The Hartford herald. [volume] (Hartford, Ky.) 1875-1926, 1919-06-25

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ter they had parted she went nj
the hill to her home with a ligh
heart and a singing spirit.
The next morning she MADE
seem very necessary for her to Wis
it cousin Katy up at Devondale
and that evening she did not return
home till late. 1t was a balm!
evening; a soft wind famed tn,
treetope gently, and the sun,
huge gol9fn ball dropped slowl!
and almot imperceptibly down thu
west. AS she walked toward tn,
Mil, where in theh shade of the
oaks, Oscar was waiting for her
she felt her Soul thrill with 6
sence of rapture and infinite happi
ness. 1t was an ideal time fol
love making, this soft spring even.
ing; the world was all in tune
much vibrant string playing lone
its individual meioIs.
On the projecting ro0tg Of a
great oak, and leaning against the
trunk, Oscar sat waiting. He rose
when he saw her coming.
$50 you have come alright l see, -
he said with a little laugh.
Yes, of course l came, you new
err knew me to story to you, did
you, and l see you are here too"
Il shore am, and you never
knowed me to lie either, did you?"
Mo- think not, and what was it
you wanted to tell me so badly this
EVENING"" she asked softly.
''Oh yes, 1t was little business
wanted to see you about, just
wait a minute. She watched
him closely as he took from his
vest pocket a small paper box, and
opening it removed a small ring,
the diamond set sparkling in the
sunlight,
How would you like to wear
that" he asked, holding it up for
her to view it.
"Oh" she replied enthusiastically,
II would just love to-"
81 mean" he contisued, "how
would you like to wear it as an en-
gagement ring? Why won't you
promise me that you will be my
wife,"
She hesitated to answer, "Oh
Oscar" she said at last. THAT
is a difficult question. What is the
use of such haste?"
you intend to marry me some
time don't your" he asked looking
straight into her eyes. YIf you
don't you ought to stop me from go
ing around with you and stop jump
in on me ever time l go with any
other girls. l tell you people are
talkin' about me and you. They're
sayin' we ought to either get mar
ried or quit being so lovin'".
"Oh really, Oscar, have they said
that?" she cried in dismay.
"They have, and more than that,
amt goin to tell you about. l
tell you they are beginning to talk
right sharply. If you are engaged
to me, though, and wearing my
ring it won't make no difference.
What dye say must | put it on
your finger?"
Under the circumstances" she
answered humbly, 81 guess it is
about the only thing we can do
to stop the gossips tongues"
She held out her hand while he
slowly slipped the ring on the
slender finger.
Now that's fine" he said, what
time shall we set for the wedding?"
Make it indefinite" she answer
ed a far away CLEAN in her eyes
as she thought of some one else
to whom she hal iledged fidelity.
And what does indefinite mean?'
1T means, | will let you know
when ! am ready for the wedding;
until then you must wait patient
ly."
Alright you're irhe boss" he
said laughingly; We'll l must go,
Goodbye" And he turned and
walked away in the direction of
Devondale.
AS she slowly traced her steps
up the hill to her home she was
conscious of a feeling Of regret
that she had so easily yielded to the
wishes of ,Oscar$S She glanced at the
ring ion her finger and somehow
wished it was not there. 1t seemed
20 bind her to a false illusion. She
was beginning to suspicion that she
really did not love Oscar Perhaps
after all her liking for him was
momentary and not that eternal
and immortal passion that