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

We 40 not all put away childish
things with years." she said when they
were outside. Il love the wee things
yet, and some time"-she smiled def
antly-"sOme time, when l can and moi
feel 1t a wicked extravaganza, | am go
ing to have my childish hearts desire
l am so sure that you will not laugh
at me that l will invite you In to my
first tea party"
He thanked her grayely, understand
ing and sympathizlng entirely. Did hC
not carry in his pocket wonderful
carnelian "taw" in memory Of the un
gratified longing of the boy he used tc
be? He had been waiting for the
Christmas opportunity TO crafty heI
Innocent desire, reveling IN imagina,
tion in the intimacy of her promised
hospitality. Now he had put away his
day dream with a sigh and extinguish.
ed dim hope that had glimmered fee.
bly,
But 1t remained that he must make
the wedding present. and finally, being
confident of her perfect sincerity, he
ignored obtruding doubts as to appro-
priateness and procured fairylike tea
set worthy the possession Of a princess,
which. being unequal to presenting 1t
personally, he left at her door with his
card one evening, just escaping her as
she came up the stairs.
And then, when it was done. he for
the first time considered his Offering
from the probable viewpoint of the
prospective bridegroom and her friends.
and the utter absurdlty of 1t over
whelmed him. With shame he decided
that after such piece Of idiocy there
was nothing for him but flight. and he
was tossing things helter skelter into
his suit case when he heard her cross
ing the hall.
He looked about desperately for a
way of escape, then dragged himself
unwillingly to the door at her rap
Il have only this moment realized
how preposterous my unfortunate Sc
lection Is for wedding present" he
stammered abjectly as she entered
"Oh!' The glow on her face faded.
How stupid of me! | ought to have
known there was mistake, and l
have opened the box" She set 1t upon
the table
He shook his head dismally. "There
Is no mistake. beg your pardon. l
p
But there must be mistake! They
left the package at my door," she said,
little sharply.
Il left 1t myself. l meant it for a
wedding present, but l see how
His voice failed again.
She regarded his woebegone face
intently for moment. VERY well.
will take it down." Her cheeks were
glowing and her eyes sparkling with
mischief. when l found the package
l thought you had somehow discover
ed that today is my birthday and had
kindly remembered my childish long
Ing, but If 1t is wedding present 1t
must go to Miss Bessie, who is soon
to be married"
he SAT uoWn neaVlly ana stared at
her
"You see, one must be married to
receive a wedding present." she ex-
planned demurely, her color flaming
under his gaze.
The tangle suddenly Strengthened,
he sprang up. Yes" he assented, still
looking into her eyes, where by a
flash Of inspiration he had seen his
kingdom, himself crowned king. He
plunged forward across the table and
seized her hands, asserting boldly, ut
Is a wedding present-your wedding
present, Alma, dear, for you are going
to be married Immediately"
For answer she murmured tearfully
and happily, "Oh, Morris, we will have
tea in the darling little cups our first
evening at home"