The Marietta journal. (Marietta, Ga.) 1918-1944, 1920-06-11
A BRIEF
! TELEGRAM
By VICTOR REDcLIFFE

Madge, wondered why. 1t was con-
tinuance of regular visits made when
her younger sister Aida was there.
Madge was thirty-two, confirmed
spinster, and never for moment al
lowed herself to imagine that Robert
had any peculiar interest in herself.
''He acts lonesome, mother" she OBJ
served. II always thought he and
Aida were mutually attracted, but
Aida never mentions his name In her
letters and do not think they are cor
responding"
Aida Burrows had been the life of
the house with her sprightly, interest
ing ways. 1t was her beauty and pop
ularity that had depressed Robert PEN
well, who felt that she was not likely
to favor him among a train of adj
mirers. He was deeply in love with
her, but had never dared to tell her so.
That last evening when Aida was at
home Robert had in his pocket letter
he had written, telling all. There were
great many of her young friends
present and he could scarcely count
upon being alone with her, but she
was most friendly towards him.
It reposed there now, two weeks
after the departure of Aida to Chester,
where she was to teach little country
school. He cherished the privilege of
calling upon the other members of the
Burrows family, all Of whom thought
good deal of him. Madge was kindly
and sympathetic. More than once Rob
ert had been on the point of making
her confidant, anS Madge herself sus-
pecting the situation, was ready with
pleasing smile to encourage him, but
his holiness oozed out before he
reached a definite action.
One evening Robert arrived at the
Burrows home to find all Of the mem
bers of the household absent except
Madge. She invited him in with her
usual cordiality, but half APOLOGIZE
cally.
81 am In the midst of some special
work, Mr.. Penwell," she said, indicat-
ing dozen or more little parcels on
the table done up in tissue paper, each
one having a card attached. Beside
them was a large, stout pasteboard
box. Perhaps you will help me in my
packing. You see, next Tuesday is
Alida's birthday, and we of the family
are sending few little presents"
Robert was delighted to assist in a
function that had Aida for its aim and
end, and told Madge so. 1t was quite
pleasant task and hour for him.
While Madge sorted the packages as to
size, he placed them snugly in the box.
and when they had finished their task
and had spread several sheets of tissue
over the top, she retarded his intention
of setting the cover In place.
wait just a moment, please" she
spoke. Il want to put in a few of
Alida's favorite flowers. The pansies
are in lovely full bloom and she will
treasure them greatly"
She left the room and Robert was
alone. The thought that it had been
his privilege to touch gifts that would
soon be in the hands of his one and
and of a sudden suggested an auda-
cious thought. Why not send the let
ter? What better medium than these
offerings from the family? What bet
ter opportunity for its favorable recep-
ton than when her emotions would
naturally be tender and graciousl
Robert drew forth the letter and
slipped it under the top layer of tissue
just as Madge reappeared. She spread
out the pansies she had gathered,
placed the cover on the box, then en-
cased 1t in wrapping paper, tied 1t with
string and addressed 1t.
lesMAll ready for shipment" she an
n6uhted in a pleased, satisfied way.
would you mind walking with me as
far as the express office, Mr.. Pen
wellT"
Robert was nervous, fidgeting, alter
nately filled with hope and fear when
they returned from the stroll suggest
ed. He felt that the juncture was mo
mentous He did not sleep that night
and the days following were passed in
anxiety and suspense. The first eve
ming of the following week he called at
the Burrows home.
II hope your sister was pleased with
her birthday gifts" he finally ventured
timorously.
1.-THE ungrateful thing" declared
Madge in simulated temper. "She act
ually had the audacity to write me
back that she would not even open the
box until / redeemed my promise to
come and see her, You see, did
pledge myself to be with her on hei
birthday, but couldn't arrange to &c
until next week"
"And then-yes, I see, l see," muir
INJURED Robert in so extraordinary 9
fiutter that Madge regarded him won
deringly. you'll open 1t together
that is 1t, isn't 1T Tiff" he STUN
BLEED on--"you find--that is, IL I an
vncpfionnd ynu'll hiring mo word won