Wauwatosa news. [volume] (Wauwatosa, Wis.) 1900-1948, 1906-08-11

compared to the jewel he would have
had IN his little Salhe; but since he was
no longer free she would see TO it that
these attentions to Sallie would cease.
AS a result of this determination on the
part of t he aunt, Sallie now became con-
scious of a change in Bruce. and like
a thunderbt,t from clear sky, came at
last che announcement of his approach
ing marriage Not from Bruce himself,
nor from his aunt, did she gain this
knowledge, but through a chance remark
she had heard at the village.
Bruce must not know, neither must
his aunt. nor her mother, nor any one
else. She was thankful now that she
had never expressed her admiration for
him to any of her friends. She would
brace herself for TIE ordeal, and remain
till after the marriage, for to leave sud
denly now, when 1t was known how
dearly she loved the place, must inevita
bly, bctray her secret She would not
have them say she had gone to the farm
expressly to throw herself at Bruce
Conkims head Yes. she was a slip of
grl. as he said, ( silly little thing to be-
liere that he could have meant anything
by his endearments and his kisses. She
was hut a child in spite of her sixteen
years; il was but natural that man
should be deceived by her appearance
and take the liberty to caress her when
ever he chose as he might caress baby
in its mothers arms. When would it be,
she wondered?
\ month passed, and as vet, there
were no preparations in evidence for the
important event, What mystified her
was a sudden and great change that had
taken place in Brace. He scarcely spoke
to her now, or to his aunt, either. Some
thing had happened to cast a gloom over
the home, but, whatever it was, it was
clear that they did not intend to confide
in her.
Kew does he take itG"
1t was at the postotlice, while waiting
for the mail to be distributed, that she
overheard the remark. Two young men
Just behind her were conversing in a low
tone of voice.
Rather hard. l believe. But Bruce
is a sensible fellow and | think a little
reasoning will convince him that it was
for the best. He could never have lived
happily with that sort of girl. | feel
sorry for him, though. To learn. with
out moments warning, that your
sweetheart has become the wife of some
other man must be painful beyond con-
ception."
The window opened at this iuncture,
and, but for the rush that followed,
Sallie felt that those nearest her must
have heard the beating of her heart.
the nature of the trouble which had been
evident to her for some time? And yet,
in her selfreproach, how could she stifle
this great JOY which was thrilling every
fiber of her being?
Two years had passed. They had re-
stored Bruce to a semblance of his for
mer self again and had added little to
Sallie's stature.
My hand right here" he said, indi-
eating the spot on his breast, was just
level with the top of your head, and
now see how much | must raise it." He
threw out his arms as he ceased speak
ing, encircling her neck, and drew her
close to him.
"Sallie, love you. You don't know
how dearly. Let me present you to my
aunt as the future mistress of my home.
May II"
Saliie's brown eyes opened wide as she
raised them searchingly to his own.
Bruce, do you mean it?"
DO l mean it?'
But I'm so little. Pm such a slip of
a girl. What would your aunt say?"
But you are 1S."
Am ? l would not have imagined
it."
Both laughed.
How well you remember" The
Ploughman,