Aberdeen herald. [volume] (Aberdeen, Chehalis County, W.T.) 1886-1917, 1916-01-14

nrosperity they expanded like stunteo
buds. and flower of romance D'oo"'-
cd when they entered the theater.
The play was u romance. an old fash-
toned love story that set their heartS
to beating to new tune.
And when the motor sped them
bomeward Ira Bump opened his near.
RI Freda Lindsay. He told her about
the pearl he had found ana now
Maiden lane jeweler had offered nim
$1,000 for 1t.
~ wanted to keep it overnight. I'm
going to take 1t to him in the morning
and collect the money" said ira
laughing like a boy
Freda thought it was all WONDERFUL
lust like a story book.
81 suppose you'll be leaving MIS-
Hackers" she said wistfully.
Not yet" said Ira.
~ am glad" said Freda simply.
.How clad are your he whispered
boldly.
.yery glad" admitted Freda.
"I am thinking Of buying chicKen
farm. Do you like the country! ask
ed Ira.
I'm a country girl. I'm misft IN
the CITY," sighed Freda.
Ar that moment it entered Ira
Bumps head that chicken rarm
| would be very lonesome and dull IN
deed If Freda Lindsay was not there
| with her sweet. sympathetic smile ana
her quick appreciation of everything
be said and did. Ii would be very
nleasant TO have little wife to adore
one-to buy pretty frocks for her. to
have her waiting for him mt the door.
Immediately Ira Bump proposed 10
Freda Lindsay. He discovered that
| he loved her. Was not his remember
ing the pink wolfe proof:
| 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 a ring" whispered
Ira as they parted on the landing.
What shall 1t beg"
"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
20 with him. and now they were en-
gagged. and all OH account of the pearl.
He thrust his fingers in the pocket
where he had put it wrapped In tissue
paper.
It was not there-the pocket was
empty!
Even then he did not guess the truth.
He believed he had mistaken the <
ct. But one after another proved to
be empty. His pulses le"pel with fear
rs 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
ut last he faced his diSheyeled reflec
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 dizziness. and
his spirit rebeled. 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
lie was not able to promise her very
much He had decided it would take
several years longer to save enough
money from his salary. and while FIRE.
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.
Il didn't expect YOU" she faltered
II had to come" said Ira seriously,
I've had Il great blow. Ereda."
Tell me about It," she said quickly,
"Ive lost the pearl" ne said bluntly,
"Oh. I'm SO sorry" she cried.
His heart lhr0bbed faster as he felt
her grasp tighten on his arm.
"Of course haven't got much saved
up" he confessed. II thought some
day I'd buy chicken farm. but I
couldn't just now, and it's only fair to
you to say that all I've got in the world
is $500 In the bank. That Ia not
much to offer you"
! You forget yourself. Ira" she whis.
bered. "You count for something"
you mean it, Freda?'' he gasped.
But there won't be any farm. yeti
I'VE can take a little fat. and we
can save. I'm famous housekeeper."
she laughed. land we can be together"
Yes! he said.
Unless you'd rather-not!" she sa i'd
d0ubtfully.
ION. my dear'-he gripped her hand
tfgltly-"I'm tho hannioct ,,o,, t., .h,