Norwich bulletin., 1913-03-26
EASTER BONNETS

little rompers and gingham frocks and
 stout stockings, followed by the dainty
 white frocks and frilly petticoats dear l to every chiid's heart. | You had better tell me your name, , 1 suggested the man, as he prepared tp 1 leave. I'm liable to have to come l again, and I'd like to know whom tc ask for. My name is Richard FalE- l ner."
 T used to know of F'alkners when I lived in the country" said Lucy, giv- i ing her name.
 1 q suspect, then" said F'alkner, you 1 must belong to the Wayland Corner I-anes?'' And they proceeded to get very well acquainted. indeed
 oeoasionaly through the for winter tSs two children. Occasionally old Ieighbor of Lucy's found the way in, 1 following his directions. None of this escaped the eagle eye of Mme Lorimer. Could it be there was the making of a saleslady in her 1 plain, little utility girl? With the New Year Lucy's pay en- velope held an increase sufficient to warrant a prettier gown. and she spent less time in the back room. Yet Lucy was strangely unhappY. Her dreams of the country brought an unaccountable ache to her hear She felt a dread of seeing Falkner. His presence had once seemed the only link between her and her old happy life
 r Lucy felt tired. too. Perhaps it was the added responsibility and excite ment of the front room. Month by month her improved ap- pearanee spoke of the increase in her wages. But with all her prosperity. the girls face held the same kind look that made people trust her.
 Lucy stood near the front door the night before Easter, watching the weary girls returning from their nasty suppers. The rush for the past week a n
 She did not notice F'alkner's entrance until he spoke, close beside her
 Good evening. Why. You are 50 fine, Miss Lane. I hardly knew you!"
 Lucy tried to smile as she inquired what he wished.
 Nothing for the children this tim. l have decided that their mother ought to have her chance this trip. Don't aii the ladies like new bonnets and things at Easter time Miss Lucy?r
 Lucy's courage fahered for an i'm stant. Then she sensibly remember sd that she was first of all saleslady for Mme. Lorimer.
 T should say that anything you can wear would just about fit her. And you1l just have to go ahead by your self: l am more at sea than I wds with the children's fxings."
 The girl mechanically made a selec- ton of serviceable garments that she thought suited to busy country woman
 Now the bonnet" she said, smilins,.
 Try them on" commanded Falkner. admiringly, But pick out something sober-she isn't a very lively woman any more.'
 But she must be very happy one, exclaimed Lucy, imperiously
 Why do you think that?"
 How can she help being with two dear little children. and good home, and-so kind a. husband!" Her voice trailed off miserably.
 But that is exactly what she doesn't have. He is worse than 8 failure as q husband. if he is my own brother. And her home is about as nor as you can ina zine. But she sticks by him fc- some unaecountable reason. l try eo do what I can for her. Why, Lucy, did you think
 He paused and looked into her flush ed. embarrassed face.
 And tell me. dear, did you care?' He crushed her hands in his own. :C the immediate peril of the sober little hat she was holding.
 'T-I--''
 Listen" he said in matter of fact voice, this isn't much of q time or place to tell you what l wish to-but I'm going to risk it.
 Lucy. I came especially te ask you ta come home with me. I've dreamed all winter what life would be like with you. Will you marry me tomorrow
 She looked deep into his eyes.
 And now, he said with happy laugh let's pick out pour Easter bon !"-St. Louis Globe Demo l crat