The Farmington times. (Farmington, St. Francois County, Mo.) 1905-1926, 1921-03-18

glass to look at the back of her hair.
II do wlsh,' adjusting hair pin,
"that you would take more interest In
yourself, dear. You've slumped ever
since your engagement"
mot really?' protested Maize.
Eyes, really. Why, then you were
the most chic Of anyone in our set
Your dresses-do you remember that
yellow one you wore to the military
ballT"
"Frederick didn't like it, I remem-
ber."
"No, l can imagine that Frederick
didn't. He doesn't like anything that
draws attention away from himself. l
hate him and always did, even before
you were engaged to him."
"Tm not engaged" said Maize slow
ly, "any more"
mot engaged? What's the trouble,
dear?" and Betty's arms went swiftly
about her friend.
"Why, we just decided that we
wouldn't be engaged any more" STAN
mered the girl.
1--WE did? And when did we decldeT
questioned Betty sternly.
"Juct this afternoon"
"But you haven't been out of your
ROOM" objected Betty.
81 know; but I've been thinking
things over and l thought 1t best"
"You little wretch! You never
thought 1t up at all. You aren't that
kind. You're too scared of hurting
peoples feelings. Frederick did itr'
proclaimed Betty triumphantly.
Maize produced the letter for Betty
who perused it, frowning as she read
81 wonder why he insisted on having
the ring? It's my opinion that he's
after that rich Miss Adams" said
Betty. "I'll make him sorry for it, but
it's the best thing, Maize, that's hap.
pened for long while. Bob will have
a chance now. I'll see to that my
self. I'll return the ring"
II have something for you, Freddy
said Betty, when she found Frederick
and Miss Adams seated in hammock
at the party that evening.
"Can't you guess what it isf' she
held both hands behind her, and sud
denly Frederick became alarmed.
"Did you want to see me aloneT
he questioned anxiously.
Cant you guess who sent it, thenT
she queried; but Frederick did moi
dare reply and Miss Adams suddenly
exclaimed, why, it's diamond ring
See it sparkle!"
EYES," said Betty, dropping 1t IL
Miss Adams lap. Miss McGrath re
turns it with her compliments to MIR
Newhall and wishes to terminate hel
engagement"
When the noise of Betty's little
heels had ceased, Miss Adams handed
the ring to Frederick and rose from the
hammock.
"You know, Of course, that | knew
nothing of your engagement. / an
somewhat of a stranger here and hat
not heard" And the man was lef
alone gazing at diamond whose beau
ty did not cheer him in the least.
Meanwhile Betty was busy telephon
ing to Bob Hastings to come to the
party.
"Tll be there. You can count OF
me-" Bob assured her over the phone
That evening, early in the night, {
disgruntled man carried his empt,
schemes and himself up to his room
Early in the evening, too. Bob i'm
proved his opportunity.
81 understand you have broken you
engagement, he said, glancing al
Mazie's unringed fingers.
''Yes, we had so little in common
that 1t seemed best to terminate oul
engagement"
"Then will you marry me, Maize?
never knew until your engagement
was announced that loved you" Hi
hand touched that little left hand
naked Of jewels, and the thrill of tina
touch inspired him to take her In hi
arms.
''But do l love yon, Bob? You've al
ways been friend, the best bo.
friend ever had, and I missed yol
so much when you didn't come an.
more. Is friendship Iove?" and sh'
gazed wonderingly into his kind eyes
ats near relation If It's the kint
have for you dear"
Tum, tum, tie, tum, tie, tum peaIet
the organ and Maize shlvered in he
bridal satin as she entered the church
Il can't do 1t. shall cry or some
thing her frightened senses told her
Then through the haze OF expectan
faces, she saw him waiting for her, an,
all the panic, the uncertainty subsidized
for she knew that whatever the futur,
might hold, she would be happy witt
the man she loved.
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