The Washburn leader., 1908-01-03

Marta said. "I'r go over and ash
Billy"
But thought Billy wouldn't speak
to you"
| "Hell have to-" Marta declared.
"and while we are waiting for ou-
parfait III ask the question"
Before Archie could stop her she was
out Of her chair and halfway across
the room.
Billy" she said as she came up to
the other table. and Butler turned half
around in his seat and stared at her.
"Nlarta"' he circulated. "Where did
you come from?" And he was on his
feet in an instant.
~ am at the other table," Marta ex.
planned, with Archie Vandcrvort He
wants you to decide an argument. and
If you don't mind going over will sit
down here for Il minute"
Certainly, and I'm so glad to have
you meet Miss Merriam. Ruth. this is
one of my oldest friends. Marta
Blaine"
"You won't mind his going over to
the other table, will you?" Marta ask
ed as she sat down.
"Oh, no." and Miss Merriam turned
on her brilliant glance. mot If you
will stay with me. have heard so
much SSout you. Miss R:cine."
"Oh, dear" Marta questioned. what
has Billy been saying?"
"Such nice things" the other girl
told her. "And now that ! have seen
you | don't believe they are any too
nice"
Marta waved the fattery aside.
"Dear child" she said. Billy will
say anything when he is out Of my
sight. l can keep him straight when
l am with him."
II just love Cousin Billy" said Miss
Merriam. Hes the dearest thing!''
Marta stared. Cousin" she said
cousin! Are you Billy's cousin?"
Eyes"
"Wcll. ! might bavc known" Marta
murmured. Dear old Billy" Then
she went on: 81 am with my cousin ,
too. He wants to paint you. He is an
artist. you know. You won't mind?"
II should love it," said Ruth.
"1t's about your hair" Marta told
her, ''that sent Billy over. Archie
said it was gold. and said it was red.
You mustn't mind my saying it, be-
cause really was jealous Of you. But
now that know you are Billy's cousin
l think your hair is beautiful. I was
afraid should have to send you tea
spoons"
''Teaspoons?" was Ruth's puzzled
question.
"Ycs for a wedding present. you
know"
Ruth blushed.
'Thc idea." she said. "Why. every
one knows that Billy's dead in love
with you. He has told me so dozen
tines |
Marta gave sigh of relief. 81 was
afraid he had stopped" she said. "And !
l should miss Billy's alteration dread !
fully"
81 shall never stop" said Billy who !,
had come up behind her. Then he
went on as if he had made the most
commonplace declaration. "Arche !
your rarfait. Marta"
Il would rather eat it with you,"
said Marta unblushingly. "I'll tell you,
Billy. you bring Archie over here and
we will introduce him to Ruth. He |
wants to paint her picture. and he
would rather talk to her than eat, and !
you can come over to the other table /
and have parfait with me and every
thing will be lovely" |
Eyes, everything will be lovely"
Billy agreed, but Ruth said in a star
tied way. "Oh.'
ooh, you needn't mind." Marta said
when Archie had been presented and
was seated opposite the red gold beau
ty. "Billy and l will chaperon you
from the other table. 1t will be per- !
fectly proper. for we are engaged, you :,
know" And. with a sparkling glance
at her lover. she swept past the foun |
tain toward the balcony
"Well. of all things" Billy ejaculat
ed. Then he held out his hand to
Archie. "Congratulate me-" he said |
~ don't know what made her change
her mind, but I've been working for
this for Il year" And. with happiness
fairly radiating from his handsome
countenance he made his way across
the room to where the lady of his heart
awaited him.