Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1913-08-17

Does he write nice letters?'
He writes quite She turned away her face:
he suspected tears in her
'Why don't you tell I'm impertinent?" he asked
softly I'm that if really love him. Caroline
he must be worthy. and he'll make you happy IL
you sure!'
IL don't anything any more" She
him desperate beseeching Living out
here all alone-and you and cast doubts into my
mnd-and I all Of balance-oh. it isn't fair
of you 1 wish here. wish he were herei'
She put her face down on her arms and sobbed
Temple looked at her ruefuly. He reached over anu
put his shoulder.
Tell me I'm low-lved scut." said. That's
what 1 Now you sit and dry your eyes. Caro-
line I'm going to do the thing that best friend surely
ought to do. I'm going to Los Angeles tomorrow
morning to buy wedding present. And won't come
back until the afternoon before the wedding So that
will give you bearings again. I'm sorry.
The devil does hold forth in sometimes.
She dried her eyes, and said plaintively Somehow
don't want you to co.
You're sweet. dependent little kid-and complete
woman sighed Temple. Il don't understand this
game at ALL"
In Los Angeles spent money than he had
thought Of spending in his whole vacation He
chased mahogany table and sdeboard and chairs for
dining damask upholstered set OF furni-
ture the paror. and and Florentine mirror
he arranged his purchases de-
livered at address which he would some time later
supply.
He returned to the Junction the day before set
for the wedding. On the train he
who might resemble bridegroom but found such:
and he the only to alght at the Junction
Caroline him that her betrothed had had to
to her that he was closing up an important business
transaction that he would the train
with the clergyman She seemed to Temple subdued
forlorn and that evening. they sat together
the veranda, he thought he might cheer her UP. and
said:
My feelings rather hurt You haven't asked me
about your wedding present yet
''Oh. nor She suddenly became childlike agan-an
eagerness will you let me see it-now? Oh pleased
! haven't it with big
carry
When she next spoke 1t she speaking
she said. 'if every girl is frightened the
day before she is to be marriedr'
you frightened?"
help it. know I ought be happy, but
derneath there's strange dread"
will all vanish the your rest the
man.
'Of course She looked at him gratefully
The day at Caroline the station
to await the arrival of the train from Los Angeles
David Temple had chosen to withdraw himself
his he heard the train arrive and depart.
He what seemed a decent interval Then he
Gunter and the clergyman coming the steps.
the background while Caroines father well
coined bridegroom and the clergyman. Gunter
a portly young man. with pallid complexion. loose.
fabby mouth. fat pendulous jowls: a hashy
green and purple knitted necke: his teeth were
bad and his voice noisy.
quainted Doctor Grant, OF course" And he drew
the clergyman elderly. meekooking little for
ward by the kind OF sad-looking place for
wedding. continued in his loud. laxative tone 'oh.
we'll Carrie / don't mind. Well cheer up
tudes and give hotel folks good time" This
he Moderated with eyes upon Temple
There hotel guests just now. JOHN said
Carone and at of her voice. cold
quiet Temple, had been studying the bridegroom.
looked at her. In eyes. fixed upon him, he a
tragic confession appeal. There is only Mr.
ME who IS a friend Of min from the Valley
David came forward Gunter greeted him warmly.
PLEASED you-glad you could be on handdidn't
had any friends in this part Of the world
Say, rye got couple Of bottles OF h.z in my
with. but you and ! will have little celebration by
II shall be very glad drink the brides health"
ed
Gunter looked at his watch. Twelve o'clock: and
the eastbound limited Is due at B.. he said Let's get
ready Carrie; and be splced right on. and then wen
There was a moments silence Caroline. who had
heen very pale, suddenly flushed crimson II must
have talk with you, John" she said. IAN alone" -.
David retired again to his room From MS
window. end of the long veranda, he
could sitting together the
chairs he had often occupied;
" He could not have heard anything they said. II
seemed scarcely honorable for him even to LOOK he
read page ''Tristram Shandy without un
derstanding last he looked at his watcn. ~
was a quarter OF he glanced again OF OF the
widow Caroline was there: Gunter sitting AL
alone with his chin on his hand