Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1913-01-30
Our Sane
Fourth
And What Came
Of 1t
BY AGNES BROGAN

My brothers wife looked up from the
paper she had been reading.
There will be no fireworks at our
house this year. she said firmly. 81
shall see that Dot and Bobbie ut least
are withheld from the general sacri-
fee"
What are we going to do Jim
questioned meekly-"play checkers?"
This is my plan, and | know Nan
VIII think it a good one Upon the
eyentful day we will take a nice big
lunch and 20 to some lonely, woodsy
place along the lake shore In the
evening we will build a fire on the
beach and roast corn and things, com
ing home later In the moonlight"
Jim's face frightened visibly. Sounds
pretty good he said. who's to be
Mans attendant cavalier upon this oc-
casion?"
Molie cast troubled glance in my
direction.
THAT is for Nan to say" she re-
sponded. "A month ago | should have
her, for we all supposed that affairs
were settled between those two, but
since he has ceased calling and Nan
avoids him in every possible manner"
Affairs had been settled" between
Allison and me, but how could | tell
her that our bitter quarrel had sprung
from the very fact that | had insisted
upon keeping our engagement secret?
1t was all so new and wonderful, this
great happiness which had come into
my life, that l longed to keep il jealous
ly for a little time, but men do not
understand. When Allison found that
pleadinCs were useless he turned from
me Indignantly.
Il can see no reason for conceament,
Nan" he had said. when you are
pleased to recognize our engagement
You will send for me-"
Send for him indeed Why. my heart
could break in little bits before / would
do thing like that.
well, Nam" Mollie spoke impa-
tiently.
I'VE might ask Mr. Armstrong" l
suggested coolly, ''or Jack AIeads. Ell
Their would be glad to come" Mr..
Armstrong called as | sat on the
veranua that afternoon. When | told
him of our Fourth Of July plans his
face lit up with pleasure.
"Jove,' he said delightedly, that
will be great! Won't you LET me come
along, Miss Harmon? I could take
you all out there in my car" This was
just what | had expected so when my
brother came home at night told him
of the arrangement Jim whistled
81 asked Jack Mcads to go, he said,
land he did not lose any time accept
ing the invitation. What are you going
to do about IT,"
Mollie came to the rescue. Never
mind" she said cheerfully Il will ask
my sister Nell to join the party, and
you young people can all enjoy your
selves together"
| tried to look pleased, but even if
Nell is Mollie's sister l must say
Well, l was busily engaged mixing
cake preparatory 20 the great event
lowing morning
'Nan," he began apoIogetically, 81
happened to mention this picnic OF
ours to Allison today, and he grew
quite enthusiastic-hinted openly for
an invitation, In fact You will not
mind II he comes in his runabout, viii
you2 He says Armstrong; ear win
carry only seven comfortably, and he
might help out by taking one of us
along
l looked straight into Jlm's eyes 81
shall ride on the front seat Of Mr..
Armstrong; car" l said meaningly.
We had intended to make an early
start, but it was after lunchtime when
the big red auto, followed by the
white runabout, rolled down the beau
dful lake shore drive, leaving the deaf
ening noise Of shot and shell far be
hind
we win not stop at any of the pic
mic places" Nlollie said. I'VE will ride
on until we come to some pretty $50
lated spot"
But this time Mollie "reckoned with
out her automobile for the car
stopped suddenly of its own accord
just in sight Of one Of the despised
picnic places, and we were AIN unload
Ell uuceremouiousIy, while Mr. Arm
strong Owed under the machine, to re
appear presently flushed and DISNEY
eled
Can I help yUut" Allison called. but