The Mount Holly news. [volume] (Mount Holly, Burlington Co., N.J.) 1891-1942, 1907-02-19

surprised, only startled to the stopping
of his heart at what he overheard from
couple Of young men behind him.
"She will make him a sweet little
wife-the lucky dogW one exclaimed
'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 be would
move Immediately that there was
neither sense nor reason in his stay
ing in this dingy place where his pow
erty, long thing of the past, had at
that, catlike, he chung to the place as
home. and-yes, he would acknowl-
edge tt-because she was there. He
frowned and essayed a nonchalant
whistle when he caught himself as
usual, straining his ears for the sound
Of her footsteps. 1t was time that he
went
But subsequent reflection persuaded
him that his departure at this juncture
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 reviI-
ing Of the custom which forbade his
presenting her with a goodly check in
lieu of an article which would proba-
bly, be 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 solcitude he was too absorbed
to perceive. In despair he sought adj
vice Of the Office boy.
BILLY" he asked that versatile young
person, what would you give TO lady
for a 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 EN-. I've tried
1t, admitting and admitting what want
Christmuses and birthdays, and 1 al
ways get some old thing l wouldn't
take IL could help it, Billy shifted.
That seemed an eminently sensible
suggestion to Dearborn, and he pre-
scented 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-
tfonable regarded as wedding pres
ent. Still, according to Bllly's decision,
II 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 shop
window. 1t was obvious that such con-
temptation was all their lot in life al
lorrad ord che woe apoo~1oc 49,. rIt...
purse doubtfully, with moist eyes.
II was wondering If | might not give
1t to them for the sake of lonely lit
tie girl whose one desire In life was
vain longing for tiny tea set" she
said as he stopped.
Let me-" he begged, expanding I'M
der the influence of her impulsive con-
fidence
After some inslstence she yielded
They took the amazed children inside,
and she examined and. extolled each
small article with a delight that equal
ed theirs
eve 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 l can and not
feel 1t wicked extravaganza, am go
ing to have my childish hearts desire
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
gratified longing of the boy he used to
be? He had been waiting for the
Christmas opportunity to crafty her
innocent desire, revealing In magma
ton in the intimacy of her promised
hospitality. Now he had put away his
day dream with 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 a fairylike tea
set worthy the possession Of princess,
which. being unequal to presenting It