The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1916-11-23
WEDDING LACE
BY LOUISE OLIVER.


the offerings of the summer hotel had
so far not produced anyone so divert
ing as to looks. He said before he
knew ii, completely contrary to his
good old New England bringing up:
'Its foolish to waste time on knitting
on day like this. Why don't you
play?'
She looked up from her yards of ex-
quisite lace and answered quite COM
posedly, "Please don't think I don't
want to, but this is a work of neces-
sity-its wedding finery."
Il say-can't you chuck it just for a
few minutes. Come on and play in this
one set with us and I'll find you a
partner. It's shame to waste this
weather on that stuff"
She shook her head with determlna-
ton, but an appreciative smile light
ened her face. I'D just love to, but
L can't. Weddings don't wait, you
know"
"All right You're the doctor. Sor-
~" he answered. Coming-coming I"
he called, as Lorita beckoned impa-
tiently. Hanged if that girl isn't a
peach for looks. Lucky fellow to get
her" Then her words came back with
force. weddings don't wait!" she had
said, and it struck him suddenly that
bis own nuptials We're approaching
with rather a breath-taking speed.
Four months would consummate the
plan so long dear to the heart of his
parents.
Lorita was talking with Captain
Natter. Il was just telling Paul." she
explained, that l would have to start
you in training right away in order to
have you in form by the time of our
wedding. Unpunctuality is your worst
fault, Gordon"
1--WE a good excused
81 saw your excuse just now!" Lor-
ta's eyes flashed.
ibid you? Well, she's pretty any
way, don't you think? l asked her to
play"
"What" Lorita had gone off into
oeals Of laughter. "Oh, Gordon, you'll
kill me. Come on-lets play. No,
II tell you the joke some time again.
[ hate to spoil it by hurrying."
That night Gordon was called away
On business. When he returned to the
hotel, n week later, he was amazed
10 learn that Lorita and her mother
had departed, and a day later he
learned of her marriage to Capt. Paul
Natter.
He returned to his Office and hard
work, thoughtful and sober, but not
crushed in soul and spirit as his New
England conscience told him he should
be. But after awhile reaction set in
and he felt vague longing, indefinite
ana unaccountable at first, desire
for something he could not name. But
gradually the want took form and out
Of the chaos of his thoughts appeared
4 pair Of sea-gray eyes and a tired,
white face looking gratefully at him.
November came, dark and dreary
and wet, and the third week brought
letter from his mother. Obeying
Instructions, he went to a tea room to
meet her one afternoon at four.
Gordon looked around approvingly,
his artistic eye pleased with the scene.
Then he started, for there at the next
table was his summer girl and she was
knitting.
'Is-isn't it finished yet?" asked Cor
don across the space. The gray eyes
flashed up at him and suddenly wild
ened and durkened. And was it i'm
agination or did faint rose touch the
dead Wilderness Of her cheek? Then
She smiled. "No, it's never finished.
But you are not served yet. Can't you
come over here. It's so unsociable
eating alone"
He needed no second invitation.
TN come if You stop knitting. Don't
you think it's bad for you-so much
OF it. | should think your husband
would rather have you in sackcloth
with some roses in your cheeks in
stead Of all that fuzzy stuff-and-"
he stopped lamely.
MY husbandp She looked blank.
ooh, 1 see! l said it was for a we'd
ding and you thought it was for mine.
How funnyi Why, this is the way
earn my living! Last summer at Oak
hurst | was making things for" 1t
was her turn to stop and she famed
red, for she remembered the tragic
ending to his romance.
"For Lorita?' he asked.
ayes"
"Tell me something" He leaned
forward eagerly. I've dreamed of
your gray eyes all fall and think
heaven sent me here today to find you.
Isis there any prospect of your max
ing your own wedding lace? l must
know 1t if there is.'
"None that I know of" she an
swCred. Then briefly. 'But / wouldn't
waste the time on myself; there are
so many more wonderful things to
do! | think I'd look up at the sky
and trees 50 long I'd soon grow a
neck like the little girl in the story
and have to carry my head around
on n wheelbarrow."
81 love your ne whispered tense
~. Suppose, dear little Miss Gray
Eyes, you give me chance to take
care of you. If you'll marry me we
win take whole days and weeks and
months just looking at the sea and
trees and sky. VIII you, dearT
For an instant she hesitated. Then
she looked at him and smiled.
CCopyrieht. 1916. by the Mcclure Newspa-