The Ely miner., 1918-03-22

II have never corresponded with
woman in my life, and / doubt II this
is anything more important than an in
vftation."
She placed q hand over the letter,
still lying on the table. "Just little
longer" she said gayly. "There is no
telling what news it may contain and
you may'wish you had read 1t alone"
He shook his head as he slit the en-
velope. II will not have it longer upon
my conscience"
As he opened the sheet he found 1t
blank. Curiously he further unfolded
it and newspaper clipping dropped
upon the table. 1t fell right SIDE up
and held his gaze. Over and over ne
read the printed words, then raised
his eyes to the girls face.
"You were right. 1t does contain
news" He touched the envelope. Il
have never seen your handwriting.
Did you direct this?"
For answer she took pencil and
card from her bag and wrote his name
upon it.
He placed it beside the envelope and
studied the two. His glance again fell
upon the printed slip which, after
moments hesitation, he read aloud:
"Mr. and Mrs. Robert Bowie en-
nounce the engagement Of their daugh-
ter, Mary, to Mr.. William Berkeley.
The wedding will take place in the
early fall"
For time he looked absently at
the clipping, then his eyes sought and
held hers.
mot if can prevent it," he said at
last. 'Do you think will let you go
out of my life without. protest"
"I have never been in your life."
The reply came trifle breathlessly.
you have probably not realized 1t
any more than I, but this" touching
the slip of paper, "makes 1t very plain
to me. The trouble has been I have
never had time for play, but in the
back Of my mind has always been the
certainty that you and would live
out our lives together. There has
been no time for play nor for that de-
| lightful experience, courtship, and
| courtship is what girl wants, is 1t
not?'
Surely it is her right" The reply
held touch Of asperity.
81 suppose so and now / have no
time for it. This letter came tive
months ago. 1t is now October,
will have to take you whether you
will, or no. The courtship can come
afterward." He looked at his watch.
There is just time to reach the city
hall before it closes. Will you come
with me and from there to some
clergyman? l am afraid to let you out
of my sight, Mary"
"And Mr.. Berkely? I gave him my
promise"
"This is question between you and
me. 1 love you. hope you care
enough for me to marry me. Some
promises should be broken before they
break ones life. And, Mary, we car
be very happy together. If had time
pressed for time and the knowledge
must come later. VIII you Gomez"
| She had risen and was fumbline
rather aimlessly with her glove but
| ton.
II think / had better tell you some
thing first" she replied little un
steadily. II found 1 did not care fol
Mr. Berkely and at the eleventh hour
broke my engagement. I discovered
before it was too late that cared fol
another man."
"And that man?"
"He was very stupid" She looked
at him squarely now. II had to fine
some way to make him know his owl
mind for was sure he cared for me
but for many years he had taken mt
so as a matter of course that he die
not realize it. You asked me If
directed that envelope. / did not, bu
I know who did. It was addressed t
you at my request, and think, Hugh
as you are willing, we will forget ther'
is such thing as a big wedding.
would rather go quietly with you to 81
Marks parsonage"