Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1918-06-28

minded to cease his visits to the
concerning Aida, for although their re-
lations had been friendly she had
really never given him any definite en-
couragement as sutton. She was no
coQuette, he was sure Of that, and he
blamed his own sangulne nature for
the daring presumption that Ada's
handclasp had at times been lingering
and tender and that her eyes respond
ed alphabetically to his own ardent
glances.
Il can hardly break the engage
ment for this evening"" meditated
Bruce, 'but tomorrow
Aida and himself were to attend
party at Wildwood, a few miles dis
tant on the trolley line. Bruce called
for her that evening. Never had she
looked so beautiful. A pretty locket
and chain he had never noticed before
were her only jewelry 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 1t would have decided
him as to the fact that there was some
real depth to the interest she had man
ifested 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 a
suspicion without foundation. Stlll,
he was constrained and unhappy all
the evening.
AS they left the trolley car on the
return trip and proceeded towards
Aida's home, the latter paused alb
ruptly with little cry of dismay.
"Oh, dear" she exclaimed, her hand
to her throat. 81 have lost the locket."
"Are you sure?" questioned Bruce
solicltOusly.
"Oh, yes, had it when got aboard
the car"
She shook her dress and they re-
traced their way to the trolley station.
1t 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 l will
return and wait till the car comes
back on Its return trip. 1t may be that
you lost the locket on the car"
Il shall walt up for your report"
said Aida. II am very anxious about
the locket"
Bruce slgnaled and halted the car
as 1t 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 hastened to i'm
part the glad news to Aida. He turned
the locket over and over In his hand.
Its upper case came open.
ut is as feared I" he half groaned,
and well he might, for 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 mlnd-to
return the locket to Aida and forget
her.
Just minute, please" spoke a
voice behind him as he neared the
Wrenn home, and Bruce faced new,
astounding circumstance. Turning, he
confronted the original of the photo
graph.
you are Mr.. Tyrrell," spoke the
other. 81 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 grufly,
and darkly suspicious.
"Wlll you hand her this notef" and
the other rendered folded paper.
why should II" resented Bruce,
drawing back coldly.
Must tell youi" questioned his
companion. yes, l will. Aida says
you are a man to trust. Well, then,
am secretly married to Aida's sister,
NAN NA'N hpAS WIS ilNl Niul Will
be here In the morning to break the
news to her parents"
"Ohi"
1t was passed by as a mere common
place aspiration by Aida's brother-in-
law. For Bruce It expressed relief.
and hope and Joy. With alacrity he
accepted the commission and with de
light. He listened later to Aida's ex-
PLANTATION that her sister had left the
locket at home on her last visit. and
Aida had borrowed 1t for the occasion
Of the party.
And then Bruce felt that he should
also unburden his heart, which he did.
and graciOusly Aida listened to him,
and the white moonlight lrradlated
two glowing, happy faces as Bruce
kissed his fiancee good night at the