The Norfolk weekly news-journal., 1909-05-14

She did not like what she was doing
now that she was doing II. But she
was desperate
II can't Imagine Richards tone
was incisive-"l can't imagine. Luvi-
mia, a woman Of Miss Tiverton's deli
cacy doing thing like that"
Lavinia tossed her head you don't
know much about women. Richard"
she retorted
Richard walked abroad that night
consumed by angry doubts Surely
Lavlnla would not lie. Surely Miss
ilverton would not brag II is gold
hended cane tapped the pavement ir-
resolutely, Then suddenly he strobe
down the street irresolute no longer,
Miss Letitia. alone and II little wist.
full In her small gray cottage, heard
the tap of the cane as she had heard
II every night when Richard went
forth for his evening walk
Behind her curtains she had watched
him regularly and had admired the
straightness of him. the briskness of
his walk. the brown waves of hair
which In defiance Of modern fashion
he wore so long that 1t almost touched
his coat collar.
1t had never dawned on Miss liver
ton that such n great being ms Law
MAS brother could look upon her and
find her lovely In her humility she
had not dreamed that the basket was
an Offering from such source
She had thought the women of her
circle might have dubbed together to
bestow on her this gift OF friendship,
and her effusiveness at the afternoon
gathering had been due to her gratitude
The tap of the gold headed cane
sounded right in front Of her gate.
stopped and began again on the stone
walk that led to the front door
Then the bell rang Miss Tiverton
answered it. Richard stepped over her
threshold-for the first time without
his sister I.avinia.
81 came" he said when he was seat
ed, "to ask question, delicate ques.
ton, Miss Tiverton. Who sent you
your tea basket?"
Miss Letitia's clear eyes met his
frankly. ooh, did Lavinia tell you that
one was sent meT she asked. Its
such beauty!" And she brought II
to him, displaying the rose lining and
the tassels.
Richard drew long breath Of relief.
The doubts that Lavinia had planted
fed. There was nothing Of deceit in
that childlike soul, In that fowerlike
face.
Miss Letitia,' he said, with his
hand on the basket, haven't you
guessed who sent 'tT'
Her puzzled glance met his. NO."
she murmured.
IL sent it," he confessed be
cause it reminded me of you-the rose
color and the pink-like your pretty
gown. your pretty self, rose Of a
woman"
Miss Letitia stood half poised for
fight. "Ohr' she said breathlessly,
and her eyes were like stars. "Oh,
Mr.. Greerr
Richard grew holder. II sent it be-
cause l love you, Letitia. There is no
happiness that could exceed that Of
winning you for my wife,
1t came upon little Letitia almost
too suddenly. that vision Of happiness,
and she swayed toward him, looking
just then more like lily than a rose.
and the tea basket dropped from her
ueryeless hand.
Richard caught it deftly as he drew
her to him. You will pour tea for me.
won't you he demanded, trying to
bring the color back to her cheeks.
'for the rest of my days, Letitia? La
vinia gives me coffee-but, then, oh.
hang Lavinia! viii you marry me.
sweetheart
And Miss Letitia after startled
"Oh, Richard" buried her face against
his coat and said. Yes"