The Montgomery advertiser., 1905-09-10

strengthen myself with another look at
 as,rch a splended offering, so splen- did that it's almost---almost coarse. Just a little impertinent of the man to send me such costly flowers the first time. But suppose he wants to rem mind me that I need not consider the cost of anything if I'll become Mrs. Waters. Well-beggars musnt nope to be choosers. l must send nm A nice little letter, a very nice little letter. I wish could send it to Jimmie. instead. butt just know couldn't [ stand poverty after these long years of riches. And, as to Love and Happiness. I'm well used to doing without them. I don't think anyone's really loved me---except Jimmie---since--- Mother died.
 Now, here's fine orchid. It looks like a tulip, like one of the gorgeous red and yellow and pink and white and golden beauties we used to have in such numbers In that old garden. I've always loved tulips. never could see why some people describe them as bold and Haunting. They're like altar lights and incepse bearers and chalices all in one, rather. First they offer up every thing they have to God, then they spread out their love- l ly petals and exude life, color. per- fume, everything they have for the good of their fellows. Jimmie always said that--goodness! tears again. An- gelinai We'll Mir. Waters. the tears didn't fall for you.
 Now this one is like e crocus. It reminds me-or. dear! I shall never stop crying. That dear old home gar den again. with the lovely crocus bor- ders and beds under the hedges, all sweet and simple and alluring in the early springtime. And the fresh wind blowing above them. and the scent of the sweet, new earth! And--and Jim mie--but was thinking of this orchid- croous. The crocuses have always charmed me. They are so brave They face all kinds of bad weather smiling. and even when they come to die they act like such brave, well-bred | little ladies. They don't even die spectacularly like other flowers. bless them! They just droop their little heads downward, and are not. Jimmie and always fancied--Angelina, you're an utter idiot! Jimmie and tears againi
 But I can't, I can't help crying. They all remind me of violets. Oh, Jimmie, Jimmie, why do you send vio- lets do remind me of-of all ought to forget.
 T wonder twhispering) Tiff Love and Poverty wouldn't be best, after all?
 T wonder
 But this is idiocy, rank, utter idiocy. where is that note? I'll burn it and-and the violets-and perhaps I'll feel better.
 NO. I-I won't burn it. rll--rn answer it instead.
 Marie! fMa-ie! Give this letter 4 oA No. not by mail, by special messenger, and in biggest hurry! Tell him I'll give him-I'll give him anything, if he'll only get it there in time. It's very | important, Marie. It's five o'clock now, and if that letter doesn't reach it's des- tination in half an hour, I-I shall never be happy again!
 It's gone, Marie? That's right And 1t will get there in twenty min utes, have ten minutes to spare |? Bet ter and betteri You-you can have l that white blouse of mine, Marie, the one you go much admire. Bring me a cup of tea, Marie, and make me look nice for this evening. must. I must look my best. No, couldn't lie down. even for a moment. I'm much too-too nervous to keep still.
 But hand me that chased silver vase. Marie. want to place these violets in fresh water, and to the best advantage. No, mol Don't throw away the note, Marie. I want it--I want it (whispering) next my heart!
 ''The orchids7 Oh, yes. had for- gotten the orchids. Mariel Would you like them, for the housekeeper's table? take them; you are quite well come. never did care much for or- chids. I prefer simple old-fashioned flowers, Marie, flowers like--like vio- let's you see, Yes take them all.
 "Oh, yesl And. Marie, come back quickly to dress me, and tell Thomas that-that I'm not at home to anyone, this evening only-to MT. James stan ley.
 'Tll see him-up here, in my own sitting room-as soon as he comesv