Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1921-07-07

contents of several tin cans and fruit
was scrubbed and piled in big silver
bowl. Ross looked at her wondering
ly as he helped her carry the cheese
and other things she had found in the
icebox and stOreroOm. - -.
"YOu had better find out whether
or not the other girls can cook" she
told Ross when luncheon had been
duly praised and devoured.
A light snow was falling and the
crowd, standing In groups at the win
dows, was planning to get out into 1t.
Ross crossed the room to speak to
them, then came back, shaking his
head negatively at Lizzie.
"Oh, well, I'll manage" she told
him quietly. There is a mountain
woman here who can wash the dishes.
I'll cook and in some measure repay
you for my intrusion. May made me
come. Perhaps it is just as well now
that I did" When Ross insisted on
remaining indoors to help, Lizzie,
smilingly waved him away. mo, in
NNNht SilC ouAut you NOulul uO q
thing. You would just be In my way"
Now Ross had never been dismissed
In such peremptory style, and again
he looked at Lizzie wonderingly Most
girls would have seized the opportu-
nifty to have a long talk with him.
Twice during the afternoon he left the
crowd coasting on a slick track and
sneaked back into the kitchen to see
what he could do, and each time Lizzie
pleasantly but firmly urged him to go.
A heavy snow set in by nightfall,
and it was impossible to get servants
there as soon as Ross had expected,
and for three whole days Lizzie baked
and basted, brewed and boiled. The
gallants who had so ungallantly
wished her off on their suffering
friends few days before begged for
the privilege of holding her wraps,
fastening her skates or even peeling
the much-despised potatoes for nice
French fry, but Lizzie smiled Mona
Lisa smile and went serenely on her
way.
For the last night they had planned
big dance, a full-dress affair. Just
before dinner one of the girls who
really appreciated Lizzie's hard work
decided to show her gratitude. Let
me do your hair tonight and loan you
that little white georgette dress of
minew she urged. You'd look so
well in it."
That's right nice of you" said
Lizzie. "Pll be delighted"
1t is surprising what properly
coiffed hair, a bit of artistically ap-
piled rouge and lip stick can do, not
to mention the simple elegance of a
gown with perfect lines BY no means
did Lizzie emerge from grateful hands
a real beauty, but Lizzie was wonder
fully improved. There was something
different in her manner, too. No long
er was she the shy, little town girl
whom May had dragged into the din
ing room a week before. She walked
with head up and an air of conscious
power.
When dinner was over, Ross rose
and lifted a little glass of elderberry
wine. II wish to propose toast" he
said. ITO the most capable girl
ever knew, Miss Lizzie Wilson! May
she live long and never be far away
from me" Then he left his place and
| going around behind the girl slipped
something around her throat
The girls leaned forward impulsive-
ly, with common interest stretching
their eyes. One of the Reeder heir
| looms, a cameo set round with dia-
monds, was glistening on Lizzie Will
| sons breast.
An hour later Ross broke in or Don
Rodgers, who was rushing Lizzie out
| rageously, and whirled her out into
the hall. He picked up a fur coat
from the console table and wrapped it
closely around the girl Then he
pulled on his own coat, and opening
door cautiously whisked her through
it out into the cold, crisp air of Feb
ruary night.
LlZzie's hand went to her breast.
you're ,awfully kind to offer this,
this wonderful pendant to me. 1t was
your mothers, / know, and-and
there's only one person in the world
who really ought to have it,
THAT person has it, the girl I love,
the girl want for my wife," said
Ross very tenderly. His voice shook
Even his big square hands were trem-
bling on her arms. II love YOU" he
whispered gravely. "Oh, Lizzie,
love you so. don't know how to tell
YOU This from the eloquent Ross
Reeder who had made love fluently,
beautifully and POLITICALLY to girls ever
since he wore Fauntleroy suits and
soft bow ties. Can you learn to love
me, just llttle?"
Lizzie Wilson's head was swaying
I giddily toward his shoulder. He
caught her in close embrace
you're the only girl l ever asked to
marry me-" he declared honestly
scOrning to lie about his many loves
at that great moment of his life.
He announced their engagement