Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1910-01-27


thing original
But l do not. i mean this is origi-
nal because too hard TO be often I'M
dertaken."
Yet 1t Is only little conscience to
be doctored"
There are things to tell you,"
gravely, because we are friends"
Present tenseT
yes" lowering the hedge to give a
steady look.
every we'll" with smile that held
some sarcasm lurking beneath It; tell
on"
That day after you told me Of your
engagement TO John Brent l saw his
dogcart before Ransom's, and i hap
pened in, don't you know, and said
something about such Il royal day for
driving and smiled up at him my very
best smile. 1t was bit of mischief
l knew you would be cool over the
matter and wake his resentment"
"'Behold how great fire a little
spark kindleth.'" said unruffled Neil.
Il asked him to drive this way, and
he laughed We meant only to tease
you little-nOthing serious"
MOP
"Not them bending her face into
the lilacs
We'll" coldly, che is now free"
An eye shot passed over the hedge.
knowing how that drive came
about, you are still too proud to recall
him?"
Neil settled herself more cozily
among the cushions Of her divan and
gave her prettiest low laugh. els thy
servant a dog|" she said.
But he would come" said Pattie
gently.
"There is n better way to come"
"And if he does not choose it,
81 am content" sang Neil sweetly.
"Then if he's free" said Pattie, well
behind the flower hedge, II ought to
let you understand hesitatingly,
"that-that"-
ooh, certainly" said Neil mockingly,
leach one for herself"
Il should not have put it in just that
way" Pattie went on, with a half
nervous little laugh, but ! shall not
avoid him or be at my worst with
him"
1T is a woman's business" dryly,
"to charm, especially to charm one
man."
IF he is the right one." faltered Pat
tie Roane.
True. Yet the wrong one is often
entertaining and easier"
and you do not careY asked Pattie
as she took up and put the flowers
back in the vase. But you'll believe.
won't you, that meant no wrong. that
/ did not know what would Gomez
you have not finished your story"
said Neil, with sudden sharpness.
what has come to him-what has
Gomez
IF you would be sorry, think"
very low, that he would be happy"
"Otherwise-ln timer" breathlessly.
perhaps he may think of me- said
Pattie and turned away her face.
She was going silently TO the door
when Neil, white as her lilacs, came to
the Intel.
You have been honest" she said
cholingly, $50 will tell you. cannot
bear it, with a sob. Il cannot
Pattie flushed. DO you want me TO
go away out Of his reachT" she asked
with voice tkat trembled and with
lowered eyes
no, but | will write and ask him
alas for the hobby, tears came-"ask
him to forgive me-"
Il will wait and post the letter,
Pattie slowly and went back to her
chair
HE may be angry still, you know
Neil said wistfully when the note was
written and her guest on the stair
but there was no answer.
Pattie hurried out TO the corner mail
box and, having dropped the note in
side, came around the turn Of the
street face TO face with John Brent
Il have been attending to some Of
your business" she said, with q happy
laugh
THANK you. 1t could not be in bet
ter hands, am sure" said John.
Il think so myself" radiantly.
could you pick a lock or a corner
post boxT
We'll. not without some training,
think"
Then the best thing for you to Go is
TO 90 on TO Neil's. Say the proper
thing, YOU know rapidly Say that
you are a wreck from misery and can
not bear it any longer.
But
THAT handsome Englishman has
been sending more flowers, exquisite
white lilacs. If were you they should
go out of back window"
But
'She will be delighted that you came
before the note reached you, but do
not hint that you know about it."
About whatT'
The note. the note, the note
'Pick a corner post box" said John
dazedly, but with slight dawning in
his eye. Neil has written me
noteT
"Oh, the slowness Of a mans mind!7
cried Pattle. Are you going to stand