The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1909-03-10
crabs when he comes along

crabs when he comes along" Dolly
laughed and Billy emerging breathless
with an irate partner from the midst
of the band felt keen pang strike
through his honest heart as he heard
1t. "Ah, WE'LL" he thought wearily.
what does anything matter now? III
c-cut all this totommy rot and go
shooting somewhere"
Poor Billy, indeed! His eyes invol-
unfairly filled as he saw his friend lead
| ing Dolly toward secluded alcove, and
he thought of his chance of happiness.
But then Alwyns just the sort of fas'
cinating chap the girls like; l wouldn't
have b-been in it anyhow" he thought
mournfully
| That dance came to an end, and the
next, and still there was no sign of the
satisfied Alwyn. Billy's dance with
Dolly was the next on the program, and
he desperately resolved to break in
upon Alwyns love making. After all,
he'll have her all his life" he said,
80 my five minutes c-can hardly
c-count."
AS he expected he found Dolly lean
ing back on the settee in the alcove
above the stairs, but to his astonish-
ment she was alone.
Excuse me, Miss Kitcat," he said.
abjectly. "b-but l thought Alwyn was
with you"
Dolly turned a rather tired little face
toward him. 'Mr. Romaine was here"
she said, simply, ''but he has just gone,
and l was about to come and look for
you. You cut my first dance, and you
haven't been near me the whole even
ing. I'm very offended, and | won't
dance with you, as have had quite
enough excitement this evening. But,
dear Mr.. Billy, seat your CHEEKY self
here for bit and let me try and for
give you"
Billy with puzzled look on his face
sat himself down at her side, and then,
turning his honest, manly face to hers,
he said firmly in low voice:
'L-lo0S here, D-Dolly-I may c-call
you D-Dolly once, mayn't I?-and as
you and Alwyn l-l-love each other, and
he and | are such old friends, shall
have to learn how
"But'-Dolly broke in.
"Hush" said Billy, gently patting
her hand. 81 must say while l c-can
what I've c-come to say, and th-that is
gtgoodby, Dolly; so forgive me every
thing t-tonight-for c-care for you and
SOL am going away. IL c-can't bear
to stay, b-but I'm so p-pleased you're
going to marry such a c-clever and
g-good f-fellow as Alwyn. It's g-good-
by, d-dear Dolly" said Billy desperate
ly rising as he spoke. "I'll c-come back
so-some day and stay with you b-both
and shoot the b-birdies." H Stopped,
unable to continue, when .ly ex-
claimed
well, you and Mr.. Romaine seem to
have settled my future nicely between
you. Mr.. Romaine has indeed proposed
to me, but, Billy" she continued soft
ly, 81 could never marry him, because"
She paused. Billy's heart stood still.
"N-never marry him? Oh, know
poor old Alwyn's t-too b-badly off, but,
Dolly, see here" he said timidly,
"d-dont be offended, but remember
you've adopted me as s-sort of broth
er, haven't you? I'm beastly rich, in
f-fact, and it would be heaven flor me
to help you bboth. Do.do let me,
Dolly. Give me my little share in your
happiness. Do speak, Dolly! All, why
are you crying? GOOD knows didn't
mean to offend you," he said, his voice
breaking.
Dolly pressed his arm "Sit down
again. Do. l don't know why l cried
but-you are such good fellow, Billy"
she paused, and then turned to him
with flushed cheeks.
"Well," she said, firmly, "Mr. Ro-
maine tonight, at great length, asked
me to entwine the music of my soul
with his-the words are his, Billy,
and" she continued wearily, 1T took
dance and half of emphatic declam-
alton to assure him that couldn't en-
brace the responsibility, literally or
otherwise, but''-and here Dolly's wet,
mischievous eyes met Billy's loving
ones fulfil you wanted very, very
much to shoot the brides, and ef You
really, really care, WE'LL couldn't pre-
vent my husband shooting them, sup
pose."
And she didn't.-New York Tribune