Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1900-11-07

had turned, he saw her ascending the
Steps of the second house, handsome
stone residence on the west side Of the
street
Then Rupert's courage wilted again.
He turned and walked up the street.
He wheeled about and came back. He
couldn't give up that precious nickel.
He walked to the house in which
he had seen the charming young wo-
man disappear, and boldly ascending
the steps pressed the bell button. A
neat serving maid answered the sum-
mons. rupert felt in his pockets. He
hadn't a card with. him.
IL wish to see the young lady of the
house." he said.
The maid looked at him sharply.
Something about his appearance must
have softened her heart.
"Come in," she said, "and will call
Miss Leslie. What name, please"
1.-THE name" replied Rupert, sis Of
no consequence. Tell her gentleman
desires to see her for moment or
two" And he wondered at his own
boldness.
The maid disappeared, and almost
Immediately handsome, elderly lady
with motherly look came into the
room.
"You wished to see my niece" she
inquired, with rapid glance that took
in the callers general appearance. Ru-
pert slightly flushed. He bowed and
heSitated.
II came on a somewhat peculiar err
rand" he stammered. eff your niece
is the young lady whom saw entering
the house a few moments ago, she is
the person wish to see"
"My niece entered the house few
moments ago." said the elderly lady,
''but she is at the present time engag-
ed. | infer that you are a stranger.
Can you tell me the nature of your
business?'
II have come, madam" stammered
Rupert, who was finding this ordeal
very trying indeed, 81 have come for a
nickel"
The elderly lady looked astonished.
81 would not infer from your appear
ance," she said, that. your circum-
stances could be $3.50 straitened."
| Rupert wiped his forehead.
You misunderstood me, madam" he
said 81 am not asking charity. II
simply want to exchange nickels with
| your niece"
"How very extraordinary murmur-
ed the old lady.
at is, indeed" said Rupert, and he
wished himself at the other end Of
Ohio. In fact, he was just about to
bolt through the hall door when with a
little swish of drapefy the young wo-
man he had seen on the car came into
the room. Somehow her appearance
called back Rupert's oozing courage.
He paused and faced her with bow.
"Will you kindly listen while l ex-
plain this intrusion?" he asked Then
| he hurriedly added: Il sat next to you
/ on the car this afternoon. In handing
the conductor my fare l inadvertently
| gave him nickel that | value very
highly. 1t was the gift of dear friend
now far away. This nickel the con-
| ductor gave you in change. | saw and
recognized it as it dropped into your
hand. | have come here to beg OF you
to permit me to redeem it," He paus-
ed, and the ladies looked at each other.
ct is quite an extraordinary story"
said the young woman, and Rupert
| heard her voice for the first time, and
a charming voice it was.
"Just what remarked" said the
aunt.
"Just what am prepared to admit"
said Rupert.
ut might, of course, be true" said
the young woman.
at might" said the elderly lady
doubtfully.
ut is" said Rupert. He gathered
himself up again. If you will take
the trouble to look in your purse, you
will find the proof"
II will look said the young woman.
cit will necessitate my going up stairs"
She turned in the doorway. did you
say your name was on the coin"
NO" said Rupert; "there is only a
cabalistic sign on it."
She turned again.
"Will you be seated, Mr.. -" She
paused expectantly.
"Pratt-Rupert Pratt" replied the
young man. "Thank you" And he sat
down AS he did so a lightning glance
passed between the ladies. And then
the younger lady disappeared.
"There was one thing in your favor"
said the elderly lady, with friendly
smile. "Lena, our maid, never admits
suspicious looking strangers. The fact
that she let you in is greatly to your
credit"
Rupert laughed,
ut may be to my credit" he said,
"and yet have never been prepared to
admit that there was the slightest sug-
| gestion of suspicious character IN
my general appearance. At the same
time l will acknowledge that l have
felt during the last quarter of an hour
as much like confidence man as it Is
possible for an innocent youth to feel"
And then the young woman reap
4 peared.
''It is too bad" she said, "but just as
was entering my room my purse drop
ped to the floor and scattered the coins
in every direction. Your nickel must
have hidden itself with great care, be-
cause failed to find it,"
Rupert hastily arose