The Democratic advocate., 1909-05-21

commenced In the most voIuble man
ner: ''Did you think was going to
stay all night, mother7 We had such
q lot Of things to talk about, Nettie
and n
''NNho2" interrupted Ben. The tone
was SO derisiye that Hilde cried out
angrily
Perhaps you do not believe mel
You are always laughing at me. and
think it's awful mean Of YOU
Ben smoked placidly and made no
reply. which angered Hilda all the
more. She looked toward her mother
as If craving support. but as she ap-
peared absorbed In her occupation the
enragcd girl flounced out Of the room,
slamming the door vigorously.
1t lacked only week to the date set
for the wedding. The evening was
coldly clear but gusty, and the few re-
naming leaves were blown from the
bushes and scnrried down the street
like droves Of frightened fairies. Hil-
da stood In the embrasure of the win
dow drumming restlessly on the win
dow pane.
An automobile halted by the curb,
but well in the shadow Of the trees,
She turned, as II tired of her amuse-
ment, and sauntered up to her room.
1t was but a very few minutes until a
soft frou-frou through the hall and the
cautious opening and closing Of the
front door betrayed her departure.
Ben came from an adjoining room
laughing gleefuIiy. Hurry up, Lottiel
II they get there before US 1t VIII spoil
all the fun
"You are sure that It is an elcpe-
ment, Benz"
Certainly. heard them planning
1t. Come on, coma on" he urged, TAX
ing her by the arm They hurried out
by the rear entrance, and before the
others were under way they were hy-
ing down a side street to the parson-
age
When the eiopers arrived they were
conducted at once to the study BY the
parson himself. Az they placed them
selves In readiness for the marriage
ceremony the parson remarked: you
must excuse me, but the law requires
two witnesses. / suppose you do not
object" And without waiting for a
reply he opened side door and ad-
mitted Hilda's mother and Ben.
"ohF brcathed Hilda. frightened.
But Ben said nothing. The minister
went ON with the ceremony, and Hilda,
having caught sight Of Ben's derislye
smile, did not Lift her eyes again TN
the final words were spoken.
The ceremony concluded, her mother
congratulated her calmly. Ben's eyes
twinkled mockingiy ar be held out his
hand 60 Hilda.
Receive my hearty congratulations.
Mrs. Dupont You rushed things n
blt, and yet we were ahead Of you.
came here to marry. thought you
were 20 be my bride but you were a
little cheat overheard you planning
with the man who wore better coat
than !. and, listening 20 your very
amusing comments on my personal
peculiarities. Acknowledged to myself
AAfhA AAt NbHlN WbA NE WHY hNAT
isfactory on either side. But the sit.
uatlon was not as unpleasant aa Il
might have been. I had been mistaken
as well as you. and the more I saw
OF your mother the better satisfied ]
was with the way things were coming.
really wanted you 10 be honest
enough 20 speak out. but when you
wouldn't, why, we made first lnnipg
and were married less than Eve min
utes before your arrival here"
Hiida's look OF astonishment changed
10 one Of demure mockery. II trust.
papa, dear. that You enjoyed my sum
mary OF your very mature charms,- .
she said
at didn't burt my feelings a little
bit daughter. ! knew my age 10 a
day and ali about tho skating rink,
and as 10 my coat. ~ Mfr. Charlie had
worn II you wouldn't have known Il
from brondcloth."
Hilda laughed sauciIy and gayo her
newly made husband an adoring look.
$50. you see. II wasn't the coat:
twas the man in the coat" phIioso-
phized Ben.
ut was Just little game Of tit for
tat. In which we are all winners" re
m riraH Afro ETlldrofh Hans.flu