The Democratic banner. (Mt. Vernon, Ohio) 1898-192?, 1914-01-23

that she did not like or was little |
solled. Aud on the top she put the
spring suit that Howard liked so much.
1t was little dirty around the edge of
the skirt, though that was not why she
added it to the pile
''That's mine at any rate" she said
to herself as she gathered the gar
ments into her arms and carried them
10 the basement, where she bestowed
them all upon the new luundress. That
woman left in hurry before her
days work was done, fearing that
Beth would change her mind.
Two days later Howard started up
to Beth's in his car to take her out for
long drive. as arranged with her
over the phone. What was his amaze
meDt, therefore, as he drove slowly
through the downtown streets to see
Beth in her gray walking suit and
toque just disappearing around cor
ner. He called to her, but she did not
hear, and the. young fellow stopped the
machine. With set chin and frightened
lips and hurt eyes he drove slowly on
up the hill and past the house, where
Beth in q blue dress waited in the hall.
When she saw Howard whiz by,
never once glancng at the house. she
was first indignant and then angry.
And after an hour of deliberation, dur
ing which her wrath increased. she
rang for messenger and put into his
hands a note and little sealed packet
which contained her ring.
She came down to dinner pale and
wan. Her uncle looked at her sharply.
seeing traces of tears, and decided that
he would act.
I'm sorry to speak about this
again." he said, clearing his throat,
but IL you must go Summing insist
that you take some escort with you
I'll go if Howard will not. l was
amazed to see you down there among
the secondhand stores in that part of
town after what ! told you the last
time. / don't care why you go; it is
not safe nor respectable. either"
Beth was staring at him open eyed.
~ was not down there this afternoon"
she said Indignantly.
The doOrbell rang, and Howard was
ushered into the dining room by the
maid. He came up to the table and
put a little packet down on the cloth.
Beth" he said. you don't mean it,
do you? can't let you break our en-
gagement like this without telling me
what is the matter. What have ]
doneT
Beth stood up, looking like fawn
at bay. Her eyes were dilated with
fear, her hands cliDched. She looked
from Howard to her uncle, but did not
speak. Finally her uncle went over to
her and put his arm around her.
"What is it, little girl?" he said as
one would speak to child.
Beth began to sob and then to laugh.
Its all so funny" she sobbed. "I-l
guess it's mostly my fault. l gave that
gray suit away and the hat too." The
men glanced at each other and then
laughed. Howard made a step for
ward, but Beth ran behind her chair.
"And ! was at home," she said 10
him-"I was at home, and you did not
stop-when you had asked me to 60.
And l was all ready and waiting for
you."
But, Beth, I met that gray suit
downtown. was sure 1t was you, and
didn't know what to do. l didn't
know until afterward that l had gone
by your house. Don't you see. dear
But this time he came around behind
the chair. too, and Uncle John sat
down and pretended to eat his cold
| dinner.
When Uncle John reached home the
next night he found the old smoking
jacket and slippers laid out for him.
He smelled the sulphur with which
they had been fumigated and asked no
questions, though he didn't really need
to be told where they had come from.
He had seen Beth and Howard In the
big green car steering toward the sec
Ondhand district in the morning, and
he had had his hopes aroused.
Not long afterward, while Beth was
busy with her trousseau, her uncle
came in softly and heard her saying to
caller: But there's nothing so un-
wise as indiscriminate giving. l had q
lesson, and / know"