Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1908-03-04

ss.sss1 Inc 20. but l have n...s
discretion he replied sententiously.
After all. we old bachelors are the
steady ones"
on the other side OF the dining room
door. doubled up with laughter. stood
Anne and Norah plotting the downfall
Of the discreet bachelor"
"No; he just takes breakfast with
as" whispered Norah.
"'rhen I'm coming over TO wait on
the table every morning." whispered
Anne
you can't" objected Norah. ''be
cause on week days he breakfasts be-
, fore we do. He has to start into town
parlier than Bob does
80 much the better" glggled Anne.
The arrangement worked out smooth
ly enough for the next three mornings
Jack and Anne got on capitally to
gether. but all In quite n discreet and
proper way Of course.
On the fourth morning. however. as
Anne tripped quietly out of the dining
room after serving him. Jack looked
up just In time TO catch her reflection
I'm the sideboard mirror as she. uncon-
scious OF this betrayal. blew him an
audacious kiss from the tips OF her
/ fingers.
II gave Jack thrill that somehow
for a little thing upset the equilibrium
of his workaday world TO a most re-
markable degree Nevertheless on the
following day. for reasons best known
10 herself. Anne chose to be naughty
She neglected TO bring him his cream
for his coffee and the strip for his
waflies. He was obliged TO ring for
her several times Each time she was
laughter than the last and once
through that same transparent go-be-
tween he distinctly saw her make up
face at him II was such a comica
little face that he nearly laughed out
right But he checked himself and de-
cided TO try a course Of discipline In
stead.
Anne" ne said. and his voice sound
ed almost stern, II want you to dust
the piano keys You may do it now.
They were so dusty last night it was
agony to play on them
Anne stared at him a moment in un-
concealed establishment then flounced
into the kitchen. The next moment she
Haunted back again. ostenta tiously
tapping n dust cloth.
At the first awful discordant crash
that followed close upon her disap-
pearance Jack gritted his teeth and
held on to his chair. At the second he
got up and walked determlnediy into
the living room.
'If you could, be a little more care
full" he suggested Jelly.
Anne shot him an lnscrutable look
from the corner OF her eye, sat down
after a flourish Of the piano stool and
began to dash OFF a Chopin waltz with
a hrilliancy Of touch that left Jack
speechless with establishment.
After she had struck the last fortis-
slmo chord she remained motionless,
her hands resting on the keys.
Jack came toward her until he stood
looking down upon her
"Who are your he asked finally.
"glrl or witch or goddessT'
Anne covered her blushing cheeks
with her hands
Jack tried to take them down n@ain
but she would not let him
1T makes no difference who you are
Anne" be said at length huskily
"You need not tell me- All that mat
ters is that love YOU, and all that !
want to know is do you"
But Anne had run away from him
She ran straight into Norah. who was
coming down the hall
''Why, Anne Norris" Norah exclaim
ed. what is the matterY
For answer Anne pulled OF her min
iature beadgear aud her rufiled apron
and said laconicaily Introduce me-"
Then Norah guessed and. holding
Anne's hand IN tight little squeeze
went back with her to the living room
"Mr. Cabot" she began dramatically
forgetting 10 say good morning 81
want you to know my very dear friend
Anne Morris. Anne, this is Mr.. Jacl
Cabot. a bachelor friend OF my hus
bands Oh" she added. STOPPING JUS
long enough 10 note the mingled con
sternation and Joy upon Jacks counte
nance. Il just must go and tell Bob"
''Tell him what?" flashed Anne. Blu
Norah had disappeared.
"Can't you guessT" pleaded Jack
holding out his arms to her. Isn't Il
going 20 be true-what Norah tells
Bob?
Anne let bis arms close about her
I'm awfully afraid I've spoiled you.
whispered Anne rogulshly.
~Don't you worry about that" laugh
ed Jack. Put this time I'm going tc
get the kiss Chat | saw in the mirror
Anne protested. but he got It.