The log cabin Democrat., 1916-04-04
BREAKING THE NEWS
By WAYNE GRAY.

Now, Maxie, you know"
 Don't call me Maxie" Max shook his big blond head wickedly at the offending one. If ever a kid needed it taken out of him, you do, and for a nickel I'd do it myself
 You'll make a fine big brother, don't think so-maybe," Freddie flung back, but in rebuking tone, even a grieved and disappointed tone. Why don't you talk that way when Edies around to listen and get acquainted with you
 Its a mighty good thing for Edith and me there's only one like you in the family. l don't mind kids and know all about boys, but there's linn it. What time did they go?"
 About seven. l told him you was coming with your car at seven-thirty to take her out. You see, it was this way, Max: Edie'd been crying ever since she came home and the girls and mother fused over her and told her it was all for the best and how nice you were and how they all liked you-you know the line they hand out. And Edie cried all the more. Then pretty soon mother asks her did you two have fight and she says no, she don't want to hear your name"
 Max's face reddened. He lit ciga- rette with unsteady fingers.
 Co ahead. What else," he said.
 Then the bell rings and it's the boss son down where she's been work ing this last week and that's all They went out to show
 Freddie stopped short. Even at eleven one may understand things, and the look on Max Dittmars face cut short any further condolences.
 T wouldn't care, Max" he added confidentially. Girls is just girls, you know, and she's engaged to you"
 Whats that got to do with it when she'll go out with another fellow" He turned quickly at the opening of the outer door, but it was only Kitty, Edith's younger sister.
 "Now what's happened?' she laughed. "Edie eloped?"
 Hes having the everlasting colly- wobbles because she went out with Jack Lewis"
 Mother wants you to go to the store, Freddie" Kit gave him a long, steady stare of infinite disapproval. AS the door shut, she glanced at Max.
 Max, will you just listen to me minute before mother comes in and the rest? Edie and I room together and we've been chums ever since we were toddlers, l guess. She's cried herself to sleep for three nights now. You don't mind if I tell you just the way it seems to me, do you? You've always seemed pretty big to us, Max, even before you asked Edie to marry you. Father'd give me an awful scolding if he knew I dared to open my mouth to you but it's for Edie's sake. Do you mind?"
 q suppose she's in love with this kid or thinks she is, Max blurted out. "Go ahead Don't mind me-
 She don't think she is. She knows it. So does he But, you see, you've got father and mother on your side, and Edies sensible. Ede told me last night she didn't dare break the en- gagement. But she said she knew the minute Jack came into the office and spoke to her he was the right one"
 Max stood listening, watching her face all animated and tender as she pleaded Edith's cause.
 Anyway, don't think it's so wrong to break an engagement" Kit said earnestly. Maybe by and by you'd find somebody you liked better, too"
 Maybe 1 would" assented Max
 Only we'll miss you awfully in the family" Kits hazel eyes were full of regret. Maybe 1 shouldn't have told you, but l want to get some sleep nights. Motherll be needing me to help with dinner. Good-by"
 She held out her hand laughingly. Max stood up and laid his hands on her shoulders. looking down into her eyes searchingly.
 Say, listen, Kit. Would you throw me down like that for Jack Lewis? Do you think that's fair?"
 Mt laugned, and drew back.
 Il don't know but what it is. know I'd have thrown down Jack for you if it had been the other way"
 Freddie opened the hall door from the dining-room, took one amazed look at the two figures in the parlor and moved stealthily back into the shad- ows.
 Gee" he said to himself thought fully, he must like our family" Copyright, 1916. by the Mcclure Newspa-
 per Syndicate.)