Oxford Democrat., 1916-08-01


at 6 per cent as long a. 700 like"
Sharpley went away with the $400
which she had contrived 10 put aside
in her six years at the Office.
ALI that night she tossed restlessly
on her pillow. The deed was done
She could never never turn back
from 1t.
Every time they met she longed to
pour out her sorrow to Tom, and then,
knowing how eagerly he desired this
house, shrank from the confidence. In
her efforts to save Tom she had ruined
him-ruined him irretrievably.
BY the third day her courage com.
menced to ooze back. Trying ON her
trousseau, she caught herself actually
smiling.
"why not sell the placer she ques'
toned herself.
She might turn 1t over In a few days
time, and Tom would never know.
'I'r have to ADVERTISE" she unused.
And settling down before her secre
tary with the gold mounted fountain
pen that Tom Ringing had given her
as a stop gap present between Christ
mas and New Years she painfully In.
dited an advertisement that fairly
glowed in its praise Of Magma villa.
Day by day she haunted the post
Office lobby. her eyes fairly glued on
box 172.
On the fifth day box 172 contained
letter. With trembling fingers she
drew it forth.
Tearing open the dirty envelope. she
perused brief pencil scrawl:
deer sur
1 red your add and would loke to by q
good howse let me no moar abowt Il yoors
truley }. dement,
She hurriedly indited private note.
arranging an interview.
Twenty-four hours later old Joe De-
ment, battered fedora in hand, stared,
open mouthed. at the beauties OF Mag
ma Villa.
aAin't that scrumptiousp BE stood
In noisy worship before the white mar
BILE fireplace. "My, but wouldn't that
tickle my boy Joe! Joe was always
the lad for putting on style"
His tone dropped to a confidential
whisper.
"You know, miss, I'm buying place
for my son. He's a-coming to i've with
me some day, he and my daughter-n-
law. It amt no matter Of money. !
kin buy any place in Carisford.
T seen your ad.." he went on, "and
l thought as I'd Jest look at this place
along of some others as heard on, and
maybe I'd find something to suit And
how much would you be asking for
ttY' he questioned when the inspec-
ion was finished
"Forty-fve hundred" she answered
determinedly.
A long sigh escaped old Joe.
"And I won't take a cent less" added
the girl positively.
Dement, shook his head mournfuIly.
1T sure is some price," he muttered
"Well, IN think It over and see you
see you tomorrow maybe"
As soon as she was rid Of him Ethel
Grafton, full Of expectancy. hurried to
box 172.
She found the mail receptacle empty
and came home utterly crushed.
"Why, what's the matter, young
[sterf'' demanded Tom Ringing that
evening the instant his eyes fell upon
her. "Aren't sick, are your
"N-no.~
Then you're worrying about some
thing" His tone vas decisive. what
b ttr
':S-.othirs."
'Oh, come nowr
Ethel rocked In Gilenca The young
man sat musing.
HDo you know" he exclaimed sud.
denly, "rve been thinking 1t over, Et
and I-well, I've decided to buy that
cottage"
She collapsed into her chair, a hud-
died, sobbing heap.
Tom bent over her tenderly.
"What Is II, dearr he questioned. his
tone anxious
Once more she rocked nervously, but
made no response. There was q long
silence.
Suddenly a question tore her sorrow-
| fu thoughts asunder.
"Was that you saw coming out Of
the Warkworth place this afternoonT
In silence she sat, shiveringly await
Ing the inevitable.
"Was 1t you. dearY His tone was
gentle.
She gazed up at him In fearful ap-
peal.
"Y-yes," she faltered. And then. in
q sudden gust of despair, please don't
ask me anything more about Il, Tom
IF 1t hurts you, dear. won't" he
returned.
His voice was soothing: and, rising.
he gently stroked her brown hair.
But really, Et-honest-I don't
want that big house-not now"
He stood a moment In meditative
silence. Suddenly his hand stopped its
gentle stroking.
Intuitively, she knew that he had
grown suddenly rigid. She glanced
tremblingly up. His eyes were oddly
agleam.
"Trl call tomorrow evening"" he told
her, land perhaps I'll bring company.
You won't mind II, VIII you, dearT
"Why, no, Tom But who Is itT
Tom Ringing gazed calmly at her.
That's secret"
With odd expectancy she next even,
Ing awaited his coming. he was un-
usually late.
After a long, long time she heard
steps upon the walk and the tramp Of
feet on the veranda.
Rising quickly, she snatched the door
open even rs the bell Jared forth its
| summons.
Good evening. Miss Grafton" mur-
INJURED IN unctuous voice.
Ethel, shivering, drew away.
"Good evening, Mr.. Sharpley." she
returned coldly.
MAY we come INF" Tom Ringing
spoke cheerily from the shadow back
caOund