Union County courier. [volume] (Elk Point, Union County, D.T. [S.D.]) 187?-1913, 1897-06-24
ing into the gardens? I was just be-

the knee of his tlannels.
well, l couldn't help 1t, you know
But you did know. didn't you?"
II did not said Mrs. Romer. IL
ha&n't the least idea. And l can't TN
derstand-''
I'm awfully sorry-really." said Els.
worth.
| Mrs. Romer watched him in silence
| for a few moments as he plucked at
the knee of his fannels. Then her
brow wrinkled little. why are you
so sorry?" she asked.
| Because I'm sure you are angry;
now aren't you?"
| Mrs. Romer reflected rubbing the
handle Of her parasol gently against
her cheek
We'll. you see" she said. after a
! pause. "after all. didn't know"
But supposing you had known"
said Ellsworth. looking suddenly up ut
| her.
1T would never have happened"
| said Mrs Romer, firmly.
There was silence for Il few moments,
| Ellsworth looking moodily across the
| river to the towing path. where the
townsfolk stood to view the races. and
undergraduates were hurrying down
| to run with the boats. Mrs. Romer
looked retlectively at Ellsworth.
Il don't think it was very nice Of
you. Mr.. Ellsworth" she said. ito do
to do that sort Of thing without my
knowing it. Why did you do it,"
There didn't seem to be any-any
other way" replied Ellsworth. Then.
meeting Mrs. Romers eyes, he said:
But you needn't laugh at man. It's
rough"
I'm not laughing" said Mrs. Romer.
I'm very much annoyed"
But You said you weren't angry"
said Ellsworth.
lyon haven't told me why you did
it, said Mrs. Romer. And there's an
other gun. That's the start. isn't it?'
Il couldn't help it," said Ellsworth.
Don't you see, when man sees you
every day-talks to you-and-and all
that, doesn't it stand to reason. Vi
udy cdlI you Won't!
Certainly not" said Mrs. Romer;
''why. I'm old enough to be your moth
er-very nearly"
80. rot! said Ellsworth. you look
awfully young and-and jolly"
Mrs. Romer shook her head
Il put my complexion on every morn
ing" she said.
Il don't believe it," said Ellsworth.
"And dye my hair" continued Mrs.
Romer.
II don't care" said Ellsworth.
"And I'm married" said Mrs. Ro-
mer.
Ellsworth returned to the obdurate Bit
of fluff on his knee.
Il suppose" he said, slowly. that
does matter" Ellsworth looked I'D
straight into Mrs. Romer's eyes. You
are laughing" he protested ITS
beastly rough on chap"
The shouts of the spectators on the
banks. On the barges, and in the boats
grew in volume; a bell clanged-thc
signal from the bank that boat was
within humping distance of another.
Excited men tore along the towing pa tn
with rattles. and shouted the names of
their colleges in encouragement as the
Fights came up the course. But Els
worth heard none of these things. lie
heard only the laughter that dubbed
from the lips of Mrs. Romcr
80. you absurd boy! she said.
There! Exeter has made 4 bump, and
you haven't even cheered.'
II wasn't thinking of the races" sail
Ellsworth. "A man doesn't think of
things like that when he's
I'VE ought to be getting back" said
Mrs. Romer. as she watched the ei.l.s
padding back from the winninS-post
to their respective barges.
Ellsworth unmoOred the punt and no.
gan punting upstream. After n stroke
or two he stopped. and trailing the pole
In the water behind him. said. II SUD-
pose l mustn't come and see Won
now
why not:" said Mrs. Romer. ~
was hoping to see lot of you when
you came up to town-or down. YOU
call IT, don't you?"
"You mean it," said Ellsworth. .'Be.
cause. Of course. should be-only the
thought perhaps-after what has ham,
pened--''
What has happened"
Il mean-after last night, and and
what I've said to-day-but l couldn,t
help it. you know, but thought Won
might find it little awkward NV meet
ing"
20! there's Dick on the barge, said
Mrs. Romer. She waved welcominr
parasol, and lifted straw hat on t,e
Exeter barge identified Mr.. Romer. Els
worth punted alongside, and was forth
with introduced to Mr. Romer.
Mrs. Romer held Elswortl's hand =
moment at parting
You mustn't" she said. take Il too
seriously-what ! said"
You mean-about-about mindin~r''
NO" laughed Mrs. Rolner. about
my hair. and SO on. Good-by. We
shall see you in town."
"(vnn6 -JnAly J,o1 =