Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1904-02-18

wells family had always been rlcn-
that is. since Il few years before he
was born. Consequently he was not
quite SO intense in his manner as Miss
Phipps. He was surprised to see Miss
PhippS enter the drawing room touch
ing the corner of her eye with a dainty
lace handkerchief. He looked at her
with wondering sympathy.
Poor, dear Toinetter' said Miss
Phipps she's gone"
Gone? Where? Run away? Lost?"
TO heaven"
Then there's no use Offering a re-
ward"
Poor. dear little thing! How she
suffered
May l not beg your acceptance of
another?
WHAT" asked Miss Phipps, lower
ing her eyes.
Dog"
.Oh. no. 1 couldn't. 1 can never put
another dog in Toinette's place
DO, Think what comfort it would
he to have pet just like your. lost one.
What breed was TOinette?"
"A Queen Charles"
"Ah, yes ! remember"
Papa wanted me to have a heavens
terrier. but l preferred Queen
Charles"
"A heavens terrier. Is that a new
breed"
oh. no They're usually called sky
terriers, but that sounds too doggy, you
know"
Il see. Pardon me-" He took a bit
Of cambria from her hand and wiped
tear from her cheek.
"A pearl What is there in one of
these little drops that goes straight to
the heart?"
Il don't know said Miss Phipps.
with sigh.
so you give me permission to send
you Queen Charies:"
She sank upon Il dozen pillows that
were scattered on a divan, and he sat
down beside her.
"Oh. it's too soon. l can't-not yet.
Some day perhaps I'll be able to en-
Irvine my broken affection about an
other pet. but not now-don't ask me"
But what will the poor little ten
drills of your heart Go i'll the meantime
for something TO cling to-"
Il have papa and mamma"
They are of Il different generation"
my brothers"
They are always either at their clubs
or dancing attendance on girls who are
not their sisters
"Oh. dear. where shall turn for
comfort:"
You can accept my offer"
'Oh. yes. l forgot. l am so grieved
that / don't know what we are talk
ing about. And you really think l
can take hold of a new love-"
Il did not know that
The dog. Don't forget what She
colored slightly and looked hurt.
Forgive me. l had no thought to
pry into your affairs of the heart. You
are weeping again.
Il keep thinking OF the dear little
thing ali the time. ! can't withdraw
my thoughts from her for moment"
''IOu must have an object. When |
bring you the dog that object will be
provided. In the meanwhile
Il might be thinking of YOU" She
looked up Sidcwise at him through her
tears like Il little bird expecting Il ca
reSS
If you can bc happy thinking of me
you will Kill two birds with one stone"
How"
We will both be happy"
Well" she said. after thoughtful
pause. I'm wondering if l can accept
your offer"
''You can; you will, 1t will be de- |
voted 10 you. 1t will be Il companion
for your drives. your walks Ii will |
cherish you as the dearest thing on
earth. In summer. when the evening
shadows are long. it will stroll with |
You from your seashore home down to !
where the waves roll in winter. when
you are fatigued with balls. parties. |
the chatter of Il heartless world, it viii |
read TO you some sweet poem
Read TO meg
He had bent forward till his lips al !
most touched those Of the girl languid- |
ly reclining on the pillow. The break !
he had made would be best atoned for |
by pushing on. Il offer you
"A queen. Charles:''
Something better. though no more |
worthy of you. offer you my heart. |
my hand. my all. Dear little girl, let |
me console you"
will you make me forget Toinette?' |
Il will try TO make YOU forget every /
one but me. One thought for even 1
bird. butterfly. and shall be jealous !
shall claim you all-yOur beautiful /
hair. your liquid eyes and, above all. !
those two rosy
1t was impossible TO speak with his /
lips pressed upon hers. but touch is
a better means of commu-
nicating than sound.
Never" she said TO a friend the 4
next day. would 1 have accepted him
so suddenly had he not taken advan-
tage of my desolate feelings at the loss
of my dear Toinette''
OLIVIA c. MORTON.