Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1909-01-23
romance" he murmured. "Sbe
c,nuldn't md orotandu

The judge pondered II asked her TO
ago."
"Thcre." Oliver exclaimed. land TO.
day Is the 1lth and tomorrow Is an
anniversary. Oh. you've got to take
advantage of that. Judge"
II took her to ride In my buggy" the
Judge rambled on sheepishly. "There
was big round moon
Tie stopped suddenly. "But Of course
we've grown sensible since then" he
said wistfully.
well. you just ask her to go to-
morrow" Oliver recommended, and
then the Judge gave In.
The next evening he presented him
self at the dinner table armed with
long paper box.
"For you. my dear" he said to his
wife as she came In with Roxane.
heavy eyed and pensive.
The box. being opened. showed rosy
carnations.
''The nearest thing could get to
pinks." the judge explained.
"Why pinks?" his wife demanded.
"Abble." he reproached, "have you
forgotten that twenty-five years ago
you wore pinks"-
Mrs. Vandlver's expansive features
expressed blank surprise what
happened twenty-five years ago?'
II know" Roxane interrupted
There's the picture ON fathers desk
you have on blue dress and bunch
OF pinks-you said you looked that
way when he asked you to marry
him."
The blush that stole up toward Mrs.
vandivers gray curls gave her Gu
rious look Of youth. "Why. James,"
she faltered, did you really remem-
ber?"
"Yes." said the Judge, feeling that
had he never forgotten life would
have held deeper meanings.
Mrs. vandiver came around and
kissed her husband "Thank you.
dear" she said. with a gentleness
that made Roxane stare.
After that II was not hard to pro-
pose ride by moonlight. and Mrs
Vandiver. consenting. came down in Il
blue gown that became her elderly
plumpness almost as well as that 9th
er blue gown had set of her girlish
figure.
The judges electric runabout re-
placed the buggy of long ago, and as
they went quickly through the city
and out into the country roads that
astute gentleman RETAINED from any
mention Of Oliver and Roxane. All
his talk was of things Of the past.
"IIow happy we were. Abbie." he
said ut last. and his wife responded
wlstfully. Every happy. James"
A golden moon hung above the dark
line of the hills. The air was sweet
with the spiciness OF the pines. The
judge was thrilled with bygonc emo
lions, and his arm was comfortably
about his wifc's waist.
Then in the rapture of the restora-
ton TO her place of romance of the
Abble of long ago he forgot Oliver
forgot Roxane.
He was brought back with a shock
when Mrs. Vandiver said as they
turned toward home: 1--WE been think
Ing of Roxane. If she really loves
Oliver don't know but l ought
"Of course you ought" said the
judge promptly. Give them your
blessing, and let them be as happy as
we are"
II am afraid that Oliver has been
fooled by some Of those firms who
hunt up lost heirs" the lady pursued.
"Of course Oliver was sincere. but
don't think much of the fortune sto-
ry."
NO" mendaciously, at didn't seem
probable"
You can settle something on them
after they are married." said Mrs.
vandiver. I'VE haven't any one to
leave 1t to but Roxane-and-an 1t
would be nice to have them engaged
on the same day that we were. jim
mie."
Jimmie. The magic OF the youthful
appellation made the judge feel like
colt.
Lets get them married and you
and | will 20 of and have another
honeymoon" he proposed jubilantly.
Eve will have the time OF our lives"
The ripple that came from his wifc's
lips was silver echo OF the golden
laughter OF other days.
1--WE will" she said and lifted her
face to him In the moonlight. land
now let's go right home and tell the
children. Jimmie"
Whistler's Grocery Bill