The Democratic banner. (Mt. Vernon, Ohio) 1898-192?, 1915-01-19

II took her to ride in my buggy" the
judge rambled on sheepishly. There
was "a big round noon
He stopped suddenly. But Of course
we've grown sensible since them" he
said wistfully.
well. you just ask her to go to
morrow" Oliver recommended, and
then the judge gave in
Tie next evening he presented him.
self ut the dinner table armed with a
long paper box.
For you, my DEAR he said to his
wife, as she came in with RoxaDe,
heavy eyed and pensive.
The box. being opened. showed rosy
carnations.
The nearest thing | could get to
pinks," the judge explained.
why pinks?" his wife demanded.
"Abbie," he reproached. have you
forgotten that twenty-five years ago
you wore pinks'-
Mrs. Vandiver's expansive features
expressed blank surprise. What
happened twenty-five years agor
81 know" Roxane interrupted,
There's the picture ON fathers desk
you have on blue dress and bunch
of pinks-you said you looked that
way when he asked you to marry him. !"
The blush that stole up toward Mrs
vandiver's gray curls gave her curl
GUS look of youth why, James," she
faltered, did you really remember
Yes" said the judge. feeling that
had he never forgotten life would have
held deeper meanings.
Mrs. vandiver came around and kiss
ed her husband. "Thank you. dear"
she said, with a gentleness that made
Roxane stare.
After that it was not hard to propose
ride by moonlight, and Mrs. Vandi-
yer. cOnsenting, came down In a blue
gown that became her elderly plump
ness almost as we'll as that other blue
gown had set Off her girlish figure.
The judges electric runabout re-
placed the buggy, of long ago, and as
they went quickly through the city and
out into the county roads that astute
gentleman refrained from any mention
of Oliver and Roxane. All his talk was
Of things Of the past.
How happy we were, Abbie," he
said ut last, and his wife responded
wistfully. Very happy. james"
A golden moon hung above the dark
line of the hills. The air was sweet
with the spiciness Of the pines. The
judge was thrilled with bygOne emo
tions. and his arm was comfortably
about his wife's waist.
Then in the rapture of the restora-
ton to her place Of romance Of the
Abbie Of long ago he forgot Oliver
forgot Roxane.
He was brought back with a shock
when Mrs. Vandiver said as they
turned toward home: 1--WE been think
ing of Roxane. If she really loves OIL
YER don't know but ought
"Of course you ought" said the judge
promptly. give them your blessing.
and let them be as happy as we are"
II am afraid that Oliver has been
fooled by some Of those firms who
uuht up lOSt ucIIbs TIC iduy DuIoueu.
"Of course Oliver was sincere, but
don't think much OF the fortune story"
NO." mendaciously, ut didn't seem
probable"
You can settle something on them
after they are married." said Mrs.
vandiver. I'VE haven't any one to
leave 1t to but R0xane-and-and 1t
would be nice to have them engaged on
the same day that we were, Jimmie"
Jimmie! The magic Of the youthful
appellation made the judge feel like a
colt
Lets get them married and you and
! will go Off and have another honey
moOn," he proposed jubilantly. 1--WE
will have the time Of our lives"
The ripple that came from his wife's
lips was silver echo Of the golden
laughter Of other days.
I'VE WILL" she said. and lifted her
face to him In the moonlight 'and
now let's go right home and tell the
children, Jimmie"