The Springdale news., 1908-04-24
HIS PROMISED WIFE
How provoking :"

ponies just passing and then turned i'm patiently toward group of girls at the opposite window.
 If any one else but pr. Lester had purchased such an elegant new phae- ton We might have been excused for entertaining hopes of enjoying an air ing In 1t, but that confirmed old bache- Tor would rather take his grandmother out any day than one of us and have just made up my mind to have the first ride in that phaeton."
 Easier said than done.' observed saucy Linda Gray. You know you are speaking of an impossibility now We will make you present of your we'd l ding dress if you succeed"
 And if I fail l will give you each q pair of white kids to wear to my we'd 1 ding" Bell answered gayly, and Law yer Browns parlors were soon vacated i by the merry party that had been spending the afternoon with his only l daughter.
 How could I have been so foolish.o thought impulsive Bell as she stood in the door looking down the quiet street. He cares nothing for ne now and will think me more childish than ever when he hears of this
 But she thought how lie had passed that afternoon without even gianeing up at the window where she had stood hoping at least 10 receive bow. And then he raised his hat moment after. ward to old Mrs. Lee. She was quite angry now as she thought of lis indifference. and as the new phaeton came slowly down the street again she went quickly down the marble steps, and Dr Lester, gag ing more earnestly than he knew at l the dark blue dress and brown curls fiuttering ln the wind, drew up before the door
 Doctor" she said, looking up in the grave. handsome face, "are you going over the river tonight?" The gentleman bowed and looked calmly down on the sweet face that | flushed so brightly as she proffered her request.
 "There is a lady at Uncle Wills that I want 10 come over tonight. Will you stop and bring her with yous" Certainly. Is your cold any better? You must keep out of the night air or I will not answer for the conse- quences."
 Bell tried to look indifferent, but the brown eyes filed with tears and her cheeks burned houy as she thought that he would have asked the same question of all the old women in the town. She closed the door with Il lit tie more force than was necessary and. donning her cloak and a large hood. was soon walking briskly i'll the direc- ton of the uncle's, where she had re quested Dr. Lester to call for her friend
 It was quite dark when the doctor arrived and gave the bell an impatient pull, and after what seemed an age d middle aged lady answered it. 'Is Miss Browns friend here?" he asked, taking the hand that was quick | ly extended
 The lady's face flushed but she an swered quietly In the affirmative
 A slight figure soon appeared muffled l in cloak and hood and in a hoarse voice bade the gentleman good even. ing.
 Horace bowed in return and looked curiously down at the little figure
 Are you Miss Browns friend?" he asked. not knowing what else to say.
 "Yes, the best friend she ever had, :" came hoarsely from under the hood.
 You seem to have cold" said Horace, still standing in the door play ing with his whip, while his eyes rest ed on q long brown curl that had es- capped from beneath the hideous hood II would advise you to be careful and keep out of the night air as much as possible
 Keep out of the night air, indeed"
 Bells lip curled scornfully as she re- ceived the advice given to the stranger as it had been given to her few hours before.
 Dr. Lester assisted her down the steps, and Bell, with triumphant smile, was helped into the carriage But the smile died away, and she 1 tifcation as she found herself in an old buggy that Horace had used until lately and his father had used before | him.
 AS they rode along the doctors thoughts were wandering from his quiet companion to the brown haired girl who had looked up so shyly when she asked a favor that afternoon
 He had quite forgotten the lady by his side when a small hand was placed on his arm and sweet voice said:
 "Dr. Lester, I am so sorry that have deceived you"
 He only looked down on the bright young face and soft brown eyes, but did not answer.
 Wont you forgive me?" she said pleadingly. "The girls thought would not get ride in the phaeton we admired so much, and I was so silly and promised them white kids