Tensas gazette. [volume] (St. Joseph, La.) 1886-current, 1918-04-05
A SUGAR ROMANCE
BY AGNES G. BRoGAN.

Bruce Lynden came out to his sis
ter's country home, to bid her farewell.
He had been. called to his cOuntry's
colors and must leave soon for train
ing camp.
Jane was glad to find that the seri-
Gus anticipated departure, had not af
fected 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 so delightfully-dif-
ferent?"
because she is different, perhaps"
Jane replied. Comes from broken
home across the water to live with her
dominating grandmother.
"Rruce Lynden," she said slowly, 81
DO believe you have fanon in love-"
Believer" that youth answered eUi
emily, 81 knOw-I have"
"And / could not persuade you to
look at Il girl heretofore" -
"I'lI look mt this one -duiek-!ei enough"
H., ,-ou will oi,.a mo bo
chance. Better have that party and
ask her over"
81 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. Il 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 grandmOther'S hui
NOR"
Instantly Bruce became a rescuing
knight. I'D like to carry her Off I'M
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, MIR.
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
grandmother's humor, and grandma
would not be happy until she had
sugar."
Upon the buffet near at hand re-
posed three small well-filled bowls.
"All right" he answered, II will bring
you some in a few minutes"
Anne, the muid. stared at his request
| hut nd xx-hn q
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 telephOning
eXcitedly.
81 have called up both grOcers," she
was saying, land cannot get a bit
Oh! these war times! And how my
own sugar disappeared, is a mystery.
There were the bowls all filled for this
evenings party-the smallest alone re-
mains, and Anne knows nothing about
it. Oh! if you could, dear, I'd be SO
grateful"
After luncheon Bruce fled guiltily to
the sitting room. Here In unremOrse'
full silence he smoked and smiled into
the fire. His reverie was interrupted
by the sight of a girlish figure ascend
ing the porch steps.
Before the startled caller had time
to press the bell he had thrown wide
the door. "COme in" he eagerly In
vited.
But Sheila hesitated. II came tC
bring some sugar to your sister," she
explained; 1--WE have more than We
need at present. VIII you give it tt
her, please? l am on my way to pay
Mr.. Schmidt for his accommodation.
Breathlessly Bruce grabbed the bag
"Wait minute" he begged. I'D like
to walk with you"
AS he Joined the girl on the snow
bordered path he decided that promp
confession was inevitable-this visit Il
the Schmidt person complicated mat
tiers. "As to that sugar." he began.
YES" queried Miss Sheila.
Il filled the order this morning." h,
added abruptly. "You called our house
by mistake for the grOcer's. That wa!
James sugar-ready for the party"
The girl tilted her pretty chin ant
looked up at him, then her quick laugh
, ter rang out.
, "It was to appease your grandmoth
err" he explained. $50 that you nigh
come to my farewell party"
, "FareweuY asked Sheila. Her eye