The Banner-Democrat. [volume] (Lake Providence, East Carroll Parish, La.) 1892-current, 1902-03-08
PEGGY'S KNIGHT.
BY WILLIAM FORSTER BROWN.

c>>~>>~>
After having alternately leased and
petted his neighbor Peggy since the
Gays OF their mutual babyhood, Jack
6arstow awoke one evening in Mrs.
aheinharts conservatory to the as.
sounding fact that she had grown up,
and that he was head over heels in love
with her: and, manlike, he made an
immediate mess of things. Hence the
little note in Peggys handwriting
which he had read until he could al
most repeat its contents backward
Dear Jack" it said, please forgive
me for being angry with you last night.
think the music and my new dress
1t was a dear, wasn't it?-must have
turned your head little. You are not
In the least in love with me-that is.
not in the way you think; the idea of
suddenly falling ip love with your old
comrade whom you have known ever
since she wore short clothes is posi-
lively too funny.
Don't get grumpy now, because l
won't be absurd enough to think you
are really serious; but when you have
smoked your after dinner cigar, and
become my usually serene-minded Jack
again, come over tonight and take me
to hear SembrIch. I've got tickets.
'P. S.-Of course like you, but not
In the way you mean; for lucknow,
don't get wrathy-it's all very well
for ones dear cid chum to golf and
yacht and play at being a lawyer, but
my husband must do different things
than those-things for which I shall
reverence him as l do those knights
who were always. ready to strike
blow for the weak and helpless without
thought of self. We have robbed too
many orchards together for me to see
any halo of romance encircling your
head, you old goose"
That's just like Peggy" said Jack,
contemplating his Office table detected
ly. Expects q fellow to be a sort of
modern Sir Galahad, rushing around
Staying impossible dragons. 1t isn't
my fault that I'm not a wonder.
pulled every wire I knew to get out
VI SHiShdudu6d anu ~ W tuc llOul,
but l couldn't work 1t, and I can't
~rag people in here to be clients. What
can do?"
The empty Office offering no sugges-
ton, Jack grasped his hat, and light
ing the CONSIDERABLY suggested cigar,
departed filled with gloom.
His quick, athletic stride carried
him swiftly up Washington street, and,
needless of his course, he turned in
stinctively into Temple place, prelim-
mary to the shortest cut across the
Common that led to Beacon street
and Peggy. He would not wait until
evening.
AS he rounded the corner he collid-
ed sharply with small newsboy rush
ing in the opposite direction. who.
yielding to superior force, shot head
long into the gutter, his papers flying
broadcast over the muddy street.
With quick swoop Jack seized his
luckless victim and set him on his
feet. Excuse me-" he said gravely,
to the small boy, Il am very sorry"
The diminutive boy dug his. grimy
fists into his eyes to conceal the tears
and said, with a gulp: I'D orter seen
yer coming"
Jack stared down at the much be-
freckled face. He had expected a vol
ley of recrimination such as he had
heard from small newsboys before;
then, perhaps on the principle that
misery loves company, Jacks heart
warmed to the small boy.
Look here youngster," he said sud-
denly, Ibid you ever have a real bang
up dinner-turkey and cranberry sauce
and f1xings? No? Well. come along;
you're going to have one now. Never
mind the papers: I'll buy 'em. And
by the by, chappie, since we are going
to dine together, what's your manner"
Mike" answered the boy-"Michael
Sweeny."
The head waiter started forward
with frown at the muddy and dilap-
idated figure Of small gamin who,
with much are air of a suddenly
trapped young fox, was preceding Mr..
prieties and appetizing odors, of spot
less linen and shining silver.
IT'S all right, Barnes" said Jack,
'the boy is with me"
Turkey said Jack to the impas-
sive faced waiter; much turkey. and
cranberry sauce. and pie-unlimited
pie"
Jack stopped abruptly, flicker of
red creeping into his cheek.
From the table behind had arisen the
murmur of feminine voices, ending in
a perfectly audible exclamation:
Positively indecent" said the voice,
ito allow that dirty little street arab
in here; there are places, should sup
pose. more fitting than this for prac-
ticing that sort of charity. i really
believe l shall speak to Barnes and
have him sent out"
Jacks jaw set grimly. He hoped
the object of 1t would not understand,
but the boy rose hurriedly and reached
for his cap. Street life sharpens youth
full eyes and wits.
OH uo"H, youHsStef, JACK cOm-
manded; "nobody's going to hurt you,"
and rising. he turned toward the oc-
cupants of the table.
Madam" he said. with grave DELHI
eration-Jack Barstow was famed for
his manner-'T beg you will accept my
assurance that this young man. whose
unfortunate appearance is due In part
to my carelessness, has shown by his
demeanor that he has the soul of a
gentleman; also. madam, he is my
guest"
mr.. Barstow," she said, charmingly.