The Greenville journal. [volume] (Greenville, Ohio) 1850-1918, 1907-05-02

somehow, and II must be done at once,
for he would be making arrangements
to leave his business, even this minute,
perhaps!
She rushed away to consult her
mother, but that good lady, being deep
ly engrossed In some charitable func-
ton, was out indefinitely, and Retta,
! feeling no time could be wasted, deter
mined TO act for herself. Perhaps II
she had had the advice of an older
head she would have been less pre-
cipltate and irrevocable In her actions.
I'm moving a clean swath, burn
ing my ships behind me-" she COM
mented confusedly, in the middle of
tempestuOusly busy afternoon in which
she did some very unconventional
things.
II suppose it does look curious to
them; | suppose the bride to be's moth
er Is usually to the fore and the b. to b.
hangs back in blushing confusion, but
| can't wait on mamma when Alf'S
getting ready this very minute for
Panama way. I've got to fix it so
there's no getting out Of 1t and leave
me a rag of-and don't care much If
they do stare-and guess I'm sure Of
dear old Aft"
Yet she was a bit anxious as she
waited in convenient spot for way
laying him as he left his Office If-if
Alf were bent and determined on Pan
ANA way, she would be In pretty pre-
dlcament! She whipped around the
corner apparently oblivious of him un-
til she almost cOllided with him. Then
her heart sank at his grave and formal
apology. He had been more deeply
hurt and offended than he had shown
the evening before when she had in
sisted on further postponement, but
she must-she caught her breath as he
said cOldly:
Il am glad to meet you. 1t will
save my coming up this evening to tell
you
And I'm glad to meet you," she
broke In, laughing nervOusly. Il want
to tell you that Pve-I've changed my
mind, Alf."
Changed your mind?" he repeated
blankly.
"Yes, about-about'-it was harder
than she had imagined with his cold,
unresponsive eyes upon her; what II
he should-she quaked, but plunged on
-"about our wedding-and we won't
postpone 1t, after ALL"
He flushed angrily as he replied,
you were not asked to change your
mind-nor the arrangements you made
last evening""
you mean that you don't want to
that you won't now" she cried, with
wide eyes.
81 mean that you are not to be COM
PEELED, influenced. When did you see
Charlie?" And between his teeth he
muttered savagely, Just wait till
see him"
II haven't seen Charlie to speak to
| since yesterday morning. she declared
and burst into bewildering torrent
of explanation and tears. "Oh, If you
won't, Alf; If you've changed your
mind and don't want me now, when
I've found out how much | want you
il you won't-I'll have to run away!
For, oh, Alf, / went alone and bought
the dress-and took it to madame's and
was measured-and I've ordered all the
Invitations and engaged the caterer
and the flowers, adjust as we plan
| ned--because | wanted to show you
how much / care" Sobs that she
struggled to repress choked her.
And you haven't seen Charlie-no
one has influenced you?" he demanded
incredulously.
mo one has said a word to me about
it! IL found out how much l really
cared, and | couldn't get ready fast
enough though mamma was away,
and | had to do it alone" she painted
impetuousy,
He melted entirely. you dear little
whirlwind! You have smashed the
proprietes!" he breathed softly and
proudly. Il wish"-he glanced about
furtively; no, it was too public! ANY
way we can have an hour at the store
selecting our furniture"
And, tucking her hand under his
arm, they wandered away down the
primrose path" the journey down
Panama way entirely and forever for
| gotten.