River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1913-01-23

him unDOunded loyalty ana admiration,
but he had never been deceived. He
knew that Mrs. Primrose lied as she
breathed politely, but continuously
by her involuntary muscles Day and
night since they had reached New
York she had schemed for Nan.
She had leased house in the fash
ionable neighbOrhOod of Gramercy
park. and to meet the extraordinary
expense began a careful and systemat-
ic search for rich young men to whom
she could let two floors.
Stuart was sure in his heart that Nan
had never Joined in those plans of her
mother, though he had wished that she
might have shown little more
strength in resisting them.
Well. be was going to win at last
and the world was full of music. He
had the biggest surprise of life in
store for Nan, something no true wo-
mans heart could resist He had sue
ceeded after incredible difficulties in
secretly building cottage by the sea
in Brooklyn. Its lawn slOped to the
waters edge. and a trim boat lay nod
ding at the dock. Neither Mrs Prim-
rose nor Nan had the faintest suspi-
cion Of what he had been doing
Tomorrow he would lead his sweet
heart into this holy of holes of life
the home love had built He could see
now the smile Of tenderness break
over her proud face as he should hand
her the keys and ask her to fix the
wedding day.
His reveries were broken by a timid
knock on the door and faint call:
Jim
"Come inn he cried.
You're not a bit glad to see me-"
the soft voice said i've been stand
ing out there for ages
'FOrgive me, Sunshine | must have
been dreaming" Stuart pleaded. leap
Ing from his seat and Selling her hand
I'm awfully glad to see your
Then don't call me that name
again" she pouted.
"But isn't it beautiful"
at would be if my hair wasn't red
and | didn't have freckles and was
older" she protested. looking away to
hide her emotion.
But your hair isn't quite red. Har
riet. It's just the color of the gold
in honeycomb," he answered. gently
touching her diSheveled locks. BE
sides. those few little freckles are be-
coming on your pink and white skin
and you are nearly fifteen. Well. I'll
Vol hot
That's better" she said, with a
smile and sigh.
"Oh. Jim. I've been SO dreadfully
lonely since you were away. | de-
clare. Jim. I'll die if you go away
1gain. just can't stand it."
Stuart smilingly took her hand.
Lonely. Miss Chatterbox, when that
big father of yours worships the very
ground you walk on
Yes, ! know he does, Jim, and love
him, too, but you've no idea how
dreadfully still the house is when you
are gone. Oh, say. | want you to be
real boapder and eat with US. OF
course you will"
THAT would be very nice, dear. but
I'm sure your father would draw the
line at a real boarder. I'd never have
got this beautiful room with that
big old fashioned open fireplace in your
home if it hadn't happened that our
fathers fought each other in the war
and became friends one day on big
battlefield It's been a second home to
me-"
BE our boarder and I'll make it a
real home for you, Jim" she pleaded
"Ah-you'll be making a real home
some day for one of those boys | saw
at your birthday party-the tall, dark
one. Think
No He doesn't measure up to my
standard
What ailS him."
He's coward My hero must be
brave for I'm timid"
Then it will be that fat blond fellow
with jolly laugh?"
NO; he's fbber My prince, when
he comes. must be truthful. It's so
hard for me always to tell the truth
Then it will be that dreamy look
Ing one of fifteen you danced with
twice."
No. he's too frail. My hero must be
/ strong. for am weak. And be must
/ have Il big. noble ideal of life; for mine
is very Small-just little home nest
/ and a baby and the love of one mar r
I'm not sure about that being such
very small ideal. grille"
! But. oh. my. I've forgotten what /
came running home for. Papa sent me
/ 10 ask you 70 please come down to the
factory right away. He wants to see
you on very important matter II