Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1915-11-17

acquainted. The change from the
dun routine Of their daily lives seem
ed to work miracles. In the sun OF
prosperity they expanded Ike ssunted
buds. and a Tower of romance bloom
ed when they entered the theater.
The play was a romance, an old fash
toned love story that set their hearts
to beating to a new tune
And when the motor sped them
homeward Ira Bump opened his heart
to Freda Lindsay. He told her about
the pearl he had found and how a
Maiden lane jeweler had offered him
5000 for 1t.
Il wanted to keep 1t overnight. I'm
going to take 1t to him In the morning
and collect the money" said Ira,
laughing like a boy.
F'reda thought 1t was all wonderful,
just like a story book.
Il suppose you'll be leaving Mrs
Hecker's," she said wistfully.
'.Not yet" said Ira.
II am glad" said Freda simply.
How glad are your he whispered
boldly.
"very glad admitted Freda.
81 am thinking of buying chicken
farm. Do you like the country" ask
ed Ira
I'm a country girl. I'm misit in
the city sighed Freda.
At that moment 1t entered Ira
Bumps head that chicken farm
would be very lonesome and dull in
deed II Freda Lindsay was not there
with her sweet. sympathetic smile and
her quick appreciation of everything
he said and did. II would he very
pleasant to have 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 wolfe proofs
Freda confessed that she loved the
quiet bookkeeper. and so it happened
that they re-entered Mrs. Hecker's
front door engaged.
81 must buy you ring, whispered
Ira as they parted on the landing.
What shall 1t beT'
"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
ciotheshe had always wanted suit
he had dared TO ask Miss Lindsay to
90 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.
Ii was not there-the pocket was
empty.
Even then he did not guess the truth.
He believed he had mistaken the peck
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
at last he faced his disheveled refiec-
ton in his mirror. and the horrible
truth was forced upon him that be 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 be had given her to understand
that he would buy a 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.
II was a 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 aud put her hand in
his arm with sweet air of proprietor
ship.
Il didn't expect you." she faltered
Il had to come" said Ira seriously.
I've 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. Il thought some
day I'd buv 81 nhickap form h,,k r