The Greenville journal. [volume] (Greenville, Ohio) 1850-1918, 1907-02-21


LOT IN LIFE ALLOWED.
the eyes of all men, and he was not
surprised, only startled to the stopping
of his heart at what he overheard from
couple of young men behind him.
'She will make him sweet little
wife-the lucky dog" one exclaimed.
"The sweetest in the world" the
other assented. "And there's nothing
for the rest of us but hunting wedding
presents. Come on"
They went their way, and with
strangely blurred vision he stumbled
up the stairs and through the gloom
OF the hall to his rooms at the end
Hcc door was opposite, and as he
tumbled with his key he glanced
across furtively with an odd sense of
guilt for the accustomed thrill that
shook him. 1t was as If she were al
ready the wife of another, and, closing
his door with emphasis, he turned on
the light and set about packing his
minerals, telling himself that he would
move Immediately - that there was
AeILneE SENSE HOT reason Ill MS stay
ing In this dingy place where his pow
erty, long a thing Of the past, had at
first stranded him; no reason, except
that, catlike, he clung to the place as
home, and-yes, he would acknowl-
edge it-beCause she was there He
frowned and essayed nonchalant
whistle when he caught himself, as
usual, straining his ears for the sound
of her footsteps 1t was time that he
went.
But subsequent reflection persuaded
him that his departure at this juncture
might be connected with her marriage
and excite comment. He felt that he
must remain until the lucky dog had
carried her away and-he blushed
painfully at the thought-he must pro-
cure the inevitable wedding present If
he would not be conspicuous.
Then followed strenuous days and
sleepless nights Of vain endeavor to de-
eide upon something, with bitter reviI-
ing of the custom which forbade his
presenting her with a goodly check in
lieu Of an article which would proba-
bly, be but an unwelcome duplicate.
He hunted the shops and stores, con-
fusing himself uselessly with the mul-
titude and variety of their wares. He
grew thin and heavy eyed under the
burden, thereby arousing in her an
anxious sohcltude he was too absorbed
to perceive. In despair he sought ad-
vice of the Office boy.
BILLY" he asked that versatile young
person, what would you give to lady
for a wedding present?
Jaw, that's easy! Something she'd
like, OF course" Billy said airily. Then
he explained: 81 mean, sir, something
you've heard her say she'd like. That's
the only kind O present worth having.
only folks won't give 'em. I've tried
1t, a-hinting and admitting what I want
Christmuses and birthdays, and | al
ways get some old thing wouldn't
take II could help it," Billy shifted.
That seemed an eminentIy sensible
suggestion to Dearborn. and he pre-
sented grateful dollar to Billy for the
idea, realizing when he came to make
application of it that the only object of
which he had any knowledge concern
Ing her desires was undoubtedly uues-
honable regarded as wedding pres
4nt. Still, according to Billys decision,
LIT would be pleasure to her.
He had one day CHANGED upon her
sItanding behind two little girls who |
We're engrossed'in the contemplation of |
an entranclng toy tea set in a shop
window. 1t was obvious that such con-
temptation was all their lot in life al
lowed, and she was lingering her slim
purse doubtfulIy, with moist eyes.
Il was wondering if might not give
1t to them for the sake of lonely lit
tie girl whose one desire in life was a
vain longing for tiny tea set" she
said as he stopped.
LET me-" he begged, expanding un-
der the influence of her impulsve con-
After some insistence she yielded.
They took the amazed children inside,
md she examined and extolled each
small article with a delight that equal
I'd theirs
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