The Owosso times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1897-1926, 1921-07-29

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bowl. Ross looked at her wondering
ly as he helped her carry the cheese
and other things she had found in the
fcebox 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 It.
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 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 1t is just as well now
that / did" When Ross insisted on
remaining indoors to help. Lizzie,
smilingly. waved him away. mo, in
deed" she said, you couldn't do a
thing. You would just be In my way"
in such peremptory style, and again
he looked at Lizzie wonderingly. Most
girls would have seized the Opportu-
nifty to have long talk with him.
Twice during the afternoon he left the
crowd cOasting on slick track and
sneaked back into the kitchen to see
what he could do, and each time Lizzie
pleasantly but firmly urged him to 60
A heavy snow set In by nightfall,
and 1t 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 a nice
French fry, but Lizzie smiled Mona
Lisa smile and went serenely on her
way.
For the last night they had planned
a big dance, 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
mine!" she urged. you'd look so
well In It,"
That's right nice of YOU" said
Lizzie. "I'll be delighted"
1t Is surprising what properly
coiffed hair, bit of artistically ap-
piled rouge and lip stick can do, not
to mention the simple elegance Of
gown with perfect lines. BY no means
did Lizzie emerge from grateful hands
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 little glass Of elderberry
wine. II wish to propose a toast" he
said. ITO the most capable girl
ever knew, Miss Lizzie Wilson! May
she live long and never be far away
from mel" 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 on Don
Rodgers, who was rushing Lizzie out
rageously, and whlrled her out into
the hall. He picked up fur coat |
from the console table and wrapped 1t |
closely around the girl. Then he
pulled on his own coat, and opening
a door cautiously whisked her through |
1t out into the cold, crisp air Of Feb |
ruary night.
Lizzie's hand went to her breast. |
you're awfully kind to offer this,
this wonderful pendant to me. 1t was |
your mothers, 1 know, ani-and |
there's only one person In the world |
who really ought to have It."
THAT person has 1t, the girl love,
the girl l want for my wife," said |
Ross very tenderly. His voice shook
Even his big square hands were trem-
bling on her arms. 81 love yOu," he
gravely. "Oh, Lizzie,
love you so. I don't know how to tell
you" This from the eloquent Ross
Reeder, who had made love fluently. |
and POLITICALLY to girls ever
since he wore Fauntleroy suits and
soft bow ties "Can you learn to love
ME, just little?"
Lizzie Wilson's head was swaylng
yiddily toward his shoulder. He
caught her in close embrace.
You're the only girl I ever asked to
marry me-" he declared honestly
to lie about his many loves
ut that great moment Of his life.
He announced their engagement
that night, announced 1t proudly with
a ring In his voice and a happiness
in his eyes that none of his old flames |