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

lowed, and she was lingering her slim
purse doubtfully. with moist eyes.
Il was wondering If might not give
it to them for the sake Of a lonely lit
tie girl whose desire in life was u
vain longing for a tiny tea set" she
said as he stopped.
LET me-" he begged, expanding I'M
der the influence Of her impulsive con-
idence. 0
After some insistence she yielded.
They took the amazed children inside,
and she examined and extolled each
small article with a delight that equal
ed theirs.
1--WE do 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 I can and not
feel it a wicked extravaganza. l am 60
ing to have my childish hearts desire.
I am so sure that you will not laugh
at me that l will invite you in to my
first tea party"
He thanked her gravely, understand
ing and sympathizing entirely. Did he
not carry in his pocket a wonderful
carnelian "taw" in memory Of the I'M
gratiied longing of the boy he used to
be? He had been waiting for the
Christmas opportunity to crafty her
innocent desire, reveling in magma
ton in the intimacy of her promised
hospitality. Now he had put away his
day dream with a sigh and extinguish-
ed a dim hope that had glimmered fee
bly,.
But it 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 a fairylike tea
set worthy the possession of a princess,
which, being unequal to presenting it
personally, he left at her door with his
card n 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 absurdity of it over
whelmed him. With shame he decided
that after such a piece Of idiocy there
was nothing for him but flight. and he
was tossing things heller SHELTER into
his suit case when he heard her cross
ing the hall.
He looked about desperately for Il
way of escape, then dragged himself
unwillingly to the door at her rap.
II have only this moment realized
how preposterous my unfortunate Sc
lection is for a wedding present" he
stammered abjectly as she entered.
"Oh!" The glow on her face faded.
GLOW stupid of me! ought to have
known there was a mistake, ana l
have. opened the box" She set it upon
the table.
He shook his head dismally. There
is no mistake. / beg your pardon. l
p
But there must be q mistake! They
left the package at my door," she said,
a little sharply.
II left it myself. l meant 1t for a
wedding present, but I see how
His voice failed again.
She regarded his woebegone face
~intently for a moment. every we'll. I
will take it down." Her cheeks were
glowing and her eyes sparkling with
mischief. "When l found the package
I thought you had somehow discover
ed that today is my birthday and had
kindly remembered my childish long
ing, but If it is a wedding present it
must 60 to Miss Bessie, who is soon
to be married"
He sat down heavily and stared at
her.
"You sec. 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. EYES," he assented. still
looking into her eyes. where by a
fash of inspiration he had seen his
kingdom, himself crowned king. He
plunged forward across the table and
seized her hands, asserting boldly, at
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 u first
evening at home"!