The Kenna record. (Kenna, Roosevelt County, N.M.) 190?-1924, 1912-05-31

aunt AAOANy bA6hCNt anu a AAlbb CdhAo
before her, as she replied gently:
Little girl. people can live years In
minute-countries and lives be de-
stroyed, but an angry word lives for
ever. Would you Ike to hear story
"a true one. about a girl. Just as low
ing. impulsive. and thoughtless as
your"
Mabel assented Nagerly. her own
woes forgotten for the time. at the
prospect of one of her aunt's stories.
Years ago." began the sweet voice.
"a girl lived in beautiful southern
town. She had everything to make her
happy--father, mother. brother. and a
home, OF which she loved every nook
and corner. She was very popular ia
the younger set, and many were the
fattering proposals. of marriage that
she received. But, in her open-hearted
manner, she liked them all The same,
and after repeated refusals CONTRARY
to the usual rule) they were all like
big brothers to her-ever watchful for
her pleasure and comfort. without riv.
airy and jealousy.
Matters went on this way for sew.
eral seasons. Gossips wondered
talked, and finally doomed her to a
solitary spinsterhood. as one after an
other joined the ranks Of the big
brothers.
"But one day came change. The
girls brother brought home friend
former college room-nate. His home
was far away, and on trip for the
business interests of his father he had
combined duty with the pleasure OF a
visit to his friend.
I'VE read of love at first sight, and
think that is what It must have been,
for, from the first, the girl was a diI.
ferent person. The interest was mu-
tual, and they rode. danced, and sang
together. In Quieter moods. the quaint,
old summer house was their retreat
where many happy hours were spent
reading together or exchanging CON
dences. The whole household realized
how matters we're developing, even be-
fore they did themselves, but, as the
young man was above reproach in
every respect. all were discreetly
blind.
Meanwhile, the young mans father
was growing impatient for his return,
80 the Inevitable parting grew near. 1t
came and went. leaving fearful, yet
happy maid. with an engagement ring,
that recalled the loving promise Of a
speedy return. and then-no more
partings.
The ring was set with a single. per
feet pearl 1t had been his mothers.
and. as she turned 1t on her finger, she
reflected its purity. and resolved to
be worthy of it.
MabePs eyes grew wide at the men
tion of the ring. and she started to in
terrupt, but, with glance at Aunt
Hetty's absorbed expression. she re-
sisted, and listened with a sympathetic
wonder.
Unconscious of her hearers surprise.
the old lady dreamily continued her
narrative.
The weeks that passed we're busy
ones-dressmakers and the whole ret
inue Of servants preparing for the
W SOuuOt anu luO lAAhO
checked off daily on the little desk
calendar. as the letters were written.
The replies were carefully boarded.
and put away in dainty book. with
keepsakes of other days.
AT last, the day Of her lovers ar
rival dawned. and she moved about as
If in dream. until she was clasped In
pair of strong. young arms and real
lied that it meant the end OF part
ings.
Happy days followed III swift sue
cession. until the wedding day was but
a week distant While sitting in the
summer house. planning their bright
future, she spoke OF the beauty OF her
ring. He had noticed little plain ring
that she had always worn, and idly In
quired about It. To tease him, she
ignored the inquiry. thus rousing his
curiosity, and, before they realized 1t.
heated words had followed. Then,
girl fashion. she felt abused, never
thinking OF the silly way It had all
started, her own fault. and how easily
1t might have been remedied. He told
her that If she left in anger. It would
be the end OF course. she did not
think he really meant 1t. and liked to