The Washburn leader. [volume] (Washburn, McLean County, N.D.) 1890-1986, 1907-03-22

the eyes of all men, and he was not
surprised, only startled to the stopping
of his heart, at what he overheard from
a couple Of young men behind him.
"She will make him a sweet little
wife-the lucky dog" one exclaimed.
1.-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.
Her door was opposite, and as he
fumbled 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
neither sense nor reason in his 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 chung to the place as
home, and-yes, he would acknowl.
edge it-because she was there. He
frowned and essayed a nonchalant
whistle when he caught himself, us
usual, straining his ears for the sound
of her footsteps. Il was time that he
went.
But subsequent reflection persuaded
him that his departure at this j%uncture
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 revil-
ing of the custom which forbade his
presenting her with a goodly check in
lieu of an article which would proba-
bly, he but an unwelcome duplicate.
He hunted the shops and stores. con
fusing himself uselessly with the null
titude and variety of their wares. He
grew thin and heavy eyed under the
burden. thereby arousing in her an
anxious solicitude he was too absorbed
to perceive. In despair he sought ad-
vice Of the Office boy.
Billy" he asked that versatile young
person. "wtat would you give to a lady
for q wedding present?"
Jaw, that's easy! Something she'd
like. Of course" Billy said airily. Then
he explained: II 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, admitting and admitting what I want
Christmuses and birthdays, and I al
ways get some old thing I wouldn't
take IL I could help it." Billy shifted.
That seemed an eminently sensible
suggestion to Deardorf. and he pre-
sented a 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 ques-
tionable regarded as a wedding pres
emf. Still. according to Billy's decision.
1t would be a pleasure to her.
He had one day CHANGED upon her
standing behind two little girls who
were engrossed in the contemplation Of
an enhancing toy tea set in a shop
window. II was obvious that such con-
temptation was all their lot in life al