Putnam patriot., 1910-04-01

ago. when Margaret had stood on the eurhstone and waved green and gold flag as he passed by. It had been the happiest day of his life. for that very evening he had asked Margaret to marry him. and she had consented By contrast today would be the bitterest he would ever know.
 He strode down the street. admired by many feminine eyes aRd quite un- conscious of anything except the event that would oeeur at 9 o'clock. 4 little past that hour the parade would march down the avenue past the very portals whence Margaret would emerge chang cd in name forever.
 Trumpets blared. drums rattled. flies riprled as the several bands of music fell into place. There were hoarse commands, the shuttle of countless feet on the pavements: shrill cries from the throngs gathered about. and the pa- rade started.
 As they neared St Francis granite bulk Matthews heart almost stood still. He prayed hard that he might be spared the sight of Margaret's we'd ding party emerging from the church The uniforms of the men. white aud green and gold, with splendid sashes of emerald satin fringed with gold. made a ribbon of color down the broad avenue. Matthew was in the outer column, his face like ashes. his mouth set in a grim line of despair and his feet mechanically moving to the strains of the "Wearin' of the Green.
 Then, just before they reached the church. he saw them-saw Corners red head and girls figure beside him. saw them run down the steps and en- ter a carriage on the cross street and roll away, while Tom Devlin waved a jovial farewell before he turned to watch the paraders
 Matthew's face had turned to watch the bridal pair enter the carriage When he faced front once more his startled, unbelieving eyes saw Mar garet Deylin herself-M Margaret in green broadcloth with great bunch of shamrock at her waist waving a green satin flag at-him,
 Tom Deylin and his daughter follow ed close i'll the wake of the Faithful Sons of St. Patrick that day. Mat thew saw them at the most unexpect- ed corners, always smiling and waving their flags at him. He began to feel like one of the family again and to realize that there was blunder some where-a mistake for which he might be devoutly thankful, for 1t was evi- dent that Corners had married some body. and Matthew did not care who it was so long as it was not Margaret Devlin.
 When the parade was over Tom and Margaret were on hand to escort Mat thew home. He entered the big tour ing car that sprang from somewhere and found himself between Margaret and her father. The girls cheeks were flushed. and her blue eyes evaded Mat thew's questioning glance.
 Once at the familiar house in Sev- enty-fifth street Tom Devlin disappear ed and left the two together.
 Margaret, dear"-Matthew was be- side her instantly-"I'ye been teal- ous fool Tell me the mystery. Did you marry Corners or what?'
 "Of course I married Tom Corners. That's why I let another gir. go of with him." mocked Margaret. and then suddenly her blue eyes filled with tears and her head found it's place on his broad shoulder 'If you'd had little more faith in me. Matthew" she said, you would have been happier your self and made it easier for me to do good deed
 You'll have to explain, dear. I'm all at sea-" he pleaded.
 Boomers has been engaged to Agnes Lee for year, and he hasn't had chance to show what he can do. He needed to get out one successful draw ing and then he could have all the orders he wanted. Till then he had to starve, and Agnes had to wait and wait for the home she wanted. You know Agnes is skin and bone and homely, and I'm not. So I went to Corners and suggested the picture you saw on the magazine cover. wanted to help them, that's all. He sold the drawing. got another and lar ger order, and when the magazine came out father and I bought up all the copies we could, and they got out a second edition. What do you think of that? Of course Tom Corners is fixed now-they've recognized what he could do. didn't really want my face on magazine cover. Mat. but I had to help them out. They love each other just as we do. Father and I got them married and off on their honeymoon. and now. Matthew Gold en, were you ever happier than you are this minute2' she asked saucily.
 "Yes." replied Matthew solemnly, "T was happier when looked up and saw you standing on the curbstone waving your flag at me. darling. l shall never forget the change from despair to happiness. and l have one thing to say"
 "What is that. Mat?" she asked, with softly luminous eyes near his own.
 That you may forgive me for be ing a jealous fool and spelling the sweet deed you were doing and that all my life. when I'm on the line of march and meet troubles and sorrows. can always look up as I did today and see your sweet face smiling on me; that's all.' said Matthew huskuS.
 EAS1ERIlOE GIFTS,