New Britain herald., 1924-09-10

 this offer has made me just the happiest woman in the world and l feel eyer so proud to be able to consider myself en- gagged to the man love with all my heart:
 It has all been very disturbing, but can see that it will be easier for all con cerned now I have made up my mind trust that the past with all lts dreams will be forgotten and that we snau still be friends. Just MAvIS. D ONALD took the blow as . sportsman lG should There 1t washer answer-in black and white, plainly telling him that she already was engaged, He scarcely stopped to ask himself why Mavis had not given him an inkling of her intention to accept Pat and so have ended the matter without prolonging the suspense. But the puzzle did flash through his mind, and 1t made him just little angry with Mavis. It made him feel that she was playing with him and it hurt his pride. But the very hurt helped him in his resolution to pass out of the lives of the two who, on the evidence of the fateful letter. were now betrothed. He had long experienced desire to travel and sec the world. In travelling he could learn to forget. In few days he would be on his way leaving his successful rival with a field free of embarrassment. And, consoling himself with these rehections' nc scribbled note to Pat, which ran:
 Dear Pat:
 l have lost.
 | wish you the best of luck.
 RONALD:
 P. S.-As an afterthought, am in. closing her letter I don't know whether by so doing I am acting strictly witnm the rules of the game, but l can't help feeling that perhaps you would like to sec how whole hearted Mavis is--in your favor. n'
 As Pat read the two epistles his shaken faith in women was reborn in him with new and astounding vigor. Certainly, for A moment he wondered why Mavis had not written him the glad news direct, but now he saw why she had not done so.
 She was waiting his coming that very evening, to tell him with her own lips! Joy untold welled within him at the thought. He would go to her earlier than usuai--so now, just as he was. TIER letter once posted, Mavis, instead of II sensing feeling of satisfaction that the whole perplexing problem had been set tied once and for all, gradually became prey to haunting doubts. In the light or calmer reasoning on the morning after the dance. her decision in favor of Ronald Bar foot did not appear to have been sufficiently we'll considered
 All day Mavis fretted all day she weighed in the balance the qualities of the two men who had wooed her and the gifts of happi- ness which each could shower upon her. Momentarily she expected Ronald to come triumphantly to claim her. And when finally she heard maid admitting q caller she. WAS sure that it was he. All undecided how to receive him, she waited.
 But it was Pat who strode proudly into the room and hastened to her side. There was gladness in his eyes and his arms were flung wide to receive her. She felt bewil- dered and was conscious of intense sorrow for him. Of course, he did not know-yet. But he must know now, know that she had accepted his rival, and she must tell him. "~~NfN'N
 But how?
 She turned away her head AS he neared her. but he interpreted the movement as a pretty and natural display of maidenly mod esty. Now his strong arms were about her and he was showerng kisses upon her scented hair. In his embrace she felt won drously secure: he was so strong and he seemed to understand If only she had accepted him, how happy she would be at that moment, instead of which once more she had to shatter that shining pin nacIe of happiness-forever
 Very gently she disengaged herself and, still looking away, she began:
 "Pat, dear, hate myself for having to hurt you, but-but I've must not-give way like this.
 But why, dear?' he asked, looking at her queery. Haven't you made me the bappiest man in the world9''
 It was her turn now to look perplexed
 "Pat-what do you mean? How have made you happy? I have told you nothing. meant to have written to you--to have spared you-this!
 He took her hand and held it in both of his, while with tremulous joy he asked her:
 What does that matter? You have given Ron his answer and-well, dear, I learned the glad news from him. He was the first to congratulate me and, good fellow, he sent me your letter as proof of his good fellow. ship"
 Not yet could Mavis face him. It was difficult enough, without that, to speak nat urally when she asked:
 My letter? Oh, of course. Have you got the letter nowf"
 ''Why, yes. Here it is, and he brought it from his pocket.
 May I see it?" she asked.
 She took it from him and by the light of ( rose shaded lamp she scanned it. And then 1t was that, turning the pages hurriedly, she read the letter as Ronald and Pat had read it-as a lettr rejecting Ronald's suit and telling of her love for Pat. The thing was there, beyond argument.
 When she had numbered the pages fate had guided her pen, giving to the letter meaning totally different from what she had intended at the time, but which, miracu- lously, exactly reflected the promptings of