Greene County herald. (Leakesville, Miss.) 1898-current, 1906-01-19

leeilng spruce and merry. They sal
lied out again. however, with undig-
nified haste when a sudden downpour
OF rain came from nowhere in par
ticular-for no one had noticed any
clouds-transforming most of them
into mere masses of drenched misery
IN less than three minutes.
Lily, her head bent forward against
the wind. and with both hands holding
her wind-driven skirts, started to run
toward Grant monument. Not many
yards had she gone when she colided
with Clayton, who was scurrying to-
ward the park corner.
Il beg your pardon said he.
Lily stood still, her back to the wind
and her wavy golden hair blowing
prettily over her shoulders and franz
ing her flushed face.
Your she exclaimed.
Now he was standing still. too. They
stared confusedly at each other.
neither knowing what to say.
Il thought" he ventured at. last.
that | had nearly killed somebody.
| sincerely hope-But, there. I'm for
getting the rain and you've no UNI
Drella. Hi, there-you with the tent!
I'll give you five dollars for itr'
This to a ragged old man who.
nevertheless, seemed to be conpara-
lively happy, having misshapen but
inviting umbrella.
Done" said the old fellow, iumn-
ing eagerly at the bargain. ut amt
much of beauty for promenadinc.
sir, and mebbe 1t amt worth so much.
but"
ut is to me- said Clayton. Here's
the money. Now" turning once more
to Lily, "let's find a more sheltered
place."
Beneath the ugly umbrella the young
couple hurried along toward a huge
tree that seemed to offer some protec-
ton from wind and rain.
How strange" remarked CLAYTON.
that we should suddenly find our.
selves journeying along together again
once more just as we used to do.
AS though we had never quarreled,
At this moment l can scarcely realize
that all is over"
1T isn't" snapped the girl emphat-
ically. Il mean. the rain isn't over
yet. But it will soon be. and-and
you really needn't have bothered about
an umbrella
~Well. you need not stand so far
away. If .ou do hate me-"
He took her arm and pulled her. ever
SO gently toward him.
She noticed. as she leaned nearer.
that his heart was pounding violently.
but hoped he was not as observant of
the fiuttering of her own.
Il suppose Wilfred Gray would be-
grudge me these few moments with
you if he knew
let us talk about something i'm
personal said she. .The rain for
instance"
Don't you find that a sufficiently
dampening subject already?'
Well. then-um-er-Oh. yesl Have
you seen Miss Gertie Terry lately:''
Il have, very lately. / tell you. /
IKE Gertie Terry tremendously
Il know you do. It's an old attach
ment.,
She made proud but unsuccessful
attempt to free her arm from his.
why shouldn't / like herr" he con-
tinued. I'm to be best man at her
wedding next month. She marries nv
friend Bentley"
Lily unconsciously breathed a sigh
of relief.
Aren't you happy, alone here with
me. Lily?" he queried. with sudden
and uncomfortable tenderness.
Goodness! There's a perfect stream
running down this slope. MY skirt
i all dragglyr'
What thoughtless fool ann
he exclaimed. Here, step up on this
bench"
He helped her upon the bench. and
took his place beside her. and boil
laughed again like children.
Il wouldn't part with this umbrella
now for million. Why. where Of
earth is your engagement ring, Iily?'
What has that to do with the um
brella? ?"
Answer me- You must. Whar
has become of your ring?"
I'm sure don't know what he die
with il. after sent it back to him.
"Then you're not-You're free?'
Silence.
Lily guess what I'm going TO do.
Don't You dare. Remember. yol
said when We parted you would nevel
forgive me for flirting with Wilfred
That's why grew reckless and en-
gagged myself to him. That's why
Hang Wilfred. I'm about to kis.
he tip Of the prettiest ear in Chicago
IF you Go III never forgive you
Besides. they can see us plainly from
tie oulevard.'
II don't care il the whole world
A nondescript. woebegone woman
With sodden hat. its limp blacI
feathers trailing mournfully acros
her cheek. suddenly made her appear
anee in front of the bench and pause,
shiveringly. as IL anxious to remail
IN The company Of 70 being 20 warn
aud happy looking in the midst or al
| The bIeakness.
lin d stranger here. Won't yo1
| please tell me the way out or th
park"
"certainlv. madam: 80 that way.
replied Clayton, pointing anywhere.
She hac scarcely disappeared whel