Norwich bulletin., 1913-04-17
HONEYMOON HOUSE

A shadow fitted into the eyes of the hostess. 1 ness for the place. to tell you that l this may be your farewell visit to 1 Honeymoon House." she said. l A look of consternation filled all eyes. It fingered in the faces of Reta Mrs. Thomas continued without awaiting the protests which she knew ! were on every lip.
 " Yes-it is a fact. The first couple to marry before my trip abroad is to i nave 1t for a wedding present.
 s'What?" exclaimed Sutcliffe. You are going to give 1t away"
 Mrs. Thomas nodded.
 For keeps ?'' questioned Reta. The hostess nodded more em- l phaticaIIy.
 Yes. To tell you the truth am l a. bit tired of journeying into the mountains every year. I have decided to give it to some of my friends who will appreciate it's beauty and who will take good care of it. l know at least three possible tenants. They will no doubt all jump at the offer"
 An ominous silence fell upon the group. Honeymoon House held mem orles of many happy yesterdays that were to be no part of the to1norrows.
 Under her heavy lashes Mrs. Thom- as sent swift look deep into her Husbands eyes He glanced quickly
 
 his eyes again met his wife's. There were a subtle sense of confirmation between them It was as if pre- arranged act had been played.
 OnconsciouSly, Reta and Jim had sought each others eyes. A look of pain drew them into closer under standing. A mental picture foated between them. In imagination each was back to the time when Honey moon House was but a, crude erec- tion of timber and stone
 Reta and l are responsible for all it's beauty thought Jim.
 Tt is ours.' thought Reta. and a tear felt strangely near her lashes. Edith Thomas has no right to give 1t aWayt' She cast a resentful glance at her hostess.
 Mrs. Thomas caught the glance and it's meaning. She 1aughingly retorted
 know what is in your mind Reta, but you have as good chance of win ming the house as anyone
 Retas voice was not altogether steady as she answered. That would mt do Jimmy, any good, and he loves the tct house as much as I do and half earnest. joined the discussion.
 Under the trying circumstances why not make this marriage of con venience. The house is. fortunately of rambling temperament Jim might occupy the east ramble and Reta the west. Also the room intend ed for a nursery could be converted l1lO second dining room InaC IS, he continued in a raiilery. provided you cannot agree to dine together.''
 "Ted!" admonished Mrs. Thomas. Cant you see that you are embaf rassing our guests?"
 Jim Sutcliffe and Reta joined in the laughter, but there was a ring of fal- sity in the echo. For the moment they were living in realm of thought in which the kindly banter of their host had no place.
 From out the merriment Jims voice finally found itself. No one observed the strained muscles about his mouth nor the hardness of his tone as he addressed Reta.
 ''Well-Reta- does Ted's idaa strike you ?'
 A breathless silence followed Jims abrupt proposal. stirring of sym pathy swept oyer the feminine ele- ment.
 Reta cast an indignant glance at Jim. Rising swiftly she left the room without backward glance.
 The hosts face fell as he watched the retreating figure. He turned apol- egetically toward Sutcliffe. T am afraid we are in bad" he said It's up to you to square us.'
 But Jim had not heard. Already he was striding toward the arbor whither Rera had taken her indignation.
 He put his arms about her and would not let her go for all her fran tic struggles
 T couldn't propose sentimentaIIy i before all the crowd" he told her gently.
 Tie sobs which trembled in Reta's 1 being made her voice shaky. :
 Was there any necessity to pro- 1 pose" she asked and tried to control l her tones. Every necessity in the world" Jim | T love you. Reta. I did | not realize until there was a thought | 2f losing you that I have loved you since We met in Honeymoon House"
 Within the house Mrs. Thomas drew 1er husband to a darkened window 1 md pointed toward the arbor sat sffed smile fingered in her eyes
 Didn't I tell you so?" she ques- ioned-St. Louis Globe Democrat