The Ocala evening star. [volume] (Ocala, Fla.) 1895-1943, 1918-08-06
A SUGAR ROMANCE
BY AGNES c. sRoGAN.

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 rry-hearted Bruce
who sang gay songs TO his own ac-
compartment. James first suggestion
of a 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.
"Jovei" he remarked as his sisters
young neighbor passed on her way
what makes her so delightfully."-
ferentY'
Because she is different, perhaps"
Jane replied. Comes from broken
home across the water, to live with her
dominating grandmother
Bruce Lynden," she said slowly, 81
do believe you have fallen in love-"
Believer that youth answered sol
EMMY, II KNOW have"
And I could not persuade you to
look at girl heretofore"
I'll look at this one quick enough.
he responded, eff you will give me half
chance. Better have that party and
ask her over"
II 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 viii 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 rescuing
knight. I'D like to carry her of UNI
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; it's
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. I 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
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, 81 will bring
you some In a few minutes"
Anne, the maid, stared at his request
for bag, but gave 1t, and when she
had gone, Bruce promptly empted 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.
IT have called up both grocers," she
was saying, land cannot get Q bit.
Oh! these war times And how my
own sugar disappeared, Is mystery.
There were the bowls all filled for this
evenings party--the smallest alone re-
mains, and Anne knows nothing about
1t. Oh! if YOU could, dear, I'd be so
grateful"
After luncheon Bruce fed guilty to
the sitting room. Here in unremorse-
full silence he smoked and smiled into
the fire. His reverie was interrupted
by the sight Of giriish figure ascend
ing the porch steps.
DClOIC luC Otdl LIEU Ct1lCI A00 lAAiO
to press the bell he had thrown wide
the door, "Come in" he eagerly In
vited.
But Sheila hesitated. II came to
bring some sugar to your sister," she
explained; I'VE have more than we
need at present. VIII you give it to
her, please? am on my way to pay
Mr.. Schmidt for his accommodation"
Breathlessly Bruce grabbed the bag.
wait minute" he begged. It'd like
to walk with you"
As he joined the girl on the snow
bordered path he decided that prompt
confession was inevitable-this visit to
the Schmidt person complicated mat
tiers. "As to that sugar." he began.
'YesY queried Miss Shefla.
81 filled the order this morning" he
added abruptly. you called our house
by mistake for the grocer's. That was
James sugar-ready for the party
The girl tilted her pretty chin and
looked up at him, then her quick laugh