Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1921-04-07
CUPID ALIAS BILLY
BY WILLIS GRAY,
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20. 1921. by Mcclure Newspaper syndicate.)
If Marjorie's thoughts as she deftly
cut out and pasted crimson hearts to
lacy backgrounds wandered far from
the work in hand, Billy and his little
sister We're none the wiser. Tomorrow
was Valentines day, and she had
agreed to help them make the proper
offerings to lay at various shrines
among their schoolmates.
As matter Of fact, Marjorie was
grateful for any occupation that kept
her from seeking the seclusion of her
own room and having a regular good
cry. One doesn't have q perfectly
splendid fiance go out Of ones life
every day, metaphorically slamming
the door behind him-and all over
nothing.
Over and over in her mind revolved
the events CT the previous evening.
Bruce had arrived half an hour later
than usual. She had demanded the
reason for his tardiness-in fun. He
had refused to give any-in fun. And
beforethey knew 1t they had regular
sized quarrel on their hands.
Bruce had maintained that for her
/ to insist showed she didn't trust him.
She had held just as stoutly that the
fact that he didn't tell her argued that
the reason was one he knew would dis
please her, and the only one that would
displease her would be connected with
some other girl, and so-oh, 1t had all
been so silly, until the last, which had
been tragic.
Bruce had risen and remarked
coldly that he was going home and
would come again when she sent for
him. Marjorie could hear herself now
saying in unutterably naughty tones
that never under any circumstances
could she conceive it possible that she
would even think of such a thing
Bruce had departed by way of the
front door. Marjorie had gone up
stairs, remorse already battling with
dignity.
With sigh she brought herself back
to the present. "What shall l put In
for a verse?" she asked.
"oh, anything" said Billy, offhand.
Make up something with lots of the
silly stuff that is usually on valen-
tines.
In the space left for them beside an,
over-plump cupid shooting very large
arrow at very small heart, Marjorie
carefully penned the lines.
II love you dear,
For you are mine,
Oh come and be
My valentine I"
Thanks" said Billy, gratefully,
sits rather mushy, but you might as
well write the same one on them ALL"
So over and over Marjorie printed
the little verse until the short Febru-
airy day was swallowed in the twi-
light.
Wen stop now, kiddies." said Mar
jorie. "Put them in their envelopes
and I'll mail them In the box at the
corner"
Now, the corner where the mail box
stood was also the corner Bruce passed
on his way home from the train.
So accurately did Marjorie time her
trip to the corner that the last of the
bunch of childishly scrawled envelopes
had slipped irrevocably in and the lid
closed with click, when she heard be-
hind her the familiar step. and turn
ing, raised her eyes to meet the I'M
smiling ones of Bruce. Afterward
she remembered that he had looked for
moment as II he wanted to stop. But
he had merely raised his hat politely
and walked on. And Marjorie, the
words of contrition halted on her lips,
had started after him in sorry dis
may.
That evening Marjorie left the liv-
ing room for the reception room where
she usually entertained Bruce.
Suddenly, the front door opened, and
the draperies parted to admit a smil-
ing eyed young man who advanced
with outstretched arms into which
Marjorie straightway went. Bruce"
she whispered, at was lovely for youx
to give in!"
"Give inl" he cried, "who wouldn't
give In after that adorable little invi-
: tation. Why. you darling, l was ready
to come anyway, but after getting
that"
Marjorie detached herself from his
embrace. Getting whatf" she asked
coldly.
"oh, know 1t by hearty he began:
Il love you, dear,
For you are mine,
Oh, come and be
My valentine
Marjorie was silent for the space Of
a whole half minute.
'That-awful Billy" she said. HE
must have sent one to you"
Sweetheart" said Bruce, softly,
ARE you really sorryf"
Marjorie looked up at him.
Moo" she said hesitatingly,
then emphatically: mo, I'm noti"
weren't we silly geese2" whispered
Bruce over her dark hair. "The rea-
son was late was"
Don't ever tell mel" cried Mar
jorie. putting soft hand over his
mouth.
And he never did. But considering
that II was only matter of missed
train, 1t was Of no Importance, any.
way.