Williams news., 1917-01-04

"A young lady who did nor give her name," he explained. "She ordered a bouquet daily for two weeks and paid for them in advance"
 "Of course, 1t is Miss Mapleton," re- cided Serena. She was somewhat disappointed. During that brief visit to the MapletOn home she had noticed the portrait of handsome young man hanging on the wall. The resemblance to Miss Mapleton had convinced Se- rena that this was her brother. She wondered if her restoration of the packet had signifed anything of i'm portance to him.
 Meantime Clement Mapleton had left the city. He had done so speed fly the evening Serena had returned the packet. It was with a startled sister and he listened gravely to her story.
 You will send this Miss Hoyt a bouquet every day that I am gone," he directed, land I shall go to her per sonally and acknowledge the great service she has done when I return"
 "What are the papers, brother?' in- quired Miss Mapleton.
 "They are documents compromising a son of my invalid partner in Colo rado," replied her brother. ''To have them made public would kill MT. Dag gett. He left them with me for safe keeping. They must be destroyed, but not without his sanction and l must go to him at once." "But who stole them?" inquired Miss Mapleton.
 Tt must have been young man we discharged last week, who placed them in the hands of professional criminals to blackmail MT. Daggett. They mistook this Miss Hoyt in her exigency outfit for some accomplice."
 Serena f1uttered and her color came rosy and swift as one day she was informed that MT. Mapleton awaited her in the parlor. His clear, frank eyes scanned her with animation as she entered the room.
 q have called to bring you a slight souvenir from a dying man, Miss Hoyt," he spoke, "whose last days you nave ulduc pedCelul Uy TeSlOrluR to us certain stolen papers,"
 He extended a beautiful jeweled brooch. Serena drew back in conster. nation.
 My friend has insisted that you ac- cept this slight token of his deep gratitude" proceeded Mapleton, land you must not cause him disappoint- ment by refusing"
 Not word in explanation of the mystery was vouchsafed. A few eve nings later Mapleton called again, this time accompanied by his sister.
 There grew up speedy friendship between the three. Then it came about that Mapleton called alone sev. eral times.
 Serena was very happy. Aside from a delicious sense of being a party to mystery, the marked attentions of Mapleton pleased her. Dawning love made her life very sweet.
 It further came about that Maple ton was gradually exchanging the role of friend for that of lover. Serena made a conf1dante of her grandmother.
 "So the old hood has brought an in- teresting romance into your life?" smiled the old lady, and Serena was glad she had worn it.
 T have always longed to ask you a question:" Serena remarked to her welcome visitor one evening.
 Indeed, and what is that?" asked Mapleton.
 About that packet. I have won- dered what they could be that you seemed to regard it with so much i'm. portance."
 "The documents it contained are ashes now,'' said Mapleton. AS to what they were,- can never impart that secret save to two persons
 Serena looked inquiringly expectant.
 "You mean?" she intimated.
 My sister and my wife,
 "Your wife?" repeated Serena in- nocently, and then she blushed deeply. Mapleton leaned toward her and took her hand in his.
 Serena" he asked, love ineffable in his eyes, twill you give me the right to impart the secret I should like you to know?" and within the hour fair Serena knew the story of the mysteri- Ous packet.