Carroll County democrat. (Huntingdon, Tenn.) 188?-1971, 1918-05-10

VINO can ne Der ana SneF Fenect
ed Bruce in a troubled way. Can It be
possible that her heart is already en-
gagged and that ! am blindly hoping
for love that can never be miner"
Bruce grew depressed and was hall
minded to cease his visits to the
Wrenn home. He was magnanimous
concerning Aida, for although their re
latlons had been friendly she had
really never given him any definite en-.
couragement as a sutton, She was no
coQuette, he was sure Of that, and he
blamed his own sanguine nature for
the daring presumption that Ada's
handcIasp had at times been lingering
and tender, and that her eyes respond
cd alphabetically to his own ardent
giances.
Il can hardly break the engage
ment for this evening"" medltated
Bruce. but tomorrow"
Aida and himself we're to attend a
party at Wildwood. few miles dis
tant on the trolley line. Bruce called
for her that evening. Never had she
looked 50 beautlfsl. A pretty locket
and chain he had never noticed before
were her only jeweIry adOrnmentS.
Bruce sighed as he recalled that but
for his discovery OF the day, he In
tended to present her with a friend
ship ring he carried in his pocket. Her
acceptance Of It would have decided
him as to the fact that there was some
real depth to the interest she had man
lfested in him.
And, further, never had she been
more charming in the kindly, pleas
ant way in which she received his at
tentiOns. He partly took heart OF
hope that he might be entertaining q
suspicion without foundation. Still,
he was constrained and unhappy al
the evening.
As they left the trolley car on the
return trip and proceeded towards
Aida's home, the latter paused abb
ruptly with little cry Of dismay.
"Oh, dear !" she exclaimed, her hand
to her throat, II have lost the Iocket."
"Are you sureT questioned Bruce
sollcitOusly.
''Oh, yes, I had It when I got aboard
the car"
She shook her dress and they re-
traced their way to the trolley station.
It was bright moonlight, but their
searching eyes discovered no trace
Of the missing article of jewelry.
you had better let me see you
home" suggested Bruce. ,"Then will
return and wait till the car comes
back on its return trip. 1t may be that
you lost the locket on the car"
u shall wait up for your report"
said Aida. Il am very anxious about
the locket."
Bruce signaled and halted the car
as It returned. At his first question
regarding the locket and chain the
conductor produced the lost article.
Just found 1t under a seat" he ex-
planned, and Bruce fastened to Inn
part the glad news to Aida. He turned
the lOcket over and over in his hand.
Its upper case came open.
ut Is as / fearedl" he half Froaned,
and well he might, for a bright ray Of
moonlight revealed circular photo
graph within the case. 1t was that OF
the man he had seen with Aida that
afternoon. Oh, there was no doubt
now OF the existence OF a rival Bruce
had one thought only In his mind-to
return the locket to Aida and forget
her.
Just a minute, please" spoke a
voice behind him as he neared the
Wrenn home, and Bruce faced a new,
astounding circumstance. Turning he
confronted the original Of the photo
graph.
"You are Mr.. Tyrrell," spoke the
other. Il have heard Aida-that is,
Miss Wrenn-speak of you and have
seen you once or twice before this.
also know you are her close friend. |
VIII you do me great favorf Are
you going to her homer
yes" answered Bruce, and grufay, |
and darkly suspicious.
"Will you hand her this note?'' and
he other rendered a folded paper.
why should IT. resented Bruce.
irawing back coldly.
Must tell you2" questioned his
Eyes, will. Aida says |
Tou are q man to trust. Well, then,
am secretly married to Aida's sister,
md the note tells her that Marcia will
70 here in the morning to break the
Jews to her parents"
"Ohr
It was passed by as mere common.
)lace aspiration by AidA's brotherln-
aw. For Bruce 1t expressed relief,
nd hope and joy. With alacrity he
accepted the commission and with de-
lght. He listened later to Aida's ex-
'lanauon that her sister had left the
ocket at home on her last visit, and
ida had borrowed, 1t for the occasion
( the party.
And then Bruce felt that he should
lso unburden his heart. which he did,
nd graciously Aida listened to him.