Putnam patriot., 1913-01-17

proper for chap to take girl to tea here?" asked Emery.
 "Ah, perfectly" laughed Agnes, but 1t is not tea in New York"
 q see. Then if you've nothing else to do we will have cup of tea every afternoon that I am here" Emery hardly realized that he awaited an an- swer to the words. He found Agnes blushing and for the third time dur ing their short acquaintance his heart tripped beat.
 That will depend" said Agnes, upon how long you will be staying here"
 It suddenly occurred to Emery that it was not going to be bore to con- vey messages to Agnes. In fact he felt that telling Agnes was going to prove most delightful change from business.
 When they were seated at a small table in one of the little tea rooms which he learned later was one of many in New York. Emery leaned back in contentment. Agnes fingers fingered over the teapot and seemed to caress 1t. Emery found himself slightly jealous of the cups and saul cers. then realized that he was fool ish, considering the fact that he was In love with the sister of Agnes.
 'Is my sister Mary as beautiful as ever?" he heard her asking.
 As beautiful as wild rose" Emery found that he could speak without bitterness of Mary's beauty. "She told me to tell you that" he aoundered for second, that she has made Billy Wade happy fellow. They are to be married in September. and Mary wants you to be her brides maid" Emery breathed more freely now that the hardest of the messages had been given.
 "Oh, am glad," cried Agnes, then stopped short Distress was evident In her big, expressive eyes.
 Tt does not in the least matter" Emery comforted her; 'it is no doubt best that Mary did not love me-" He looked at Agnes in so direct a man. ner that the color mounted her cheeks for the third time.
 Also" went on Emery, conscious that his eyes had betrayed his inner most thoughts and desiring to put her at ease, Mary wanted you to know that there are six pink roses peeping into your easement window, and that she has had your room dressed in pink rose chintz. Lady Maud has a family of seven kittens, and Mike has disgraced himself by going after the Stilwell chickens. The little robin still comes to the window for crumbs and the thrush sings in the apple tree at twilight" Emery drew his breath sharply when he realized that Agnes had brushed her hand swiftly across her eyes.
 Don't" Agnes put In without turn Ing her eyes toward him. You make, me want to go home. I suppose Mary Is still using the old brown teapot?" she went on in emotional voice.
 It was Emery's eyes now that sought space.
 Yes" he said. for the moment un- conscious of Agnes. Mary is pour Ing tea from the brown teapot But I suppose it is Billy Wade who is watching her" His glance travelled about until it rested on the slim fin- gers that had unconsciously fallen on his teacup. He looked at them for a long moment, and while he looked 8 great change swept over his vision.
 You have not told me whether or not you will take tea with me every day" he told Agnes suddenly.
 Perhaps you would get tired look ing at the same hands," she laughing iy returned.
 "No." he said. T will not. Will you comer
 Certainly" Agnes smiled across tho table at him. 'I will be delight cd"
 When some six weeks later John Emery wrote a letter to Mary Doan and received an answer from her. there were two familiar words in 1t. Tell Agnes" Mary wrote, that I think you are we'll worth loving. I wanted her to be my bridesmaid, but matron of honor is perhaps more dignifed."
 Copyright. 1912. by Associated Literary
 Press-)