River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1913-08-07

nave always Thought Ludl JuuSe
Wade was really the most wonderful
man in Hillsboro. not because he is a
Judge so young in life that there is
only white sprinkle in his lovely
black hair. that grows back off his
head like NapoIeon's and Charles Yves
ley's. but because of his smile. which
you wait for SO long that you glow all
over when you get it. ! have seen
him do If once or twice at his mother
when he seats her in their pew at
church and once at little Mamie John
son when she gave him a flower
through their fence as he passed by
one day last week, but never thought
| should have one all to myself. But
there it was. a most beautiful one
long and slow and distinctly mine-at
least | didn't think much of it was for
Billy. | sat up and blushed as red all
over as / do when / first hit that tub
of cold water.
Il hope you'll forgive an intruder.
Mrs Carter, but how could a mortal
resist peep into the garden of the
gods if be spied the queen and her
faun at play?' he said in voice as
wonderful as the smile. BY that time
| had reefed in my ruffles around my
feet and pushed in all my hairpins.
Billy stood spread legged as near in
front of me as be could get and said
in the rudest possible tone of voice: :
Get away from my Molly, manT
| never was so mortified in all my
life. and scrambled to my feet and
came over to the fence to get between
him and Billy
Its a lovely day. isn't it, Judge
Wade? l asked with the greatest in
terest, which | didn't really feel in the
weather, but what could | think of to
say? A woman is apt to keep the i'm
age of good many of the grand men
she sees passing around her in queer
inches in her brain. and when one steps
out and speaks to her for the first time
it is confusing. Of course have
known the judge and his mother all
my life. for she is one of Aunt AIDE
lines best friends. but | had a feeling
from the look in his eyes that that
very minute was the first time he had
ever seen me. 1t was lovely, and
blushed some more as ! put my hand
up to my cheek so | wouldn't have to
look right at him.
about the loveliest day that ever
happened in Hillsboro." he said, and
there was still more Of the delicious
smile, Though / hadn't noticed it so
especially untiP'-
But | never knew what he had in
tended to say, for Billy suddenly swell
ed up like little turkey cock and cut
out with his switch at the judge.
"Git, man. git, and let my Molly
alonep' he said in a perfect thunder
tone Of voice, but | almost laughed.
for it had such a sound in it like Dr.
Johns at his most positive times with
Billy and me.
mo. no, Billy, the judge is just look
ing over the fence at our flowers! Don't
you want to give him a rose?' hur-
ried to say as the smile died out of
Judge Wade's face and he looked at
Billy intently.
How like John Moore the youngster
is" he said. and his voice was SO cold
to Billy that it hurt me, and l was
afraid Billy would notice it. Goodness
in peoples voices always makes me
feel just like ice cream tastes But
Biuy's answer was still more rude.
You better go. man, before ! bring
my father to sic our dog on you." he
exploded, and before l could stop him
his thin little legs went trundling down
the garden path toward home.
Then the judge and I both laughed.
We couldn't help it. When two people
laugh straight into each others eyes
something feels dangerous and you get
closer together. The Judge leaned
farther over the fence. and l went a
little nearer before | knew it.
You don't need to keep a personal
dog. do you. Mrs. Carter?' be asked
with a twinkle that riSat have been
spark in his eyes, and just at that
moment another awful thing happened
Aunt Adeline came out on the front
porch and said in the most frozen tone
of voice:
MARY, l wish to speak to you in the
house," and then walked back through
the front door without even looking il
Judge Wade's direction, though he hac
waved his hat with one of his mothers
own smiles when he had seen her be-
fore ! did. One of my most impossible
habits is when there is nothing else to
do | laugh. I did it then and it saved
the day. for we both laughed into each
others eyes a second time, and before
we realized it we were within whisper
ing distance.
mo. | don't-don't-need any dog"
| said softly, hardly glancing out from
under my lashes because | was afraid
to risk looking straight at him again
so soon l could fairly feel Aunt AIDE
lines eyes boring into my back
1T would take the hydra headed
monster of-may l bring my mother to
call on you and the-Mrs Henderson ?"
he asked and poured the wonder smile
all over me. Again I almost caught
my breath.
II do wish you would, Aunt Adeline
is so fond of Mrs. Wade" l said in a
see, but l am afraid he did. for he
hesitated as if he wanted to say some
thing to calm me, then bowed merci-
fully and went on down the street
He didn't put on the hat he had !.eld
in his hand all the while he stood by
kEr - H..