The Ward County independent. [volume] (Minot, Ward County, N.D.) 1902-1965, 1912-06-27

dull care aside and enjoy a social
chat"
MacWilliams made other calls upon
Miss Mason to report progress and to
receive reports Of progress, as he
said, but their reports bore mainly
upon the progress made by the older
folks in their preparations for their
marriage.
TT begins to look % II We shall sim
ply stand aside without protest and
Jet them marry each other" said Miss
Mason dolefully one evening when the
wedding day was not far OF; and all
because neither Of u has sufficient
courage to tell them q few truths
they are both old enough to know"
she added spitefully.
''Oh, come now" said MacWilliams.
"They are not committing a crime.
Don't you think, sometimes that we
are a mite selfish in our attitude to-
ward them? Isn't 1t true, after all,
that aside from our prejudices, the
match is a desirable one in every par.
ticular? Remember, they are not in
their dotage; they are just in the
prime of life. Neither has yet reached
fifty. They wouldn't be rash in an.
ticipating many happy years to-
gether"
John MacWilliams!" exclaimed the
girl. whatever has come over you?
You talk as If you were in favor Of
it."
II am" he admitted shamelessly. II
know it sounds like rank heresy; but
I have thought it over, and wish to
say that am glad it is going to hap
pen"
would you mind telling me why?"
she asked coldly.
because, Janet, it will make you
my little sister. never had sister,
and the idea of getting you for one
is mighty pleasing. Don't you want
me for brother?"
The girl pondered deeply over this.
"Of course, I do, john" she said
finally. 1--WE always wanted broth
er so badly, and feel that you will
make a splendid big brother I de-
clare I feel almost reconciled to IA
theirs marrying, now"
The wedding day of the older folks
came. and after being married ANN
much pomp and ceremony, they de-
part on their honeymoon. blissfully un-
aware of the fact that their thank
less offspring had schemed to pre-
vent it. That evening John called upon
Janet.
Good evening, little sister," was
his greeting.
GLOW do you do, big brother?"
:'Say that again. will you?"
"And now stand here in front Of
me and let me look at you," he COM
manded, after she had said it. "It has
taken me twenty-five years to acquire
sister, you know. and naturally, l
want to make sure that the goods is
up to the sample"
1T certainly is he continued, after
an admiring inspection. "The good
Lord was generously inclined when
you were born, little girl-and now
for brotherly kiss"
There was struggle, and she
sprang away from him with her
cheeks af1ame.
THAT is carrying our make-believe
too far, john" she said. half in anger,
half in sorrow. IF you are going to
act that way, don't think I shall like
you in the role of brother"
And am quite certain that I shall
rot like the role" he replied.
II am glad you have come to your
senses"
II have. Surely you know, Janet,
that that was a lovers kiss, little
girl"
The angry fame in her face was su'
perseded by softer glow.
Does that make 1t any less helm.
ous?" he asked.
She was silent.
Does it," he persisted.
Eyes; far less," was her murmured
reply.
"And shall We soon follow the excel
lent example our elders set for u.s."
he asked, taking her In his arms.
Eyes, big brother she almost whis-
pered. isn't it terrible that We ever
thought OF interfering with those two
old dears?"
ION the contrary, It's a blessing that
we did; for It brought me-you," was
his answer.