Waterbury evening Democrat., 1905-07-11
AN OLD GAME
Dv !. M'Ross
&4
Copyright, 1905, by W. G. Chapmsn.)

nOBERT STIRLING had stretched h himself upon the sand at the feet Df Helen Hanson, who sat staring at the white sails lowering over the bay. Silence had fallen upon them-a si- lence that was little embarrassing to Helen, who felt aggrieved that Rob- srt had taken her refusal so calmly.
 If only he had pleaded his cause better perhaps I night" Helen's thought merged into another: But that was the way he acted when he failed in his college examinations- just packed his things and went of out west without"
 Do you remember how we used to make believe when we were chil- dren?" Helen felt thankful that Rob. ert had at last broken the painful silence. You were always a queen princess or fairy. while was king or slave, knight or knave. elf or ogre whatever you wished"
 What good times we used to have! You were very obedient then I won- der if you would be as docile now. ' Helen glanced sidewise at Robert, who Immediately sat up and looked eagerly It her
 ''Try mel"
 70. I didn't mean--we're grown up now" she demurred
 Just for this one day." he pleaded You know this is my last day here and may never see you again"
 We'll" irresolutely, what shall the game be? You choose this time, B-Bob" Bob of course. The play? Let's make believe that the dream of my whole life is coming to pass, that you are going back with meas my wife to that dreary mining town"
 Her face was turned from him, but her ear and fair, round neck was pink with bushes.
 Surely you will do this for your old playmate, he insisted.
 How shall we play-begin-such a game as that?" she stammered. "I never played it, you know"
 You might begin by turning so that can look into your face. And-well I can at least hold your hand; you know I used to- There, that's better. '
 He looked thoughtfully at the slim, white hand that lay in his own strong brown one Then, so tenderly that her heart bounded:
 ''I am going to tell you, dear, about the cottage built for you" he began 'It is a mean little town that must be our home for while. just one street bordered by shanties, mostly saloons Our cottage is little way from the street. It has only four rooms, bare and ugly now, but when you are in them-ah-h.
 He drew his breath sharply and looked out upon the bay, while her eyes wandered up the beach where the rest of the party were making a drift wood fire.
 ''The large living-room has four win dows; they were my one extravaganza for remembered how fond you are of sunlight, so the room gets the sun all day long"
 'T'll make white muslin curtains" " Helen cried, entering into the spirit of the game. And we'll have shelves in one corner for our books-or shall we have a cozy corner with lots of cushions?"
 There's another corner to make cosy. but I'll have to make the frame work out of packing boxes. You know it costs a great deal to get furniture up into the mountains"
 Packing boxes make lovely furni- ture. I'll take one trunk full of odds and ends for draperies. I suppose I can take tso trunks?"
 -Four. if you like"
 I'm glad I have taken lessons in cooking I can truly cook the most toothsome dishes you ever ate"
 My mouth waters now. I can smell the hot dinner even at this distance
 II tnc ttdAA4 NhON0ri t-rt dTc max ing up the beach that you smell. - Helen jumped gayly to her feet Come. let's run or they will eat all of 1t before ve get there"
 Hand in hand they ran up the beeer. laughing like children and joined the rest of the party. After they had eaten Robert whispered to her:
 There's q boat in the cove. come snd have . ror on the bay"
 Take . good look at the ocean. Nell. dear Robert said after he had roved out upon the tay. -you may act ses il again for a lorg time When yOs ars out ia the Dountains vithosf Q aCn c vuesr ezesut . htxie Desn-