The Wahpeton times. [volume] (Wahpeton, Richland County, Dakota [N.D.]) 1879-1919, 1917-01-11
BY EARL REED s,LvERs.

ana led the way into the hotel. Sitting
In one Of the comfortably-upholstered
chairs near the door was girl. She
was very much the same as most of
the other girls who frequent exclusive
summer hotels. but to the new arrival
she appeared different. AS he entered,
she looked up casually. and for mo-
ment her glance met his. Suddenly
into her eyes came the light of reco2e
milton. She rose and stepped toward
him, her hand extended.
"How are you. Milton?" Her voice
expressed unexpected pleasure and de-
light. Il had no idea you were com.
ing to Ferndale."
Lawrence took the outstretched hand
and shook it heartily. II hint of sur.
prised delight was in his eyes, the
girl did not notice It.
IL didn't tell anyone l was com.
Ing" he said. ut was sort of sur.
prise"
swell, I'm glad, anyhow. How long
are you going to stay?"
until October"
She clapped her hands delightedly.
$50 am l. Isn't that fine?"
ut sure is" His voice matched hers
In enthusiasm. "What are you going
to do this afternoon7"
"Nothing."
"Will you wait until unpack q bit
and then 60 canoeing with me?" His
glance strayed to the shadowed lake.
"Why. yes. But I'll have to dress
first"
All right; I'll see you later, then"
"rll be back in twenty minutes
With bright smile. she turned and en-,
tered the waiting elevator. Lawrence
addressed the impassive porter.
"Rastus." he said, I'll give you 50
cents extra If you tell me the name of
that young lady,"
"She am Miss Marjorie Sherwood"
the negro announced. grinning. "She
done come from Beach Haven. New
jersey"
"Oh. l remember now!" Lawrence
smiled broadly.
Marjorie made her appearance. She
was dressed In white sport costume,
with a soft straw hat which dropped
like sunbonnet.
When they were well out in the cen.
ter of the lake she looked at him with
hint Of reproach in her eyes.
"Why didn't you tell me you were
coming?" she asked.
II didn't know it until yesterday"
he answered. "And then it was too
late"
why haven't you answered my let.
teri"
"What letter."
"Why. the one about the house party
on Thanksgiving day."
He looked at her in mock dismay.
II never got it."
Honestly"
Honestly and truly" He crossed
his heart in evident sincerity. where
did you send it?"
ITO New York. Of course"
II haven't been in New York in
month";" he announced triumphantly.
"Of course didn't get It"
She looked at him in amazement.
"You haven't been in New York in Q
month";"
mo; I've been down In Baltimore"
A puzzled fcown came over the girl'e
face. She bent forward and looked in.
tently at her companion.
"You wrote me from New York Just
two weeks ago." she said.
He slapped his knee and tried to
look relieved.
by George. SO did!" he answered.
Il had stopped over in New York for
the day."
But you told me you had been work.
ing in the city all through July" she
persisted. "and didn't have q chance to
get away"
For moment he looked over the
water, trying to think of way out of
his peculiar dilemma. The girl was
looking at him curiously. He realized
that the Jig was up.
"Who do you think am?" he asked.
suddenly.
"Why. Milton Wellington. of course"
A twinkle played about the corner
q his eyes. but his face was serious.
Il have been deceiving you" he an.
nounced. II am not Milton Wellington
at all"
She looked at him in utter wonder.
"I'm Milton's twin brother"
1t took him the rest Of the afternoon
to persuade her that she should forgive
him for his imposition. But when the
sun was sinking beyond the towering
hill to the west, and the shadows fell
quietly over the waters of the lake, she
softened.
maybe will forgive you" she said.
"But 1t wasn't very nice thing to do,
was it?''
He smiled into her eyes.
"No." he answered. "But it's all IN
the family. you know. It doesn't make
% much difference. does it?'
She smiled hack.
Eyes. It does" her lips answered.
But her eyes said "No."
Copyright, isls. by the Mcclure 6swspo.
per exaaieafs2