Aberdeen herald. [volume] (Aberdeen, Chehalis County, W.T.) 1886-1917, 1905-10-16

ribbon, while Billy fished pennies and
nickels from his pockets. Then as he
hurried from the store, holding his
dearly bought treasure carefully In
both hands, she took fifty-five cents
from her own slender purse and
dropped 1t into the cash drawer.
When Billy, bankrupt in fortune but
very rich in love, came in sight OF
the big hotel, he awoke to the fact
be was clad in garments not too whole
and clean, and that his face and hands
bore unmistakable signs Of his wrestle
with a stubborn soil.
II ought to "a had my Sunday clo'es
on" lie murmured distressfully, "but
l gotta go on now. She might 60 to.
night"
Hearts Delight was sitting on the
long veranda, surrounded by her faith
full courtlers. In the shadow. behind
the little group. sat young man with
averted face and gloomy eyes. He had
come to spend his one poor little week
of vacation near Natalie, but he had
scarcely had speech with her.
Tomorrow he must go back, and
well, the years that lay before him
seemed very dark-long weary years of
bootless toll All his thought, all his
labor had been for her; although he
had never been very hopeful; and now
the last shred of hope was gone.
By the time Billy reached the foot
Of the tall veranda he was apoplectic
with embarrassment. Breathing ster-
torously, he began the long ascent,
painfully conscious Of the sudden
silence above, and the amused eyes
that We're scanning his worn and
scanty garments.
He laid the little packet in his lady
Imp and would have turned and fed,
but his limbs seemed to have lost the
power Of locOmotion.
Natalie swiftly united the string,
while Billy watched her adoringly. He
was not afraid Of her but of the
strange people with the hooking eyes
"Oh, my dear little china heart" she
gurgled. And thought it was sold
1t was never there. But who sent 1t,
Billy Boy?"
Il bought It," said Billy, swelling
with pride.
why, Billy, Billy Boy! Where in
the world did you get so much
money!" she cooed tenderly, putting
her arm around him and drawing him
to her side.
II worked" answered Billy, display
ing his brown, hard little paws. He
was not ashamed Of them now.
"Why, Billy, Billy Boy! And you
did all that for mef'
I'D do more'n that for you. I'd do
anything for YOU" said Billy. stoutly.
The young men laughingly muir
INJURED their approval Of this sentiment
Involuntarily Natalie turned to the
moody face behind her. Clifford had
not spoken. He was still looking at
the pine-covered hills that frowned
darby against the sunset sky, and ii
seemed to her that the lines pain had
carved in his face had all at once
grown deeper and harder.
She glanced down again at the ador-
Years before Clifford's face had worn
that same look of bOyish idolatry, and
it touched her now as his manly de-
votion had failed to do.
She rose, STOPPING to kiss Billy'e
forehead as she did so.
II shall keep it as long as l live
Billy" she said.
And you won't break 1t as you did
the othersw Billy asked anxiously.
Natalie smiled strangely. mo, Billy
Boy. l shall never break any more
think-never any more"
Turning again, she said gently
isn't 1t almost time for our walk
Cllfford!"
With Il great light in his eyes, the
young man sprang forward, and the
others made way for him as courtlers
must do when the king comes.
AS the two strolled down the pine
frlnged road, Billy followed at re
spectful distance, turning handsprings
that greatly relieved his effervescing
spirits.
Had she not kissed him before them
all? All, she might chatter with these
grown young men, dance with them
drive with them, walk with them
very close, as she was walking now
but Hiss them? Never! They were ia,
too big and old for that. Billy was sure
Household Ledger.