The Lamar register., 1919-09-17

tneTleS IOr Etheiyh. h'S nieSb""
q the contrary. was increased during
their separation.
Within a year Charles made good
In q real estate ONCE In Grand Rapids
and decided the time was come when
he could provide for q wife. He was
apprehensivs, however that his sweet
hearts apparent neglect Indicated &
lapse in her love.
"She's forgotten" he told himself
and referred again to her last letter
which seemed rather cold"
But Charles was desperate. BY an
effort he suppressed the timidlty thai
gripped him and wrote letter which.
though 1t consisted of only few lines
contained volumes. 1t read:
Let's elope, Eth. I'm well fixed
now. It's the only way to do it,
Come to Grand Rapids on the 3 10
train Thursday and Wen do the deed.
Let me know by telegram If you'll
come"
The next day he had all he could do
to remain at his work In the office.
Every time q messenger boy entered
Charles heart pounded Ike pile
driver. Finally a blue-coated lad up
preached the desk and Charles signed
with a trembling hand. The message
was:
I'm be there"
So they were married and took up
their abode IN a hotel for honey
moon OF one week. Charles could not
rat . 10 ri al
that they had better save their money
anyhow.
They were considering the dispatch
of somewhat defiant letter to their
parents when there came q knock at
the door OF their room. Charles an
swered II and a bellboy ushered In Il
lady and gentleman.
The newlyweds were taken aback.
but Charles mustered enough courage
to put his arm around his bride, re-
solved TO stand up to the intruders
like a man.
whats the meaning OF thisf cried
the young groom's mother as she swept
Into the room. That's what i want
TO know" Erowied Mr.. Ramsdeil. fol
lowing her. glare on his counte-
nance.
Charles spoke up bravely.
"It means we're married. that's
what. VIII you congratulate us7"
The scowl left Mr.. Ramsdell's face
and q smile took Its place.
well, young man. you haven't .
thing on us. We're married ourselves
your mother and t.
Charles and his bride stood speech
less. dazed by the news.
why - er - what - how's that 2"
Charles finally stsmmered. 81 thought
you didn't like each other because OF
Ethelyn and me-"
Mr.. Ramsdell laughed heartily and
his wife Joined him.
ITS very simple" he explained
"You see. know human nature. and
] fIed II up with your mother to have
you and Ethelyn get married. I knew
you wouldn't do II II we urged II.
and was confident you would do II II
we objected. It's natural for young
folks to be that way.
"Besides. we wanted to give your
affection for each other a test. Leven
went 10 iar Is 10 lnttrtrpt -fNfThl VI
the letters you wrote to Ethelyn. in
order to make your love the stronger.
II was a mean thing to do. but all's
fair in love and war. and-well. is
there anybody who could conceive Of
this being war;"
He reached into q grip which he car
ried and extracted a pack of letters.
bound with a rubber band.
Here's some letters that belong to
you. Ethelyn." he said. handing them
to her. 'T only stopped them; didn't
read them. There's only one | lid
read. and that was the special delivery
In which you were invited to Grand
Rapids TO your own wedding. You
were away when II came. so l signed
for II. steamed open the envelope. di-
gested Its contents. then sealed II up
again. Then ! decided II would be
nice to have a double wedding. and
Charles mother agreed. We came on
the same train with you. but kept out
OF sight In the next coach. WIN you