Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1907-12-03

some new feature was added as an on.
let until it seemed that nothing short
Of the engagement Of circus could
definitely settle the honors.
1t was in this frame Of mind that
Mrs Paulding approached her son.
You know that automobile you
wanted she began at the breakfast
table. "fll get it for you II you can de-
wise some feature that Mrs. Bryan can
not possibly get for her party. That
woman has copied every idea l 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 it Is until
spring itg" he stipulated.
Il PROMISE" she said. II 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
to confide to her dearest friends that
she would have sensation that could
not be 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 il.
dawned bright and beautiful, and by 2
o'clock the festivities were under way.
There We're circus performances on
both lawns, and honors seemed fairly
even. Mrs. Paulding went about with
a smile of confidence upon her face
and with skillful 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 laugh. as he
led the girl forward. Nancy and |
were married half an hour ago.
And this is your surprise?' she
gasped
Gould you have greater one?" he |
asked. Every one knows of the ri. |
valry between you and Mrs. Bryan. If |
you turn your party into wedding re-
ception you'll beat Mrs. Bryan to
standstill. You've been Dragging about
your surprise. You pretend you knew
1t was coming all along, and the laugh
Is ON Mrs. Bryan
For a moment Mrs. Paulding hest
tated. In some ways it was a bitter
pill to swallow; but, as Fred had
shown her, it 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, II am
very glad to welcome my sons wife to
her new home. Let us go out on the
avn. / will introduce you to my
She turned toward the door, but
paused as down the street there came
he sound Of marching band.
What is that" she asked-''more Of
he surprise?7
Paulding nodded his head "Its the
,eople from the Bryans coming to con-
,ratulate the brider he exclaimed.
Mr.. Bryan was with us, but went
ZONE to tell his wife and invite the
rowd over here. You have swallowed
Ip Mrs. Bryan's party with your coun-
er attractions. / guess I've kept my
'romise, haven't IT'
Mrs. Paulding patted the curly head.
You have kept your promise she
greed. You have shaken US all to
ur very foundations Then, putting
n her best smile, she led the way to
he piazza to meet Mrs. Bryan at the
cad of her guests