Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1907-10-23

SVhuc now tCatutU Wue uuueu ID III ~
set until II seemed that nothing short
OF the engagement OF circus could
definitely settle the honors.
IL was In this frame OF mind that
Mrs. Pauldlng approached her son.
"You know that automobile you
wanted" she began at the breakfast
table. "I'll get II for you If you can de
wise some feature that Mrs. Bryan can
not possibly get for her party. That
woman has copied every Idea | have
originated so far"
do you give me carte blanche ?" he
demanded.
Spend as much as you like" she
murmured
And you won't ask what II Is until
l spring it?' he stipulated
IL promise" she said. Il may rely
upon you. Fred?"
For the sensation of the season." he
assured. take heart OF grace, mother
mine. | am planning to shake Glen
dale to its very foundations"
Much relieved, Mrs. Paulding hurried
10 confide To her dearest friends that
she would have "A sensation that could
not he equaled This in due course was
communicated to Mrs. Bryan. who
worried much but, since Mrs. Pauld-
Ing did not herself know the nature OF
the surprise, she could not betray
Fred's plans.
The day of the double header" as
Paulding irreverently referred to it,,
dawned bright and beautiful, and by .
o'clock the festivities were under way
There were circus performances on
both lawns, and honors seemed fairly
even. Mrs. Paulding went about with
smile of confidence upon her face
and with skilful references TO her sur
prise kept curiosity up TO pitch. The
afternoon passed without the appear
ance of the surprise, and the dusk had
gathered before Fred disappeared. and
word was passed that he had gone TO
engineer the great event. An hour lat
er the Paulding butler sought his mis-
tress and she vanished into the house.
She found Fred in the library, and
with him was Nancy Bryan
Il want TO introduce you to the sen
sation." said Fred. with a laugh, as he
led the girl forward Nancy and |
were married half an hour ago"
And this is your surprise?' she
gasped
could YOU have greater onef" he
asked. Every one knows of the ri
valry between you and Mrs Bryan II
you turn your party into a wedding re
ception you'll beat Mrs. Bryan to a
standstill. You've been Dragging about
your surprise You pretend you knew
It was coming all along. and the laugh
is on Mrs. Bryan"
For a moment Mrs. Pauldlng hest
tated. In some ways II was a bitter
pill to swallow; but, as Fred had
shown her. 1t was necessary to make
the best of the situation. She stepped
forward and took the bright faced girl
In her arms
my dear" she said sincerely, IL am
very glad TO welcome my sons wife to
her new home. Let US go out on the
lawn. will Introduce you TO my
friends"
She turned toward the door. but
the sound Of marching band.
What Is that" she asked-"more of
the surprise?'
Paulding nodded his head. IT'S the
people from the Bryans coming to con
graduate the sride.' he exclaimed.
mir. Bryan was with us. but went
home TO tell his wife and invite the
crowd over here. You have swallowed
up Mrs. Bryan's party with your coun-
ter attractions. guess I've kept my
promise. haven't ~
Mrs. Paulding patted the curly head.
You have kept your promise" she
agreed. You have shaken us all TO
our very foundations" Then, putting
on her best smile. she led the way 10
the piazza To meet Mrs. Bryan at the
head OF her guests.