The Chickasha daily express. (Chickasha, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1899-current, 1914-03-25

.I the most sought
~ young man, and
was leading lady
in the class play. Grace had never
known from near view what the
background looked like
And when she came back from
her vacation and began to fulfill her
social duties her friends sat back in
amazement, for something had as
suredly happened to Grace.
The whole set had begun to grow
rather impatient for Grace to open
up the season with her usual party.
No one dreamed of taking from her
the glory OF the first function. for
heretofore she had been SO prompt,
but time was flying and there had not
been the ghost of an announcement
II grew so bad that finally one of
the girls decided that she'd give a
small luncheon and invite Grace and
a few of Grace's most intimate friends
and try to find the trouble
Grace arrived at the luncheon, and.
after quietly greeting the girls. set
tied back In chair in complete ST.
lence.
MY, isn't 1t late in the season!"
exclaimed Frances, adding with won
derful originality: How time does
fy!" Then she went on: Nearly
two months have passed and nothing
exciting has happened YETI She
paused and glanced coyertly at Gracc.
But Grace made no reply. though she
had leaned forward attentively as
Frances spoke.
I'VE ought to begin things pretty
soon" declared Viola, daringly, speak
ing almost directly to Grace. who
thereupon turned her whole attention
to Viola. with so eager an expression
that that young woman relapsed into
silence in sheer astonishment To
have Grace listen to you in that in
tense way was disconcerting, TO say
the least, and Viola was naturally a
piece Of the background, and much
preferred its safe obscurity
Several others offered their conver-
sational contributions to the general
cause. But it was difficult to talk at
Grace--to hint gently-when Grace
herself sat with her eyes fastened un-
biinkingly on the speaker, as though
her very soul thirsted for every spoken
ward
Don't you think began Bessie.
glancing around in a general sort Of
way until her gaze fell on Graces
rapt countenance. turned full upon
her Then the carefully thought up
sentence few from her mind and she
stopped
For some seconds every one sat
still each waiting for some one else
to speak and all glancing wondering
ly at Grace.
Finally Grace spoke: DO tell US
about your vacation" she urged Viola.
Viola colored and stammered. Then
she laughted. What on earth is the
matter7" she demanded of Grace.
you know l didn't go away at all
and If had gone away it would be
rather late to inquire SO solicitously
about a summer vacation two months
after It was over"
Il should say sol" exclaimed
Frances. gaining courage from tho
ordinarily tilhid Viola.
"Tell us what on earth is the mat
ter"
Grace swallowed hard - she
began. "Oh, please let me alone."
she finished desperately If somewhat
rudely.
Are you going to give the first
party, or can II. inquired Bessie, with
a show OF impatience.
Her impatience passed into amaze
/ nent as Grace resumed her smile OF
interest and replied. "Oh. Bessie, you
give such charming luncheons. Do
give the first one. won't you?
Then it was that Sally rose to the
occasion. For goodness sake! she
exclaimed, and standing before Grace
II implore you to deliver US from this
mystery What on earth has hap
pened7''
Grace wiited oh. girls" she said
from the depths OF nef ndhuheIchlei
you've got to help me. II didn
know / was so dreadful But it's per
feet agony--and you make It so much
harder. I've got TO overcome myself
i've got to forget myself--to be In
terested in every one else. and not "a
talk bit around me. And here YOU
won't talk at all, When ] want tc
follow, you ali stand still Tor me te
lead
You see, Tm-rm-going to marry
a minister. and you know how minis
ters' wives have TO be-and I'm learn
ing how. ls'll be wonderful, the TO
suit. he says-bSt ea. it's awful"
She wiped her eyes shcepIshly and
turned to sally sally dear" she
begged, trying to smile. won't you
tell us--teil Us about that cunning
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