The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1908-09-16

Nothing was wanting Cold drink u
patent bottles, sandwiches, salads
strawberries and Jar Of cream Such
feast! And when they had finished
they were old friends.
Il say. Billy, Violet certainly does
put up fine luncheon" i" said Ralston.
"Shc's the greatest girl a man eyei
found" agreed Billy.
Violet! Who was she7 Harriet
could not explain why she felt a touch
of disappointment on finding that Bill
ly, too. was married man.
II guess III bs running along said
she, after thanking the men for their
hospitality. "Oh, no; you need not
drive me over In the machine. The fact
Is Just live In that big shIngied house
beyond this fence" with wave Of
her hand she was gone. and the men
watched her slip under the fence and
disappear behind the tall hedge on the
other side. M
The storm did not clear away entire.
ly, and Harriet realized that the lawn
dance which the Williamses were hold.
Ing in honor OF their frst anniversary
must be given indoors instead Of on
the lawn, 80 she donned her prettiest
frock. Harriet was never on time for
anything, and when she arrived the
dance was In full swing. Mrs. VIII
liams greeted her at the door.
"You do look peachy. Harriet said
her hostess. what have you been
doing to yourselfi You are more love-
ly than ever. oh, the poor, poor menF'
added Mrs. Williams mQckingIy.
They stood together for moment.
and the beaming face Of Billy Burch
confronted them. ~ 's-~
"Mr Burch, this Is Miss Lake." said
Mrs. Williams. II know you two will
get along immensely. Poor Billy was
hit In the hand today By some strag-
Cling lunatic who thinks she can play
golf. But, barring bis injured right
hand, he's the dearest man In the
w0rld-except one"
AT supper time Billy discovered a
cozy corner In the conservatory. where
they could "eat in peace without being
interrupted by that married man. Raj
ston," as he expressed II. Harriet was
eating salad and studying Billy with
her big, dreamy black eyes.
II wish Violet was here" Billy ex-
claimed as he tasted the salad.
'Really, Mr. Burch, I, am sorry that
am not sufficient company"
Billy actually snickered. but Harriet
was plainly In earnest, so Billy ex-
plained:
"You see, Violet Is my colored cook
that I brought up with me from the
south, and II she were here she could
taste this salad and then go home and
make better one. Seer
"But, Mr.. Burch, l, too, have q con-
fession to make"
'.spare me" cried Billy. 81 win run
for Arthur II you wish father con.
fessor. He's listened to my sins for
years and really borne with them very
leniently."
But Harriet insisted.
II want you to know that am the
clumsy gawk,' the struggling lunatic'
who hit your hand today"
Billy beamed.
That's not the only place you hit"
he said "fhat'll get we'll But you
gave my old heart such blow that 1t
is completely broken In two, Miss Har
riet, and only you can mend It"
But, Mr.. Burch"- began Harriet.
ooh, know what you're going to
say" interrupted Billy, "but don't say 1t
yet. I'm in love. and know 1t, though
don't expect you to fall In love with
a cripple on sight; but some day. Har-
rlet," he continued in softer and more
earnest tones, ''maybe you can say
sYes.'''
Harriet looked once more into his
clear. honest eyes, She, too, was In
love, and she knew it. He had none
the best Of her there.
Il haven't said No. have I?' she
asked. And Billy felt that In time his