Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1921-02-24
Waiting Years
BY VICTOR REpcLIFFE
I9. i9gs. Western Newspaper Unionl

MA Boyce. as she and Virginia Tracy,
her fellow.stenographer in the Office
Of Rudd Mowbray. stood guard
edly looking past the half-open door
of the inner Office OF which Miss
Marcia Duane was In charge.
MIR. Wo0dson is certainly very
nervous, II not sgitated. Just watch
him. Alma"
The object OF their curiosity was
certainly restless. IL nothing more.
Everybody about the office liked
Vincent Woodson and there was a
reason for IT since he was at peace
with himself and all the world. and
sought 10 brighten the destinies OF
all with whom he came in contact.
Only month previous WOodson had
left the service OF Rudd & Mowbray.
by whom he had been employed for
over five years.
The wonder OF II :" friend had
said. "Woodson is the kind OF man
who sticks TO position even If II
Is not the most lucrative in the world.
! guess the oracle. though"
"What Is that?" was inquired.
Miss Duane He has been asking
her TO marry him for the past two
years and could never bring her To
the point OF acquIescence. The fact
Is while not ambitious at thirty. Miss
Duane looks at the practical side OF
life. and | am told has insisted thar
hax 70 hnr oil
paid for before she will consent 10
give up a surety-earning her own
living"
And that is why Woodson has
changed his position, In the hopes OF
earning better salaryT'
"That only. for he misses being in
her company every day"
All this was true, and now after a
brief lapse OF time early one morn.
ing before the office had settled down
To duties for the Cay WoOdson had
appeared, grOomed as IL for ban
quet and looking exceedingly pros
porous He was truly nervous. for his
fate would depend upon what Mis-
Duane might say upon this. the most
auspicious occasion of his life. For
he had come with a purpose. She
must at once decide 10 become his
wife. or he would abandon the dream
Of the years, and sink into dsap
polntment and despair.
Miss Duane read something very
new and animated in the honest face
OF the man she respected and es
teemed as she entered the Office. II
lacked FIVE minutes Of time TO start
work. Woodson pointed 10 a chair
and trlfe fluttered Miss Duane sank
into IT.
You have something to tell me7~
she said.
Yes" nodded Woodson nervously.
land ! hope It Will please you. !
have fallen heir 10 a little estate
Marcia; have a home to offer you
at last. VIII you accept IT,"
His voice was anxious and un.
steady. As 20 herself slightly
heightened color crossed Marcia's
~. Woodson had extended photo.
graph of a tree and bush environed
cottage. humble enough. but with a
wealth of floral beauty surrounding
II. A passing shade OF disappOint-
ment was expressed In the eyes of
Marcia. but as she regarded the earn
est longing face OF this sincere, true.
hearted man who had waited for her
and loved her patiently. Loyalty
through the years. she placed her
hand I'm his own.
as 1t all your own?" she asked.
yes mine. and something better
Dare ! hdpe?"
ITS settled" cried Alma Boyce
gleefully.
"Yes; guess there is no doubt that
we shall soon have wedding,
sald Virginia with rapt anticipation
II was two months later when the
ceremony TRANSFERRED Alma and Nir
ginia were invited. Miss Duane had
given up her position. The girls
were asked 10 accompany WO0dsou
and Marcia TO their new home.
II was fifteen miles from the city
and the wedding party started out IN
automobiles. They knew they were
nearing II as the pilot machine SLOWED
up. II was before the cottage depict
ed in the photograph.
ut is charming" pronounced Mar
Gin. and yei II was more diminutiv'
and modest than she would have pre-
ferred.
ooh. this IL only the gardeners
lodge" said Woodson with affected
lightness Of tone. and he FASTENED 81
10 come In view Of grand mansion
IN the center =. the estate. Z"
wished 10 surprise you This Is on
real home"
"You do not mean--
THAT the fortune ] have Inherited
Is n very substantial one" answered
Woodson. at Is all your reward 10
waiting for me. for loving me. 70
greeting the humber sphere that
q first presented"
II was . grand climax TO an auspl
cious day. As TO Virginia and Alma
they experienced one thrill Of deligh
after another, as they accompanies
the happy bridal pair about the idea
-. 10, had hacomo their own