Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1915-09-28

he said. and did. IL WoulQ De very
pleasant to have a little wife to adore
one-to buy pretty frocks for her. to
have her waiting for him at the door.
Immediately Ira Bump proposed to
Freda Lindsay. He discovered that
he loved her. Was not his remember
ing the pink voile proof?
Freda confessed that she loved the
quiet bookkeeper, and 80 it happened
that they re-entered Mrs. Hecker's
front door engaged.
II must buy you ring" whispered
Ira as they parted on the landing.
What shall 1t be?"
"a pearl" said Freda softly.
When he was alone In his own room
Ira sat down on the edge Of the bed
and reviewed the events Of the past
twelve hours.
He had seen the jeweler, and after
learning the value Of his find he had
gone to the bank and drawn some
money. He had bought the evening
clothes-he had always wanted suit
he had dared to ask Miss Lindsay to
60 with him, and now they were en-
gagged, and all on account Of the pearl.
He thrust his fingers in the pocket
where he had put 1t wrapped in tissue
paper.
1t was not there-the pocket was
empty!
Even then he did not guess the truth.
He believed he had mistaken the pock-
ct. But one after another proved to
be empty. His pulses leaped with fear
as he frantically searched his clothes.
He searched the floor and the stairs
and even the lower hall. His clothes
were covered with lint and dust when
Mt last he faced his disheveled refec-
ton in his mirror, and the horrible
truth was forced upon him that he had
lost the pearl!
Like Cinderella, he was shorn Of his
splendor. He felt himself sinking back
into his old routine Of dullness, and
his spirit rebelled And there was
Freda!
Ira Bump groaned aloud.
He had told Freda about the pearl,
and he had given her to understand
that he would buy chicken farm with
the proceeds. Now, without the pearl
he was not able to promise her very
much. He had decided 1t would take
several years longer to save enough
money from his salary, and while Ere
da was waiting some more fortunate
fellow might come along and win her
away.
i've got to tell her." he said dog
gedly as he turned out his light.
Ira did not see Freda the next morn
ing. He ate his breakfast hurriedly
and fastened out to put an advertise
ment In the papers and to search the
motorcar he had used the night be-
fore.
1t was very pale and determined
looking little man who met Freda
Lindsay outside the public school when
the session was ended. Freda blushed
when she saw him and put her hand In
his arm with sweet air Of proprietor
ship.
II didn't expect you." she faltered.
II had to come" said Ira seriously.
"rve had great blow, Freda."
"Tell me about it." she said quickly.
I've lost the pearl" he said bluntly.
"Oh, I'm SO sorry" she cried.
His heart throbbed faster as he felt
her grasp tighten on his arm.
"Of course haven't got much saved
up" he confessed. 81 thought some
day I'd buy chicken farm, but l
couldn't just now, and it's oL!S fair to
you to say that all I've got In the world
is $500 In the bank. That is not
much to offer you"
You forget yourself, Ira." she whis-
pered. You count for something"
"You mean 1t, Freda?" he gasped.
But there won't be any farm, YETI
1--WE can take a little fiat, and we
can save. I'm q famous housekeeper,"
she laughed, "and We can be together"
"Yes!' he said.
Unless you'd rather-not" she said
iloubtfully.
"Oh, my dear''-he gripped her hand
Iightly-"I'm the happiest man in the
world! Let us so and pick out the
ring. Would you rather have little
diamond Or
Only pearl will satisfy me-" she
said firmly. 1T was that blessed pearl
which brought us together"
Although Ira never recovered the lost
pearl, he declares that he possesses a
matchless jewel In his little wife