The Beaver herald. [volume] (Beaver, O.T. [Okla.]) 1895-1923, 1917-03-01

hands in nervous anxiety upon her re-
turn.
"Did--did you see himr questioned
Greta breathlessly.
"No, Greti, for he had left the
house. learned that"
perhaps to leave for some far soli-
tude. where he can forget all my cruel
treatment ~ walled Greta.
Scarcely" replied Miss Boyce.
"From what could gather he has
gone to theatrical entertainment at
the next town."
Greta looked blank. 1t could not be
possible IA man in his despairing con-
dition thinking Of pleasurel Obi
Madge must be mistaken, but Madgc
was positive and finally persuaded
Greta to think that matters were not
as desperate as she fancicd. At all
events she succeeded In quieting down
her hysterical companion.
Greta slept but little that night. She
was wretched all Of the next morning.
In the afternoon she went down the
street. Turning corner she came
face to face with Wade. She stood
rooted, her face one void of indescrib-
able amazement.
Wade was With q friend. He was
all smiles, almost jovial, conversing
with his companion. He lifted his hat
to Greta, excused himself to his friend
and came straight up to Greta. Never
had he looked so brisk. so handsome.
The sunken eyes, the hollow cheeks,
the dying invalid conditions were
gone. What the mystery?
did you wish to see me, Miss VIII
der?" questioned Wade pleasantly.
"You stopped, and I am delighted to
think 1t was to speak to me-"
Greta stammered, flushed, paled. be-
came dreadfully embarrassed.
| "Was-that isl presume you en-
joyed the theatrical entertainment at
Woodville last evening"" she finally
managed to articulate coherently.
"Oh, you know thatf" he spoke, and
laughed cheerily. "Yes, indeed! They
gave me quite an ovation. doubt II
I deserved It,"
"An ovation" repeated Greta
vaguely.
ut was that. You know, 1t was an
amateur function. l played the old
man. Made up ut home. and quite
startled my usual friends with my hag-
gard appearance. Why. Miss Wilder
are You ill?"
Greta had moved quite unsteadily.
In shock she cOmprehended. The
transition Of old age was explained.
Rouge and dyes were accountable for
It. oh, never should he know that she
had witnessed the transformation, nor
her sufferingsi
IL felt slightly dizzy" stammered
Greta and then she thrilled. for he
had stepped nearer to her and his eyes
were earnest and longing.
"Miss. Wilder" he said, 81 have q
confession to make. When you re.
fused me yesterday we were interrupt.
ed before could explain my manifes.
tation of glee."
"Glee!" !" murmured Greta family.
"Just that, for it was just so much
nearer to my second proposal, which
wish to make now. You see, picked
up letter on the street which you
must have lost. It was from Miss
Earle. read its substance before ]
guessed what 1t was"
"Oh! how could you'll mean. how
could ] be SO careless as to lose It."
"But think Of the hope, the JOY, the
delirious happiness with which 1t in.
spired me-" dilated Wade extrava.
gantly.
Greta was trembling all over. She
futtered closer to him unconsciOusly.
$50 what did find going through
the program Of your lady friend when
I knew that perseverance would bring
Its own reward"
"YOu are very hopeful, aren't you ?
challenged Greta rallying slightly.
do you bid me despair then?" sub.
mitted Wade.
She bowed her head to hide them
from the glad eyes too full Of ardent
love and truth,