Webster City freeman. [volume] (Webster City, Hamilton County, Iowa) 1884-1946, 1912-04-09
A Brother
Interferes

III Reggie cares for you I'll be the
most astounded mortal in this wide
world" observed Hilda's elder brother
Edward.
Strange that you can't conceive Of
anyone admiring your sister," an
swered Hilda.
"A girl is really fortunate to have q
brother to advise her. Did you ever
notice that the popular girl, whom
every fellow rushes after and likes to
be seen with Is not the first to catch
the desirable eligible husbandT'
"Stop your philosophizing and tell
me what are you trying to insinuate."
THAT Reggie is only amusing him
self in your society while another has
captivated his hearts desire" an
swered Edward.
There's not the shadow OF doubt
about it."
"You must be mistaken" answered
Hilda, hoping that he was.
"A lot OF US fellows were discussing
girls the other evening when Reggie
became offended at the nippant tone
some of the fellows took" replied Ed
ward earnestly.
HE told OF some girl whose pic
ture he carried In his watch-what
she meant to him. We hdded him,
but he declined to show the picture
until he showed US the girl some day.
/ felt pretty cheap because some OF
the fellows thought he meant you, but
l explained differently at the first OBJ
portunity."
THAT must be Shirley who he's al
ways quoting" said Hilda.
BE sensible, Sis, don't listen to his
soft words. Give him the shake" as
serted Hilda's brother.
Reggie" said Hilda that night
when he started to tell her how
much sweeter than ever she looked
I'm weary OF your profuse praise and
laudations. It only inspires In me
contempt for your insincerity and
hypocritical actions. You doubtless
shower compliments on every girl you
meet, only varying them according to
her size, the coloring OF her hair, and
eyes,"
But I am honest when I say that
your eyes are like the stars in the
heavens above" he commended. "Only
,bluer than the sky, and as the stars
are sure to shine don't ever hesitate
or distrust my love for you, or that
fall to appreciate your many alluring
attractions. For some caprice you
pay little attention to anything say.
l even wrote to Shirley today"
Shirley. who's Shirley?" interrupt
ed Hilda in strained voice.
IF practice makes perfection may
be she is responsible for your adept
way in making one think with your
cajoling and soft words that she IL
your ideal when the reality is an en-
tirely different person"
"Your pretty ears are the only ones
that hear those words" persisted
Reggie.
Who's Shirley?" repeated Hilda.
Its always Shirley, this and that.
Possibly she will not be so delighted
to learn that others have been the
recipient OF some OF the same sweet
phrases that she is accustomed to re-
ceive."
"The compliments you pay your
favorite sister-in.law are vastly differ.
ent from those tributes you give the
girl whom you hope to marry"
Don't think for a moment" said
Hilda, that am anxious for your So
ciety II you contemplate marrying an.
other girl. Neither do care to be
conspicuous by your devoting your
time to me. The girl whose photo is
in your watch will appreciate your
lover-like attitude vastly more"
WIN she?" said Reggie as he open
ed his watch. Its about time. Be-
hold her picture" ...... yn#
Curiously Hilda took the watch.
Why. it's my likeness" she ejacu-
lated.
Naturally" assented Reggie. "Your
brother must have told you about the
girl whose picture / carried"
Hilda nodded her head.
He insinuated something, but II I
needed his advice, dear, l never
would have realized how much We
loved each ether"
Il took It for granted that you
knew Shirley was my elder brothers
wife. .s.
1T was great blow to my parents
when my brother married her, as she
was only a governess minus a for
tune. They have become reconciled.
however. and simply adore her. No
need to be jealous OF her, for she's
nearly old enough to be your mother"
Thank heavens for that said Hill
da- III I'd only known sooner"
"She was my governess," continued
Reggie, 'and is everlasting thankful
TO me for writing to my brother about
her beauty and loneliness, so that he
was prepared to lose his heart"
just then Edward sauntered In, and
saw by his sisters blushing counte-
nance that he Just arrived in time to
n -. z.t I'd -