The Holbrook news., 1912-06-21

but the noise did not drown a litter in the outer office
 Fooll-why hadn't he thought about the first of April! And she had been willing to make him ridiculous before them all, knowing that they already disliked him, even if it were for reasons which he could not con- trol.
 By sheer determination he ground out the busy afternoon.
 As the clerks wer leaving, he heard tap at his door, and called: Come"
 Edith Billings slipped in and closed the door after her.
 Are you busy, MT. Bentonr'
 Her hesitation was appealing, but John refused to be affected by it.
 Entirely at your service" he said
 The girls face flushed at his tone.
 q came to explain about that joke we-I-played on you today. You knew I wrote the slip? The rest dared me to do it. They said did not dare because-you are always so -so short with everyone. I had de- nied you were that way, so l had to take the dare! But I'm sorry now did it. ask your pardon"
 John had a confused sense of see ing her eyes filled with tears before the door closed quickly behind her. In an instant he sprang up, but she was not in sight when he reached the street.
 The young man made his home ward journey mechanically.
 She had defended him before the othersl She had wept because she thought he was offended. And he had let her go,away without word.
 He must see her at once. and there seemed but one way to accomplish it. Immediately after a hurried dinner and a painstaking grooming, he call ed up the elder. John Benton.
 "This is Uncle John? Can you give me Miss Billings address?
 "Yes, Miss Billingl, the stenogra- pher, of course. She is the only per son know by that name. Yes, it is something pertaining to the office work, and I must see her tonight if possible. Yes, sir, there has been a mistake made. I shall be very care full not to make similar one in the future, you may be sure! Thank you very much. Good bye!"
 It seemed to take an incredibly long time to reach the quiet suburban street. He thought with a sudden pang of the cold mornings of winter when she had endured the tedious ride And what sort of ride had she had tonight?
 There was a light in the cottage which bore the number he was seek ing. He rang the bell impatiently.
 He heard steps cross the room with in, and the door opened.
 Ste stood in a flood of warm light, looking at him questioningly.
 'sMr Benton! Will you come in?"
 He stepped inside and closed the door.
 Forgive me for troubling you. but had to come! You bewildered me then you were gone before could speak. Do you suppose could leave it like that?"
 Benton looked at her intently. She wore some sort of soft, clinging blue gown, and had a rose in her hair. She had flung a bit of needlework upon her chair on her way to the door. Her eyes looked heavy. with dark circles. The sight made him desperate.
 Edith" he said, "don't you know that would rather die than give you unhappiness? What does that paltry joke matter? I'm a fool, whether 1t is the first of April or not, for I've wanted you more than anything else on earth and haven't dared ask you!"
 The smile he had dreamed of dawn ed in her eyes.
 ''But your uncle" she remonstrat- ed, remembering. 'T must not let you lose such opportunities"
 'If you care as I do, girl, nothing else matters. I suspect he will be furious, and will probably turn me down. But can take care of you, dear, without his help, if only. you will let mel
 'Let's call him up now and tell him at once"
 Together they heard the elder Ben tons voice in answer to their call.
 4You are rendering your resigna- ton? Rather sudden, isn't it? An, this also includes Miss Billingsl That's rather sudden. too, believer
 "Um-well, I refuse to accept your resignation. I never in my life thought so well of your judgment as do this minute" Good night!"