellie
Carl?''
Il think" said Bert. astutely bend
ing his head to listen. that they're
sending for u.s." Truly a step came
down the hall.
"Oh." gasped Mike. 80 they are"
lets cut and rum" said Bert
In another instant they had whisked
out among the stray fakes of the piaz-
n. She leaned against one of the pill
lars. One hand in hurried little fiutter
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 where?" The dismay Of il was
touching. but Bert laughed.
ITO the bishop" he explained. THE
impromptu."
But don't want to go there now"
"Why not? You always intended,
didn't you-to be married by the bish-
op? Why not now?"
There was a pause, wherein vainly
through the darkness be 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 waiting?
"At the curb
"And Nellie Carly'
He laughed triumphantly 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 herY'
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