The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1909-09-02

maDded Belinda, what's tie debtors
nameT''
My names Hazard BellingtUu
Forbes Hazard. Never heard Of he.
did your
We'll, l once read a short article
about you" acknowledged Belinda. her
eyes Swapping with delight. That's
an awfully long name of yours.
though. she continued What 90
your friends call you when ,hey arr
in hurry
Just b" he informed her. ana
Belinda actually giggled
Two hours later the trio were back
on the hotel piazza. and Belinda had
not mentioned the letter. The next
day and every day thereafter found
the three companions taking long
walks. and Belinda realized that she
was doing very little reading, while
Hazard left his canvas in most un-
finished condition.
The season at Cedarvale was a!
most at an end and the trees in the
orchard were laden with gorgeous red
fruit. Patsy was chasing birds. while
Belinda was curled up at the foot of
favorite tree. and Hazard was be
side her. This morning there seemed
to be long. unaccountable pauses in
the conversation. and for some reason
Belinda felt premonition Of what
was forthcoming.
Did You ever read what people
thought about you?' asked Belinda.
Yes l read Il short article about
myself once written by one of NV
dearest friends. Buzz Murray" he ac-
knowledged. But | must say in de
Tense of my friend that it was never
Intended for my eyes"
DO You mean Mr.. B. z. Murray
Mrs. Alston's friendT' inquired Be
linda
That's the man. We nicknamed
him Buzz at college" Then. fumhling
In his pockets. Hazard produced a
well worn letter. Here's the article"
he announced as he handed her an en-
velope addressed to himself.
Belinda read aloud:
WV i'Vdf MISS INtNeTS-l near YOU are
In CedarVille and | wish you would send
a card to my old friend Hazard HIS
people have cottage there. He's the
dearest old slOb In the world There is
only one thing against him-insanity has
developed in him taking the form of
painting but ii is harmless type His
other endearing qualities will quite out
weigh this however. and fancy you two
would find each other most congenial
Sincerely yours, B. T. MURRAY
But this letter was intended for
me" cried Belinda. "Why didn't you
give ii to me?''
For the same reason that you did
not return the one intended for me"
announced Hazard. "Of course. Buzz
got his envelopes mixed, but for one
am willing 10 forgive him"
But
And | want you to forgive him. too.
Belinda" interrupted Hazard as he
looked long into her eyes These
past few weeks have been heaven on
earth TO me. and and may | hope
just a little hope-that you. too. have
been happy?'
Patsy rushed around the tree. bark
ing and dancing on his tiny feet
AT least Patsy is happy" parried
Belinda.
Bellington picked the terrier up IN
his arms and held him tightly for
moment But Patsy saw a stray cat
and was anxious to be off again.
What did my letter say of you?''
asked Hazard
"Oh, some awfully silly things" an
sWered Belinda
well, may ! hope, Belinda-here un.
der the old apple tree that has lent us
its friendly shade all these happy
weeks-may I have my answer here
and now?"
Answer TO what?" she almost whis.
pered
VIII you lie my wife, Belinda?' he
murmured as he drew her closely to
him. And, lingering in his embrace.
she gave her answer.