Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1912-02-10
GIFT OF THE
GROOM
By OLIVE ROBERTS BARTON
{Copyright, 1911, By Associsied Literary Press.J

of his little real estate Office in Ford
port. He had opened II IN the ia!l
and now It was spring.
He looked at the landscape cons-
placently we'll pleased with himself
for. various reasons. In the first place,
coming from the south, he had snlV-
cred and shaken all the cold nortn-
err winter: but the warm May wealth
er suited him. The freshness OF
everything, the little yellowish green
leaves. the smell OF the lilacs and the
songs Of the birds made Fordport
more like home.
Another reason for his felicity was
the little once and the row OF slx
nearly completed frame houses half
block down the street. He could see
the latter iror his window. The out
side work had been done before the
rough weather and the Inside during
the winter months. Nothing remained
to be done but the trimming. paving
and Que extra coat OF paint on each.
Eric Prescott; was engaged to De
married to Rose Marshall. the belle OF
FUrdport. When be had settled ID
the village eight months before Rose
was engaged TO marry Tom Lyle.
The minute he saw Rose, Eric made
up his mind to have her. The TACT
that she was engaged TO Tom Lyle
was nothing to him.
Few girls would have been PROOF
against the siege he Immediately laid
to Roses favor. His southern accent
and excellent taste in clothes. which
set OF his tall slender figure. made
him fayorite with all women.
Eric showered gifts OF candy, roses,
books and music on Rose, who re-
fused them all at tirst-then accepted
few flowers reluctantly and finally.
overwhelmed with many attentions,
succumbed completely. Then she and
Tom uuarreled and that was exactly
what Eric wanted. They were soon
engaged and Rose was seemingly hap
py. She was the envy OF all the Ford
port girls.
The corner house in the row was
10 be hers when they were married.
Eric gave her to understand that De-
fore she had accepted him. She joked
al home about loving the house as
much as she loved Eric.
The house began TO look different
from the others in the row. Inc
porch was extended around the SIDE
and made two feet wider than the
other porches.
Rose, busy with her trousseau, ap'
peared to be very happy and the wed
ding was g month away. She seldom
saw Tom Lyle. He was spending
most Of his tine now at the farm a
half mile from the village. She con-
| graduated herself that she had e.
capped life OF monotony In the conn'
try. Town life suited her.
One day she met Tom driving TWO
strange men toward the farm. lie
seemed to be explaining something
to them and merely nodded at Rose.
She went home thoughtfully. He EVIL
IDENTITY was not unhappy.
The day following this meeting
with Rose, Tom hitched his little
black mare to the runabout and drove
over 10 see his chief councillor and
confessor, Aunt Polly Goodwin. She
WAS taking nap" in her sitting room!
when Tom drove in at the gate.
What news, Tommy? Sit right
down here. Now tell me-is there
much coal on the farm? 49,.
Yes, Aunt Polly. acres of IL they
say. Congratulate me. am ricn
man."
Bless your heart. Tommy" said
! the old lady, wiping her eyes with the
corner Of her apron. # am 30 glad,
so glad for you +
Thanks, Aunt Polly. but riches do
me little good now he returned =
! little bitterly. -.
The old lady looked at Tom keen:
/ ~. III You don't mind me mention
ing it. Tom, have been doing Lie,
tie thinking lately. since you talked
OF finding coal. May | suggest lit
tie plan? You used TO take my
advice"
Fire away. auntie. that's what l
came for"
Well, it is this way. l hate to see
! fine girl like Rose. Marshall throw
herself away on that southern dude,
and rain her life at the same time.
| Her heart is In the right place, but
her head has been turned By Pres,
colts attentions and his house. Now
that YOU have come money"
Money" he interrupted impatient.
". IL you mean that Rose wilt mar
ry me now that am rich e..
Hush, Toni" she said softly. Now
listen to me. Rose is not to know e
word about your good luck. Neither
is anyone in town TO know IL for a
! little while. This is my plan.
Tom left half hour later thinking
what a wonder Aunt Polly vas and
with a determined set to his lips bod.
| inc pond mr. Ill for eOme cone