Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1920-09-16

rear platform Of the last coach OF a
train, which was moving from a sta
ton. The gangling youth stood on the
platform, a forlorn-looking object, and
Clare's eyes filled with tears as the
train carried her out of sight.
Clare sighed, and took from a drawer
of the table letter which she opened
and read Her mouth took on visit
full expression and her eyes glistened.
Mrs. Hendricks hustled into the room
an hour later and found Clare busy
at her easel.
"Have you decided. dearie?' she
aked. "Have you chosen?"
II have At our little party tonight
you will announce my engagement"
"To Mr. Seldom" breathed Mrs.
Hendricks hopefully.
Glare shook her head.
''Pm not telling you who it is to be.
You will know no sooner than the
others. When you get ready to make
the announcement I will slip you a
folded paper containing the name.'
Mrs Hendricks looked disappointed,
crestfallen
''By the way" said Clare, "a boy
from my old home town is coming to
see me today-and he's going to be a
guest at the party"
Mrs. Hendricks lips framed a re-
monstrance, but an idea struck her
and she exclaimed.
"That's good idea. 1t will be some
thing novel; he'll furnish some amuse-
ment and be no end Of fun. Is he an
entertainer"
eyes, he plays the violin; not like
Mr.. Seldom, but he plays we'll, in his
own peculiar way"
All was ready for the party except
that Clare and the newly invited guest
were absent Mrs. Hendricks told Mr..
Seldom and Mr.. PontellO of the treat
that was in stOre-a selection by rus
tic violinist, and also that Clare's
choice of a husband would be an
nounced Both Seldom and Mr.. Pom
tella looked hopeful.
Presently Glare entered, followed by
a young man. The latter's face was
not unattractive, in spite Of the deep
tan and freckles peeping through it.
IntroductiOns followed and soon din
ner was served. Then the evenings
impromptU entertainment began, Mr..
Seldom opening with the very latest of
classical selections Sam Hilton, the
newcomer, looked in awe and stared
helplessly at the battered violin case
he had logged in with him.
Mr.. POntellO sat at the piano and
rendered masterpiece in skillful fash
ion, and encouragement displayed it
self on Mr.. Hilton's countenance.
"Now, Mr.. Hilton, will you favor
u.s." Mrs. Hendricks asked.
The person addressed rose awkward
ly, opened the violin case and took out
a sad-lOoking instrument. He placed
it to his chin, frightened the bow and
applied it to the strings, and then his
arm began to shake and his legs to
tremble. A moment later he braced
I'D, his arm became steady, his legs
stiffened, and the strains Of Home,
Sweet Home" began to sound in the
ears of the assemblage. Their laugh
ing ceased and their faces grew grave
as they listened Clare actually cried.
When the program came to a close
Mrs. Hendricks, at sign from Glare.
rose with a smirk, coughed and be-
gan:
"Friends, this is a most suspicious
occasion, for Miss Clare is to announce
her choice in matrimony, or, rather,
I am to announce it for her. SO
hereby make known her engagement
! to"
Clare slipped folded paper to Mrs.
Hendricks, who opened it and read
aloud: "Mr Samuel Hilton of Clear
brook"
Then Mrs. Hendricks gasped, seemed
tC choke and sank daZed into the near
est chair.