The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1915-10-07

x That eighth wonder of the world which got lost was something even more mysterious than the sphinx It was a marvel that could have been used for women to compare men to, That man sat right there at my side and ate four waf1es, two large pieces of chicken and nver-wing, drank two cups of coffee and then deyoured a huge bowl of peaches and cream with three muffin cakes while enduring the tragedy of the realization of having to decline the governorship of his state.>
 I watched him do it, first in awe and then with a dim understanding of something, I wasn't sure what. Most women, under the circumstances, would have gone to bed and cried 1t out or at least have refused food for hours We've got to get over those habits before we get to the point of having to refuse to be governors of the states and railroad presidents and things like that.
 And while he ate, there sat not able to more than nibble because I was making up my mind to do something that scared me to death to think about That gaunt Craggy man in shabby gray coat, cut antebellum wise with a cravat that wound itself around his collar, snowy and dainty, but on the same lines as the coat and evidently of rural manufacture nlthe style favored by the flower and chfvalry of the day of Henry Clay, had progressive me as completely overawed for several min utes as any painted redskin ever domi- mated squaw-or as Jasper did Petu- mia in my own kitchen:
 ]. But after we were left alone with the roses and the candles and his cigar, with only Jasper's gratihed voice mum bling over compliments to Petunia in the distance. I took my courage in my hands and plunged.
 7 This canzbe used as data for the five
 James, I said, with such cool deter imitation in my voice that it almost froze nay own tongue, 'T meant to tell you about it several weeks ago. I've decided to adopt Sallie and all the chill dren. I intend to legally adopt the children and just nominaily adopt Sal lie, but it will amount to the same thing. I don't have to have your con sem, but think it is courteous to ask for it''
 tsWhatI, he exclaimed as hessat up and looked at me with the expression an aIIenist might use in an important examination.
 Have you said anything about this to Sa1lie ?'' he asked weakly as he dip ped the end of his cigar into his glass of water and watched the sputter with the greatest interest.
 < Mot yet, but don't you feel sure that she will consent?'' I asked with conf- dence in my plan at fever heat. Sal lie is so generous and she can't want to see me live lonely always without any family at all. Now, will she ?"
 "She would consentv' he answered slowly, and then he laid his head down on the table right against my arm and shook so that the candlesticks raftled against the candles. But don't,'f he not tell whether he was crying or laughing until he sat up again.
 tEve,'' he said, with his eyes fairly dancing into mine, If women in gen eral mean to walk over political diff culties as you are planning to walk away with this< one of mine, I'm for feminine rule Don't you dare say one word about such thing to Sa11ie. Of course, it is Impossible as it is funny
 It was a tragedy to have such a love ly scheme as had thought up on the spur of the moment knocked down suddenly by a half dozen positive words from mere man, and for a moment my eyes fought with his in open rebel lion- Then rose haughtfly and walk cd out on the front porch
 Dear he said as he followed me and took my hand in his and drew me near him, sdon't you know that your wanting to put your shoulder under any burden I may be bearing lifts it completely? There are things in this Sif lion h seem to make sacrifices they come from the depths of my heart and are not sacrifices. Will you believe me? ?'' How can he help loving Sallie with her so emphatically there?
 answered him I suppose to his lik- ing, and he went on across the road to Widegables and left me alone in the cruel darkness.
 Please, God. when things seem to be drowning me. like this make me swim with head up. Amen! -