The Watertown news. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1917-1919, 1919-01-02

{BIT OLD-FASHI0NED
: BY A. c. LEONARD. !,

SSnQlcale.j
Hazel Defrey was seated in quiet,
secluded nook on the border of tiny
lake. She was thinking. "Oh!" she
said, half to herself and half aloud, ''if
l was only like other girls. If l wasn't
SO Old-faShiOned. But what's the use
of wishing. Mother has brought me
up this way and l wouldn't change
nc not for the world. Mother is
dear, and she has been such a pal to
me-"
Notwithstanding what she had said,
there was a very faraway look in Ha-
zel's eyes as she watched the bright
cOlOred canoes glide gracefully across
the lake, which could have been trans
lated into this: mo Pm not satisfied
with this life, for l like to have a good
time once in while like the other
girls"
Ever since Hazel could remember,
she had been carefully protected by a
owing mother who had been very strict
with her-but any little fairy could
have told you that it had not spoiled
her in the least.
She was very sweet to look upon
even If her dresses were not made ac-
cOrding to the fashion plates in the
latest magazines-even If her hair was
dressed so very very plainly. She
had heavenly blue eyes and a very
delicate profile.
This was the first time that she had
really been dissatisfied with her lot.
"Why, just think" she unused, there
Is Ethel ThOrne
"She always has plenty or attention
from young men-they take her to
every entertainment and dance; and,
newly, l was never even asked to
go anywhere by a man-no, not once
In all my nineteen years-perhaps they
know that mother wouldn't let me,
anyway" Then to console herself she
said well, wouldn't want to go
with the class of men that she does,
anyhow"
She had been SO busy turning over
the question in her mind-lOOking at
1t from every point of view-that she
had not noticed the passage Of time.
The sun had set, and the evening shad-
ows were gathering fast. she jumped
to her feet bewildered. ooh ~ she said
aloud, what would mother ever say
If she knew | had to walk home alone
at this time of evening? If l only had
canoe. It's so much nearer TO the
cottage that way" AS If In answer to
her wish canoe glided up to the bank,
and very nice looking young man
said politely: Pardon me, miss, but
didn't I just overhear you say that you
would like to go across the lake in
canoe? I'd be delighted to take you
over" Hazel was very confused, but
managed to stammer: oh! If you-u
only would l c-could n-n-ever thank
y-yOu enough" 1t seemed to the girl
seated in the bottom of the canoe boil
stored by numberless pillows, TO be the
most wonderful trip she had ever
taken. She glanced up at her silent
companion quite often.
She could not help admiring his won
derful physique and open, manly face.
He was so different from the young
men she had known.
The ride was over all too soon. AS
he helped Lei to alight he said: Il
forgot to introduce myself before.
Somehow / didn't think 1t necessary.
am Bruce Benton, and l am stopping
for the summer at the 'Owaissa' cot
tage. I hope you do not consider me
En1 fn fob hn rfu Of
home. May have permission to call
some eveningT'
Hazel told him Gail the while blush
ing prettily) that she had enjoyed the
ride immensely and would be delight
ed to have him call.
Her mother, on meeting Mr.. Benton
next day, was satisfied that he was
fit companion for Hazel-just the kind
of young man she should have liked
to have for a son.
The canoe ride that evening was fol-
lowed by many, many more, and be-
fore the summer was over Hazel wore
a beautiful ring on the third finger of
her left hand.
"DO you know, DEAR" said Mr.. Ben
ton one day as they flew swiftly along
the blue, ripping water, "why cared
for you from the very first? 1t was
because you were so different-be-
cause you were just a bit o,d-fash-
ioned." And Hazel the happiest girl
In the whole world, was glad that her
mother had brought her up as she
had.