The Press. (Stafford Springs, Conn.) 1883-1935, 1916-03-15

EuDhemia was not at all surprised to
witness l:tt,e scene Swallowed In a
mirror that reflected the interior Of the
adjoining library.
Annabel was standing near the fire.
place, and on his knees at her feet was
Willie Buddinston.
Euphemia smiled. 1t WAS going to
be easier than she had thought. The
girl was in love with young Budding
ton, and Benjamin had never had a
chance with the girl.
When she entered the drawing room
the scene had magically changed. Will
lie Buddington was standing detected
ly by while Annabel came forward to
greet Euphemia with pleasant cor
diality.
After Willie had taken his depar-
ture and while Annabel and Euphemia
drank tea togethef the older woman
sought for way to assure herself that
young Buddington had indeed proposed
to the girl and that she had accepted.
If Annabel's pensivenes.; was any il
dication Euphemia had every reason
to believe that Benjamin was safe
from an indiscreet marriage, while at
the, same time her own future was
assured. She was positive that Benja-
min would never love another. This
was his first love affair, ana she felt
positive that it would be his last
1t happened that Euphemia was
right 1t was Benjamin's Dacey's last
love affair.
Annabel blushed and looked con-
scious when Euphemia praised Willie
Buddington; she became intensely EN-
barrassed when Euphemia overstep
ped the bounds of her slight acquaint
ance and limited at a possible romance
Annabel assumed an air of dignity
and changed the subject. Euphemia
gritted her store teeth and talked
about Benjamin.
Annabel did not blush here. On the
contrary. she became cold and con
strained. Euphemia became nettled
and resolved to sting the girl into some
revelation of her attitude toward Ben
jamin.
my brother is soon to be married"
said Euphemia at last. but perhaps
you have heard" She glanced sharp
ly at the girl over the edge Of her tea
cup.
Annabel started violently, and her
blue eyes widened.
"Why-yeS-no-Ih haven't heard" she
said little breathlessly.
81 shall be very lonely" went on
Euphemia deliberately. 81 suppose l
shall have to go away and make a
home for myself"
Il am sure that Mr.. Dacey will not
want you to do that" said Annabel
quietly "He seems very fond Of YOU
"That is all very WELL" interrupted
Euphemia harshly, "but when an old
man falls in love he makes fool of
himself and sees nothing save the OBJ
ject of his adoration.''
AnnabePs eyes flashed.
Il should not describe MI. Dacey us
DID," she said quietly.
HE is forty-fve," argued Euphemia.
He must seem-like a father 10 you
almost a grandfather!'
"Hardly,'' laughed Annabel suddenly.
You must not make me believe that
your brother is very aged, Miss Euphe-
mia," she said archly, "for he told me
one day that he was five years older
than you, and you are not old by any
MEANS"
Euphemia bridled and tossed her
head. She was secretly pleased.
WELL" she gasped, "but you are
mere child, Miss Annabel.'
"a mere child of-thirty," admitted
Annabel.
Thirty! Then-then-why, Willie
Buddington must be years younger
than you arev'
Annabel laughed. HE is; ten years
younger. You surprised him laying his
foolish heart at my feet, Miss Elem
ing. l will tell you in strict confidence
that proposing is merely a habit with
Willie. Aunt Celestina says he propos-
ed to her a few weeks before 1 came,
and my aunt tells every one that she is
ffty-seven."
'Please don't breathe word about
Benjamin's engagement until he tells
you about it himself warned Euphe-
mia as she took her leave a few mo-
ments later
WOu AuudDcl.
AS soon as Euphemia reached home
she went to her own room and picked
up the telephone from her desk.
She called the number of her broth
er's office and soon had him on the
wire.
"What is it, Euphemia?" he asked
with some concern, for she was not in
the habit of invading his business
hours
did you know that Annabel Moore
was engaged to be married?' asked
Euphemia in rather a frightened tone.
give heard about it, snapped Ben
Iamin. "Who told you. Euphemia?'
81 called on Annabel this afternoon"
"The deuce you did! Did she tell
ret it out?''
benjamin Dacey, refuse to answer
until you amend the wording of that
question" announced Euphemia indig-
lantly.
pardon me, Euphemia," said Ben
amin testify. "How did Annabel an
1ounce her engagement" -
'She didn't announce it, replied
1uphemia triumphantly. II entered
he room, and the lucky man was on
lis knees beside her, so devoted, such |
| handsome young couple. 1 always
vi