The Meridian times. (Meridian, Idaho) 1909-1938, 1919-07-04
MILLYS TANTRUM
BY J. S. BROOKS

mlration cleaning from his honest
gray eyes.
Then catching sight Of his good
natured smile, she snapped:
II just hate people that never get
angry-just smile, smile"
That remark deepened the smile on
Neil Burnson's CHEEKY face.
"But Milly, If you knew how exas-
peratingly pretty you look in one OF
your, him !--tantrums. II you keep
on"
.1Tantrumsl It's honest to goodness
disgust and indifference to any fattery
you give me-"
"As was saying" resumed the Inn
perturbable youth, IF you don't stop
looking so aggravatlngly charming
why, shall be compelled to take you
in my arms"
That's just what I'm trying to make
clear to you. You have done that for
the last timel Here, there's no use to
prolong the scene"
Milly stepped nearer, and snatching
the ring from her finger, she crushed
1t down into his hand.
Her companions eyes clouded a lit
tie as he answered:
II say, Milly, aren't you carrying
your little farce too far! It's only
trivial thing and you know it.
Farce, indeed Neil Burnson.
There's another thing. You needn't or
der those flowers for me; I'll telephone
myself"
Then the fellow that never got
mad said hastily:
"See here, young lady, the next time
order any flowers for you, you'll wear
them. And when you want that ring
you'll ask for it. Good-by."
And Neil was off. He didn't see the
girls face pale, he was too angry to
catch sight of her outstretched arms.
Why Milly Clayton should drop into
chair and burst into tears when she
had accomplished the thing she de-
sired, was mystery.
Half an hour later Milly called up
the florist and made him promise an
early delivery. She must have them
early.
A picture the girl made In her SHIN
mering party dress of pale green. 1t
set off the healthy pink in her face,
and her wavy brown hair, and her
brown eyes, still emitting defiance that
but gave sparkle to the portrait.
She gave pat to the silky folds of
her dress. then looked at the clock.
Eight o'clock, and no flowers have
come! And I've patronized that florist
for so long time. I'll just leave him"
she pouted.
She looked down at her girdle where
the flowers ought to be resting. Then
her glance travelled to her left hand.
How queer 1t seems with mo
ring. But a girl can't wear every
thing" she argued inwardly. "Oh, it
seems $3.50 lonesome-my ring and
him gone"
She looked In her mirror and began
to study the radiant reflection in it.
Perhaps / was too quick, and child
per-haps-I-was," she drawled.
"If I'm old enough to be society
woman, I'm old enough to have a little
patience with Neil. He's such boy !
Besides, do miss my ring and him."
A loud peal at the doorbell startled
hsr.
There's the flowers. I'll go myself"
She trlpped down the stairs, and
turned to open the door, and there
stood Neil with box of flowers.
The girls face lighted unconsciously.
The young mans heart beat faster.
why, Neil Burnson didn't tell
you not to-engage-"
Neil threw out his hand.
when a young lady, ones own
fiancee, "-Milly's head lifted defiantIy
-"orders me on the telephone to bring
her flowers early, / obey" He ended
with low bow.
"But telephoned to the florist" ex.
planned Milly.
You thought you did, dear girl: but
your numbers got mixed. SO here | am
ready to escort you to the party" and
the shameless fellow calmly led the
way to the living room.
Milly went over to the window, and
with her emotions in tumult stood
looking down the street.
Her companion produced from hi,
pocket little figure of Cupid, which
he placed on top of the telephone GOV
ering.
J The girl with troubled eyes stlI
gazed streetward.
Neil next took the ring and hung /
on the tip of Cupld's arrow. Then h,
called:
!. Come Milly, look at your Lowell
: flowers. The girl turned slowly, caurh
sight of the ring sparkling it's wei
, come, and with little quivering slgI
she cried out:
"oh, my dear, darling ring Nv
missed 1t sow And she eager,
snstched 1t from its place. Then sb
looked at Neil, who tried his utmos
to conceal the mischievous twinkle !