Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1912-01-12

quick wit upon him and left his mind
whirling because of his inability TO
reply to one speech before she at
tackled him again. She laughed al
him along with the others, yet she
did not seem displeased at his de.
Votion.
Stephan was good looking. although
this fact had never occurred TO him.
He was modest, and allowed himself
to be elbowed out OF the way by
others more audacious if less worthy.
Rosa was always surrounded by adj
inifers and Stephan lurked dismally
in the background, patiently waiting
for glance in his direction. Rosa's
glances came his way at times.
Stella. who was Rosa's most init
mate friend. jeered Rosa for being
fond of her slow admirer.
why do you waste time on Ste
nhan?" demanded Stella. He is so
big-and so slow! He never dances
or anything! He just sits and looks
ut YOU"
Maybe that's. it," Rosa answered
with q toss Of her head.
Stella shrugged her shoulders. y
like some one who is gay, myself"
she said. "Some one like Josef"
Rosa smoothed her apron and
frowned. Josef was very attentive to
her. He had sparkling eyes and
little; mustache, which he kept curled
and sharply. pointed, and he made
pretty speeches on the spur of the
moment and was very sure of HIM
self. Rosa firted with Josef and led
him on, but that was merely girllsh
coquetry. and she shrank from any
thing more. Of late Josef had
wearied her.
Stella, watching Rosa. burst out OF
a sudden. Il suppose you think you'll
catch some one grander than Josef
but let ME tell you"
Rosa turned on her. "Oh, josef"
she mimicked. why don't you mar
~ him yourself If you think he's so
fine? I would If liked him as much
as you dol:
Stella, routed, retreated, scarlet OF
face and .Yengeful OF mind. Rosa, as
il 10 prove her power, was kinder to
Josef and paraded him before Stella
and the others. Perhaps this unusual
ieniency on her part really pleased
him, for he seemed more natural and
sincere. Rosa even thought she had
misindged him. There seemed more
10 Josef than she had surmised-per-
haps he was not such shallow man
after all.
Before she knew how it happened
she. found herself engaged to marry
Josef. All the other girls envied her
and the excitement Of preparing for
the wedding bore her up. Rosa as
sured herself that she was happy.
This usually was after She had caught
n glimpse of Stephan, in the back.
ground as usual, looking dumb devo-
ton at her.
Stephan had a very sober face these
days The thought OF him irritated
Rosa strangely. Once when Josef
spoke sightingly of him Rosa had
started to reply furioasly, but bit her
lip and was sullenly silent. She knew
Josef would not care for her. anger.
She had grown to feel that he did
not care deeply for anything.
Stephan had been asked to the wed.
ding, which was at the church at an
early hour, but he was. not there.
'He'd be late to his own wedding!"
some one laughed. so why not. at
another's?"
! Some one else was missing-the
bridegroom. At first: there was only
restlessness on the part Of those who
were waiting, then came whisperings
and surmises. After an hour mes
senger was sent and reported that
Josef &had not been: at home for two
days.
Stephan arrived as they were trying
10 calm the hysterical Rosa, desolate
IN her wedding nuery. II was al nour
ard half after the time set for the
wedding. For moment Stephan
looked at the weeping girl and his
hands clinched. Then quietly he
walked to her side and, brushing the
others aside, bent over her.
Rosa he half whispered, look at
met is Stephan. Forget that wretch
of josef III have the papers tc
marry you in half an hour if you'll
say yes! You know that love you"
Rosa's little hands clutched his
sleeve and she went:on his shoulder.
4 wonderful happiness was stealing
over her. lin glad Josef is not
here," she whispered.
Drains Immense Watershed.