The Democrat-sentinel. [volume] (Logan, Ohio) 1906-1935, 1906-12-20

which I had determined 10 fathonl
and so proceeded about it in anything
but diplomatic manner, for | wa
young and thoughless. My whole sou
had become wrapped up in Grace. Sht
was the ideal woman [ had pictured
in my dreams, and I had determined
that she must be mine at any cost.
look back to those days with
wonderment, more perhaps at my owl
temerity under the circumstances, fol
/ did not even know that l was loved
in return.
Gene" I remarked, one morning
after had lain awake all night plan
ming and hoping, II want TO talk with
you about a matter that concerns mt
nearly concerns us both"
lie looked at me in some little
amazement. Then putting his arm
through mine, laughingly pushed me
along, saying, well I should judge
from your long face, it's something
serious. Drive it away, old man, don't
consort with your cares during the
holidays. Never worry in December
January is an awful good month fol
broken vows. worrlmcnts and all tina!
sort o. thing"
Gene, I'm going to blurt it out and
have it over with. I'm head over
heels in love with your sister,"
"Walter!'
If I haven't mentioned 1t before l
will say the above is my given name.
althorgh it really has nothing to do
with the story.
There was that in Eugene's face
which fairly dazed me. He seemed
terror-stricken at my abrupt but
simple announcement. All the acts
OF my life passed before me, for !
was in vain endeavorlng to find Il
cause for his consternati ton, and then
poured out my soul.
Truly, Gene, there can be nothing
against me. / have some wealth, ex-
cellent prospects, am not roue--''
Hush, my boy" cried Eugene. at
isn't that! why my sister has been en-.
gagged for year, and do you think
my mother would ever forego a cor.
onet! It's impossiblew
you mean." | cried.
II mean simply this" he replied,
putting his hands ON my shoulders,
"Grace was abroad with mother,
a year ago aa you know. AT that time
but please remember that this Is all
confidential, it's family secret-Lord
Deerland fell madlyinlove with Grace
accepted the young man with alaerity.
and l thilli Grace likes him. The for.
NAL announcement is to be made after
the holidays and they are to be mar
ried in the spring. That's all there il
to the story, my boy, and now don't
make fuss over it, but just accept
the inevitable"
| presume | looked crestfallen after
this disclosure and for twenty-four
hours kept to my room, determined
10 get over my chagrin and not TO
spoil the Christmas party by any
hasty departure.
On the following day, the day before
Christmas, / summoned all my cour
age and went down stairs, into the
hNdsl Oh lhe sayely. Ihe expression
on Mrs. Kerr's face had undergone q
delightful change She fairly beamed
on me, and n lurking suspicion filled
my mind. Gene had undoubtedly
told his mother and sister all, for In
no other way could explain the rhap
sodic expression on the mothers face
and the sadness that seemed to have
come over the younger woman. That
OF course was simply pity, / argued.
She was like all the others, ready to
play the coquette though she knew
she would break a heart or two.
BY a most fortunate chance | re-
ceived message late IN the morning
which summoned me TO the city for
few hours on n matter OF business
Eugene had arranged sleighlng
party for the afternoon, and this l
was forced to forego My train lefi
shortly after noon, and ! was waiting
at the station scanning 4 paper, my
thoughts on a sweet face Va the Kerr