Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1912-07-13

PANSY
By A. HOWARD GuNrER
Copyright, 1919, by Associated Literary
Press)

stood in front OF Sam Whites drug
emporium and glared at the moldy
mince pie that the ladies Of the
South Side Methodist church kept
in the window as an indication that
there were choice yiands to be pur-
chased within. But Philip was NOT
admiring the pie, which had beer
there SO long that it might be said
to have accrued historic interest as
well as spider webs, and though the
pastry was heavy Philips heart was
heavier.
He had been sa jubilantly happy
when Pansy Borden promised tc
marry him, and though she hao
made him promise to keep the en-.
gagement a secret he had only ad.
mired her the more for that, as Pan
sy had said that it would distress
her mother to know that she was te
leave home so soon. 1t was sweet OF
Pansy to think of her mother.
However, Philip was human, and
when his best friend, Ben Davis, had
begun to act in an insufferably pat
ronizing way he could not refrain
from giving Ben hint of the glad
news, especially as Ben was a great
admirer of Pansy. 'fI know a Sc
cret," he had casually remarked,
"that would make you jump if you
knew it."
"Humph," retorted Ben, scorn-
fully, 81 know one that's worth two
of yours"
That was too much for human en-
durance, and having sworn his
friend to secrecy, Philip told him
the wonderful tidings. "Pansy Bor-
denis said Yes. , It's to be in the
fall"
The color left Ben's freckled face,
and even his red hair seemed to
turn shade paler. e'But, Philip"
he protested, that's my secret |
Pansy's promised to marry me. in
the fall"
The whole world seemed to Philip
to give way, though it was only the
cracker box on which he had been
sitting. He sprang up and seized
Ben by the throat. "It's liep' he
declared, angrily. "You can joke
me about anything else, Ben, but not
about Pansy.D
When he was excised Ben slut
tered. "B-b-b--D he began, and
Philip loosened his grip on his
throat. There is no use in trying
to choke a suffering friend. "But,
Philip, she's wearing my ring" The
anguish in Ben's tones was genuine,
Philip sat down and buried his
race in his hands. "Forgive me-.
he said huskily; "she's wearing
mine, too"
1t was The quick-witted Ben who
had whispered presently, "Say, Phil,
do you reckon she's wearing any
other rings2 Every man in this
town is in love with Pansy, and even
that fresh travelling man, Arthur
Dering, was wild about her."
From old Isaacson, who sold dia-
mond rings on the dollar-down-and-
5O-cents-forever plan, they had
learned the CHASTITY truth. Henry
Blaine, Ely Claiming and Willie 10
Hall had also purchased rings for
Miss Borden. Old Isaacson was
quite elated and was planning to
enlarge his store.
So it was that Philip Grantwood
had not waited long in front of
Whites Emporium before four other
figures stepped out of the darkness
and the whole party started gloom-
lily for the Borden home. They had
decided to go together to Pansy and
crush her with the hideousness of
her conduct Knowing the girls
ready wit, they had prepared before
hand document setting forth in
solemn language their righteous in
dignation, their desire to be freed
Immediately from their engagements
and their emphatic determination
that all friendship with such per-
son should cease. Philip was to
learn the speech and act as spokes-
man for the crowd.
Pansy came in Immediately,
bringing sunshine and gayety with
her. "I'm SO glad to see you,' she
cried, with the most disarming |
friendliness. "And all five of YOU
at oncel Why, you frightened Polly |
so that she can't say her prayers
The five looked at Philip and
Philip cleared his throat and began |
in a rapid humble. eve have come |
tonight, Miss Borden, to ask You for