Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1912-01-17

"But that's worse" rebelliously re-
piled Peterkins, in phraseology
which had grown mechanical. ITS
Ethelred."
"Mr. Paddock. are you serious?"
Poor P. E. could only nod his head
In dumb misery.
Then you may most certainly con-
slider the engagement broken. could
not tie myself to a name like that for
the remainder Of my life. OF course,
I know it isn't your fault. but why
oh, why didn't you tell Te-before
got to loving you so. Oh! please go
away"
Bindly he staggered from the
house. A numbness seemed to hold
him in its grasp and he had no goal
or aim.
Suddenly to his dull senses came
the swift thud Of hoofs. sound oi peo
pie shouting, and then he became sud
denly conscious OF horse, with nos
trils distended and eyes madly atiame'
bearing down upon him. while beyond
the animals head he caught one
glimpse of small white face, tense
and drawn with fear.
1T doesn't matter, anyhow flashed
through his awakened brain. as he
made a leap for the bride. A pull, as
if his arm was being wrenched from
its socket. sickening thud OF MS
head upon the paving, and then a
blank Inconsistencies fell upon him.
Upon awakening. he felt at first no
surprise to find himself at home, but
as memory returned, questions insist.
ent aud impatient demanded answer.
With clearer thoughts. too, came
realization of his loss. and he turned
his face to the wall and groaned aloud
A cool hand smoothed the damp hair
from his forehead.
"Are you in pain. dear?" questioned
a familiar voice. He endearored TO
turn toward her. but sharp pain and
an arrangement vi SOlAo Gnu van
dages told him the truth.
You here?" he cried in Amusement
Eyes. dear. Can YOU ever forgive
me? But you mustn't talk and you
mustn't move cannot stay here il
you do. The doctor said So
But. Louise, want to know all
about it. What is the matter witt,
me. Surely | haven't got to lie here
strapped up in this COMPOUNDED thing
and pretty soon you'll be going and
III be left alone. This is the time
when a fellow misses his mother"
He was rapidly working himself in
to fever. The girl laid her hand up
on his head and whispered to MIN
shyly. With look OF unbelief, fo!
lowed by happy surprise, he nodded
his head.
Now you are TO 20 to sleep" she
told him with smile.
Louise. you're not foolinS me. arc
you. just to make me go TO sleep? You
wouldn't play joke on sick man
would you?"
NO. dear. I'm not joking. I'm quite
serious" answered the girl. and with
a contentcd smile he turned his face
toward the wall and slept.
An hour later a grave and reverend
person stood beside the sick bed. do
YOU" he continued, after The prclmin'
airy portion Of the ceremony and tho
sweet reply of the girl; do YOU
pctcrcd Ethclkns Paddock, take"
Upon being corrected, the worthy
man made humble apologies and again
proceeded. And Go you. Pctcriock
Ethelkins Padred. take this"
Mortified and ashamed, the poor
man asked that the name bc written
down and the ceremony vas com
plctcd without further incident.
Petcrkins. the innocent cause of SC
much humiliation. for once cared moth
ing al all for his cognomcn.
Il mind only for yolr sake" he muir
mured. as he drew her to him.
"And / mind not at all" she return
cd. her eyes shining. so long as
have you"
After a rcw moments he asked;
Louise, what name did they put in
the papers,"
"P. Z. Paddock" answered his wife
smiling.
THANK goodness, Louise. guess
you'd better always call me John"
MIHAHAM uhN RISIMESS IDEAS