Belington progressive. [volume] (Belington, W. Va.) 1912-1927, 1923-09-27

you can have just what you want
for all your meals, providing what you
want won't hurt you; and you can go
just where you want to. providing 1t Is
good place to 60.
You can have party and invite
just whom you want, or you needn't
have a party at all. 1t is the one day
In the year when you are to have
things all your own way" she told
Bobby.
1t had not been easy to. din into the
little five-year-old mind just what Hor-
tense meant, but when Bobby did
grasp the idea he waited in joyous ex-
pectation. So he made his plans and
until the morning of the 18th he re-
fused to tell his aunt what they were.
For breakfast Bobby wanted to eat
on the best dishesn--the few pieces
OF green glazeware that constituted
Hortense's afternoon tea set. and he
wanted to eat sitting on the floor. His
aunt had also to sit on the floor. Thus
far his wishes were simple and mex
pensive.
Now said Bobby. jumping up and
down with glee as Hortense washed
up the dishes after breakfast. "Now
the party's coming. You don't know,
do your"
'sNo," assured Hortense.
Are you sure?" quizzed Bobby.
Didn't he tell you really and truly?
told Doctor Blair he mustn't say
one weeny word about it to you.''
Doctor Blair?" asked Hortense.
what has he got to do with the
party?'
Bobby giggled and danced absurdly.
Hortense would have tried to force
further explanation, but the bell Of
their little apartment door rang.
Quickly she went to the door, opened
1t and there stood face to face with
Doctor Blair.
do you want me?" she asked with
alarm.
Are you ready for the party?"
asked the doctor, ignoring her ques-
tion, and then, as he saw Bobby.
Come, now, Mr.. Bobby, you said
you'd be out to meet me. But it's all
right. Pop into your things and wen
start right Off that suits you, Mr..
Bobby"
Hortense protested and tried to get
an explanation, but the doctor gave
her but five minutes to dress for the
street and then fairly carried her ana
Bobby out of the fiat down the stairs
into comfortable and roomy car that
was waiting at the curb with spick
and span chauffeur at the wheel. Bob
by, Hortense and the doctor sat to-
gether in the back
where shall we go?" Doctor Blair
asked Bobby before giving his direc-
tions to the chauffeur.
Way out West" ordered Bobby.
"Out where there are Indians"
The doctor stifled laugh and looked
seriously into Bobby's face. Eve won't
be able to see any Indians, but well
go just as far West as we can in one
morning and then IL you want to see
Indians we can go to the Hippodrome
this afternoon: They have real Indians
there"
But how did you know 1t was Bob
by's birthday2Ha asked Hortense, with
difficulty covering her intense embar-
rassment.
Bobby told me-" said The doctor.
He said you told him he could do just
what he pleased and that what he
wanted to do was to have picnic with
me along. So | suggested the car and
then we said 1t would be surprise
for you"
But where did you see himy' asked
Hortense.
"Oh, happened to be at his school.
One OF the boarding children needed
me and asked to see Bobby and he
told me all about it,
but we can't go-it was very rude
OF Bobby" stammered Hortense.
But you promised Bobby you'd do
anything he wanted on his birthday"
insisted the doctor, and SO there was
no alternative for Hortense
So they went as far west as the
morning would permit. lunched at
country inn and came back In time to
see the Indians. It was on the home
ward trip from the Hippodrome when
Bobby had fallen to sleep between
Hortense and the doctor that his hand
slipped over that Of the little nurse
as 1t rested on Bobby's shoulder.
'Maynt we go on--sharing Bobby
as we have today 2" ha asked looking
eagerly at Hortense. not at Bobby.
You know I've been in love with you
from the first :
How could / have guessed it?' she
asked in surprise, and then, as the
doctor looked pleadingly In her eyes
"And this was the birthday Bobby
planned. suppose he wants me tot"
Coal In the Congo.
A valuable find for the future Of the
Belgian Congo is the discovery of