The Caldwell watchman. (Columbia, La.) 1885-1946, 1914-04-17

Shoulu LudlIy
He thought her positively aged as he
looked at her. Every wrinkle in her
countenance took on new length, new
depth as he observed her. From her
he looked to Jackson. How very young
he seemed! A mere child, in fact.
Why, no." he granted, knowing that
he lied. OF course not But II didn't
understand. L"
Broadway, himself with nerves I'M.
strung almost to hysteria, began to
hum tune and walk about, endeavor.
Ing to look unconscious. Wallace eyed
him with new hope kindling in his
eyes. Was it, after all. a jest?
Now see here, Jackson; If you're
trying to fool me want to know! l."
Mrs. Gerard, who had been upon the
point of granting him forgiveness,
stlffened in new wrath. There you 60
again." she screamed historically
Another INSULT"
Really, Mrs. Gerard, l didn't mean
it."
Then what did you mean" The
lady fixed him with a baleful glance.
He was entirely undone why, l.
God knows. / DON'T"
Well" said Jackson, II think I do
You're still in doubt as to whether or
not we are really going to be married.
Isn't that it,"
Put thus lucidly and simply, Wallace
could not definitely deny that that ex-
planned his mental state He had
opened his distressed lips to admit
this when Mrs. Gerard prevented the
expression of his worries with:
But why should he imagine such a
thing? L"
Broadway rose to the occasion, near
ly making Wallace faint with the glib
ease with which he used endearng
words when talking to the ancient
dame. Just moment, sweetheart
dearie-please!" Then he turned to
Wallace. Come on, now; tell me the
truth"
Well, I will admit" said his mis-
erably heartsick friend. that at first
| did think it was joke. But"
And you're not quite satisfied yet
that it is not?"
why, of course, If you say-why-"
I'll put you right. It'll all true.
We're engaged. We're going to be
married and we expect to be very hap
py Do you believe 1t, now?"
why, certainly, ii you say So" His
next question was Of Mrs. Gerard.
May ask how long you've been en-.
gaged?"
I'VE became engaged last night at
dinner"
That's right. 1t was last night at
dinner" her fiance corroborated. 1T
was during the ice cream"
1T all happened in a moment" said
the bride-elect
"Just like this" said Jackson. See?
marry me?' And l said Yes"
What" cried his Mortified inamo-
rata.
81 mean she said yes Beatrice said
yes" corrected Jackson.
We're going to spend our honey.
moon in Spain" she gushed, restored
to good temper by Broadway's expla-
nation.
"Spain!" 1t was Wallace who ex.
claimed.
Yes, SPAIN" said Broadway, too
elated at the thought of finding cash
to pay bills to be worried about any.
thing. I'm going out this afternoon
to buy sombrero and tambourine.
Won't you congratulate us, Wallace"
But Wallace simply could not trust
his ears. jackson, if you're trying to
fool me-"
There he goes again." cried the
now thoroughly Infatuated bride-elect.
Jackson, I'm not going to stay here
and be insulted in such manner!"
There! There!" Jackson soothed,
following her as she essayed to leave
the room. Don't be worried. Mr..
Wallace only thinks we're fooling
him"
But why should he think such a
thing?"
Wallace, again contrite, approached
and started to apologize. She waved
him back with a wild hand.
Leave him to me, DEAR" Jackson
urged her. I'm five minutes I'll con-
vince him that it all is absolutely
true"
She was comforted a little by his
tone. Then you won't come for a
driver"
Stop for me in, say, half an hour"
We'll, I'll run along, then. must
get the air. All this has given me
dreadful headache"
Jackson turned reproachfully to
Wallace. See what you've done? L"
Bye bye, dearie!" cried his fiancee
bye bye, sweetheart"
in half an hour"
About that"
Don't you listen to that mani" This
in warning tone.
NO; I'm going to make him listen
to me-"
"Oh, you dear boy! Bye bye, dearie,"
She waved a plumply wrinkled hand at
him, and left the two young men alone