The Brattleboro daily reformer. (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1913-1955, 1920-02-20
A BRIEF
TELEGRAM
By VICTOR REDCLIFFE


spinster, and never for a moment al
lowed herself TO imagine that Robert
had any peculiar interest in herself.
He acts lonesome. mother size Oh
served. Il always thought he and
Aida were mutually attracted. but
Aida never mentions his name in her
letters and Go not think they are cor
responding"
Aida Burrows had been the life Of
the house with her sprigh:ly. 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 train of aG-
mirers. He was deeply in love with
! her. but had never dared to tell her 50.
That last evening when Aida was at
home Robert had in his pocket letter
he had written, telling all. There We're
a great many of her young friends
present and he could scarcely count
upon being alone with her, but she
was most friendly towards him.
1t 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 a
good deal of him. Madge was Kindly
ard sympathetic More than once Rob
ert had been on the point OF making
her a confidant, and 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 cordiahty, but half APOLOGIZE
caIIy.
81 am in the midst of some special
work, Mr.. Penwell." she said, indicat-
ing a 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
8 box. Perhaps you Will help me in my
packing. You see. next Tuesday is
. Alidas birthday, and we of the family
are sending few little presents"
Robert was delighted TO assist in
h function that had Aida for its aim and
n end. and told Madge so. 1t was quite
a pleasant task and hour for him.
+ While Madge sorted the packages as to
d size, lie 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
II Of setting the cover in place.
II wait just a moment. please" she
III spoke 81 want to put in a few of
II Alida's favorite flowers. The pansies
II are in lovely fun bloom and she will
II treasure them greatly"
II She left the room and Robert was
II alone The thought that it had been
his privilege TO touch gifts that would
soon be in the hands of his one and
~ only love, had kept his senses thrilling
~ and of a sudden suggested an auda-
I cious thought Why not send the let
or ter? What better medium than these
re offerings from the family? What bet
or ter opportunity for its favorable recep-
ne ton than when her emotions would
re naturally be tender and gracious?
Robert drew forth the letter and
slipped it under the top layer of tissue
ne just as Madge reappeared. She spread
nd out the pansieS she had gathered
re placed the cover on the box, then en-
he cased it In wrapping paper, tied it witt
no string and addressed it.
"All ready for shipment" she an
IT. nounced in a pleased. satisfied way
tie. would you mind walking with me a
,xt far as the express Office, Mr.. Pen
till well?"
TO- Robert was nervous, fidgeting alter
." nately filled with hope and fear whei
"s they returned from the stroll suggest
ak ed. He felt that the juncture was mo
no meatous He did not sleep that nigh
ny and the days following were passed il
om anxiety and suspense. Tie first eve
in ming of the following week he called a
ms the Burrows home.
'pe 81 hope your sister was pleased witt
b. her birthday gifts" he finally ventures
all timorously.
1.-THE ungrateful thing" declare'
err NIadge in simulated temper. "She act
dis ually had the audacity to write m'
ers back that she would not even open TIT
nts box until l redeemed my promise 4
Il !. come and see her. You see. | III,
'i pledge myself to be with her on he
in birthday. but couldn't arrange to =
if. until next week"
-ed "And then-yes, l see, | see" mnr
me INJURED Robert in so extraordinary
nd flutter that Madge regarded him won
: deringly. You'll open it together
III that is it, isn't it? If-if-" he STUN
ION bled on-'you fnd-that is. if | al
nd. mentioned, you'll bring me word, won
it'll you? must really 60. only Steppe
wn in to ask if you had heard from Aid
Il mean Miss Burrows"
After that Robert Penwell countc
the hours. Everything was now in til
-. hands of fate and soon he woul
a. know ''the worst" He dared not hop
the for the best. Two mornings later