The diamond drill., 1922-02-24

company-st perhaps the distance OF
half a block-with Albert Paxton and
Sadie Clews. though Ramsey now and
then felt disgraced by having fallen
into this class; for sometimes It was
apparent that Albert casually had his
arm about Sadle's waist. This allured
Ramsey somewhat, but terrified him
more. He didn't know how such mat
ters were managed.
Usually the quartet had no destlna-
tion; they just went "out walking"
until ten O'Clock, when both girls had
10 be home-and the boys did, too,
but never admitted H. On Friday eve
nings there was public open-aIr con
cert by brass band In a small park.
and the four were always there.
Mllla hung weightiIy upon his arm,
and they dawdled,- drifting from one
side OF the pavement 10 the other as
they slowly advanced. Albert and Sa-
die, ahead OF them called good night
from A CORNER. before furniffg dowrf The
side street where Sadie lived; aud
then, presently Ramsey and Mllla
were at the latter's gate. lie went in
With her, halting at the front steps
well g'night, Milla." he said.
want 10 20 out walking tomorrow
night? Albert and Sadie are"
Il can't tomorrow night she told
him with obvious regret. Isn't Il the
worst luck got an aunt comm 10
visit from Chicago, and. she's crazy
about playing Five Hundred. and
mama and papa said | haf TO stay In
20 make four 10 play Il. She's liable
10 be- here three or four days, and |
guess got to he around home pretty
much all the time she's here. It's the
worst luck :"
He was doleful. hit ventured to be
literary. well. what can't be helped
must be endured. I'll come around
when she's g6heH -.--.r.--v-,--eN
He moved AS II TO depart. but she
still retained his arm and did not pre-
pare 10 relinquish II.
We'll" he said
"weI what. Ramseyr
"well--gnlght"
She glanced up at the dark front
Of the house. II guess the famIly's
gone to bed" she said absently
Il s'pose So"
We'll, good night. Ramsey" She
said this. but still did not release his
arm. and suddenly, In nuster he felt
that the time he dreaded had come.
Somehow, without knowing where. ex-
cept that II was somewhere upon what
seemed 10 be blurred face too full
of obstructlng features, he kissed her
She turned instantly AWAY In the
darkness. her hands over her cheeks :;
and In a panic Ramsey wondered II he
hadn't make dreadful mistake.
"S'cuse me :" he said, stumbling to
ward the gate. "well, guess got
10 be- gettin' along back home"
lie woke In the morning TO great
self.loathi.g; he had kissed girl.
Mingled with the loathing was a curl.
Gus pride In the very fact that caused
the loathing. hut the pride did not last
long lie came downstairs morbid 20
breakfast. and continued this mood
afterwnrd. AZ noon Albert Paxton
brought him note which Mllla had
asked Sadie 60 ask Albert 20 give him.
"Dearie: am just wondering n
you thought as much about something
so sweet that happened last night as
did you know what. think II was
the sweetest thing. | send you one
with this note and hope you win
think IL ls a sweet one. I would give
you real one II you were here now
and | hope you would thnk II was
sweeter still than the one I pu, IN this
note. II Is the sweetest thing now you
are mine and am yours forever kIddo.
II you come around about friday eve
II will be all right. aunt jess will be
gone back home by then 30 come early
and We will get sade and Alb to 20 70