Smyrna times., 1918-04-03
A SUGAR ROMANCE
BY AGNES G. BRoGAN.

Jus anticipated departure, naQ not al
tected her brothers gay spirits. 1t
was the same merry-hearted Bruce
who sang gay songs to his own ac-
compartment. James first suggestion
Of young folks party in his honor,
had been discouraged; that was before
the chance meeting with Sheila.
The charming little Irish girl had |
happened in at the post office as Jane
and Bruce were leaving, and in the |
natural order of things, had walked |
with them to their door.
"JOve!" he remarked as his sisters |
young neighbOr passed on her way.
what makes her 50 delightfully-dif-
ferentw
Because she is different, perhaps"
Jane replied. Comes from a broken
home across the water, to live with her
dominating grandmother.
Bruce Lynden," she said slowly, "I
do believe you have fallen in love-"
"Believe?" that youth answered sol
emnly, 81 knOw-I have"
"And 1 could not persuade you to
look at a girl heretofore"
"Pll look at this one quick enough"
he responded, "if you will give me half
chance. Better have that party and
ask her over"
Il doubt If she would be allowed to
come" Jane said.
Sheila's voice over the phone came
to Bruce as he bent his listening head
| above his sisters. II cannot promise
| to come" the girl answered the invi-
tatiOn, "but will let you know later"
Jane put down the receiver impa-
tiently. ITS always that way" she
said. "Sheila has to depend until the
last moment on her grandmOthers hu-
NOR"
Instantly Bruce became a rescuing
knight. 'Id like to carry her off un-
der the old wOman's nOse," he de-
clared.
His sister laughed. but her eyes were
tender, as she caressed the soldiers
hair. She was so anxious at this time
to give him every pleasure. And If he
fancied himself in love with Sheila-
well, who could be more worthy Of
love than that faithful girl?
Bruce was thoughtful as he passed
through the dining room upon the fol-
lowing morning, then turned back to
answer the telephone call. His heart
gave leap at the sOft-tOned voice; its
message was direct, yet perplexing.
"GOOd morning." said Sheila. Can
you please send some sugar over to
Mrs. Robson? Ever so little would
| be appreciated. l know you were
obliged to refuse us yesterday, Mr..
Schmidt, but grandmother" the girl
laughed, won't be happy till she gets
it,"
1t was evident that the operator had
made a wrong connection. Bruce
thought fast. The girls acceptance of
his sisters invitation depended on her
grandmOthers humOr, and grandma
would not be happy until she had
sugar"
Upon the buffet near at hand re-
posed three small well-filled bowls
"Ali right" he answered, 81 will bring
you some in few minutes"
Anne the maid, stared at his request
for a bag, but gave it, and when she
had gone, Bruce promptly emptied into
it the contents of two sugar bowls. A
lad upon the street agreed to deliver
the package and Bruce went hopefully
upon his morning stroll. Returning
later he found his sister telephOninl
eXctedly.
81 have called up both grOcers," she
was saying, ''and cannot get bit
Oh! these war times! And how my
own sugar disappeared, is a mystery
There were the bowls all filled for thi!
evenings party-the smallest alone re
mains, and Anne knows nothing abOu
it. Oh if you could, dear, I'd be 81
grateful"
After luncheon Bruce fled guiltily t
the sitting room. Here in unremOrse
full silence he smoked and smiled int,
the fire. His reverie was interruptet
by the sight of a girlish figure ascend
ing the porch steps.
Before the startled caller had tim
to press the bell he had thrown wild
the door. "Come in," he eagerly in
vited
But Sheila hesitated. Il came t
bring some sugar to your sister," sh
explained; 1--WE have more than W
need at present. VIII you give it I
her, please? am on my way to pa
Mr. Schmidt for his accommodation.
Breathlessly Bruce grabbed the bat
"Wait a minute" he begged I'D lik
to walk with you"
AS he joined the girl on the snow
bordered path he decided that promI
confession was inevitable-this visit
the Schmidt person complicated ma
ters. "As to that sugar" he began.
"YesY queried Miss Sheila.
"I filled the order this morning" h
added abruptly. "You called our houS
by mistake for the grocer's. That wa
James sugar-ready for the party"
The girl tilted her pretty chin an
looked up at him, then her quick laugl