Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1922-03-25

man. but called messenger and soon
her reply was III John Miles hand
ANY answer he asked mechani
cally.
mo, sir. l guess not Miss Marchand
didn't say so" replied the boy.
Miss Marchand" Mr.. Miles waved
him away and opened the letter. He
read II over, spread the two dainty
sheets on his desk. bending over them
as II solving puzzle. Benny and
Harold's conversation came TO mind.
Benny" he called. His momentary
rage was chased away by Il happy
smllc-should Benny he chastised or
canonlzed?
what did you boys DO with your
April fuollshness? Write any lettersf'
"a few" admitted Benny, search
ing his fathers non-cOmmittal face.
"why. pop?"
ITO Miss Marchandy asked his
father. with an effort smothering his
desire 10 laugh like boy, "and who
clsp?"
That's all we signed your name 10
'cept the washwOman. tellin' her she'd
lost our shirts. but called her on
the phone and told her April fool.
Miss Mnrchand knows by now that
It was only April fool for she's got
the other one" explained Benny cas-
ually. His father gripped him by the
shoulders and. In Il voice that made
Benny tremble, demanded, "What
other letter.
"Why the one that said 'Ha! Ha
April foo" =" whmpered Benny.
John Miles never punished In haste
He pushed Benny out OF his room and
shut the door. "Of all the lmps Of
Satan commend me to boy. Poor
dear Chatty-I wonder II ] can beat
the postman out theref" Selling his
hat he hurried out. stumbling over the
penitent, frightened Benny. Hesitat
Ing an instant he took his hand.
Come. son. we've got 10 undo the
mischief you young rascals did"
on the way out Benny was left to
his anxious thoughts Arrived at their
destination. he was told to sit Oh Il
bench in the yard till called. and his
father insistently rang the bell. To
the maid who denied him admission.
declaring that Miss Marchand could
see no one. he said. please tell Miss
Marchand IL is John Miles and shall
remain TIL | see her"
After II cruel wait Il little rustic an
nounced her coming He sprang up.
advancing to meet her She had been
crying. All" he said. pityngly. you
poor darling; then you did get that
horrible letter and despite her ef-
forts to prevent il he took her In his
arms and she sOhhcd ON his shoulder.
IL was 500 ashamed John. 10
think | was in such a hurry to ac-
cept," and she hid her face. crying
piteously. lie petted her. kissing the
tumbled hair The laundering years
fell away; they were young. He AS
Sured her that he was only waiting
these five years 10 get enough courage
10 ask her and the imps Of boys pre-
cipltated the matter. The culprit Is
Vbt VI hVPiSs NMttAitthits what oiaih
we do with him.
'The Angel Bring him I'M" de
clared Chatty happily.
So PENNY was called IN and pre-
scented TO Miss Marclland. his friend
the lady with whom he might live
some day II they grew to like each
other Then he was taken into the
yard and introduced 10 more pets
than he had ever seen together. A
wonderful cocker spaniel. kittens.
chickens and a real talking parrot
Say. pop Benny whispered. long
after he had been told 10 go 10 sleep
and not utter another sound till
morning, don't YOU suppose we could
move out there tomorrow. Sattldy-
there's no school"
What. and be hoSsed by step
mother?" chuckled his father.
saw shuckS. pop. she amt step
mother. she's nice enough 10 be
feller's real mother II she had
chance. An amt she pretty" Sigh
Ing contentedly. he dropped of to
sleep. 70 dream of the happy days
they were all To have In the Marchand
cottage