Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1904-02-29
DAILY SHORT STORY
At Sisconsett Point.

renewed effort" And she had so
hoped that her tutoring during July
would end her summers work. Girl
like, she yearned for some real yaca-
ton days.
| But if she was to return 10 college
the third week in September there
was much yet to be done. Her slen-
der incOme-for Marion was an orphan
would barely pay her way through
her last year at college, with its at
tendant commencement festivities and
| expenses. II she drew on this income
for vacation jaunt. if she even stay
ed in town at an inexpensive board
ing house, there would be u shortage
before the end OF the college year
She rose and walked weariIy TO the
open window. Would it pay-this
struggle to get her degree? And aft
er commencement day, what! Year
after year in a schOolroOm, Was it
her sphere? Would she become old
and dun colored and silent like Miss
Haines, who had taught algebra dur
| ing the freshman term?
To drive such thoughts from her
mind she picked up the morning pa
per. her eye falling on the help wanted
column.
Wanted-Next Monday, 100 neat, BUSH
Good wages; reasonable board The Sis
| consett Hop Growers Company, Slscon-
| sett, n. Y.
Good wages: reasonable board"
And the climate and scenic attractions
of Sisconsett drew hundreds of sum-
mer visitors each year.
why nOt:" she murmured. 1t would
not be vacation exactly. but it would
| fill that awful gap until the third week
| in September. So she went downtown.
! with her head held high. but her heart
| sinking. To buy dark calico for two
working dresses. She made them at
| home through the kindness of her land
lady, who not only loaned her the ma
chine, but fitted the waists. 1t was
when she was finishing the low turn
over collars with a bit of strong lace
that his letter came.
She had not expected to hear from
him, and yet she was not surprised.
| There had been moments in the lab
| oratOry which had set her heart beat
ing oddly. but then she reasoned that
his interest was due to the fact that
she was one of the best scholars in his
| branch.
Yet his letter stated distinctly, II
will stop off in New York to see you if
only for few hours"
She looked at the heading of the let
| ter. He was at Cape May. There
would be time to let him know that
she was leaving town. And leave she
must before he came. What would
he think? Marion Bridges picking
hops. Her cheeks burned crimson and
her hands trenDled as she snatched
! up her sewing. She would leave at
once. even If the picking did not be-
| gin for another week. Board was rea-
sOnable.' and she would get breath of
fresh air and rest before beginning the
work. She knew she could never keep
the truth from him if they were face
to face. She wrote II brief note:
So sorry that 1 will not be in town next
| Monday. 1 am just leaving for Siscon-
sett on a little vacation. Wishing you a
very pleasant summer. yours sincerely.
! MARION BRIDGES.
1t was at the end of her first days
work. and she walked with the long
line of chattering girls to the weighing
room 10 get her credit slip. A man
in loose fiannels was checking off the
list. He started, flushed slightly. then
! smiled and held out her slip.
1t fiuttered for an instant in her fin
gers. then fell to the ground. With 4
white face and frightened eyes she
bent down, picked il up and hurried
out of the office
He found her sitting on ledge over
looking the river The rising moon
cast an incOngruous silvery sheen over
her prOsaic working dress She had
intended 10 change her frock every
night after supper But what was the
use: Nothing seemed to matter now
that he had seen her in that line Of I'M
couth, i'll hammered girls. He sat
down beside her. kindly looking across
the stretch of trees slOping To the
noisy little river instead OF into her
eyes. which bore traces OF tears
II see you have found my favorite
spot already This is my third season
here. you see, and l know every pref
~ nook and Granny about the place"
II suppose you are studying sociolo-
gy?' Then she added YEARLY. Well.
you ought to see it in many phases
here"
NO" he replied quietly. Il am here
solely for the sake of the wages. My
salary is not large enough 10 support
nay mother as she has been accustom-
Ell to live. and l usually hunt outdoor
work 10 rest my mind and build up
my body during the summer"
Marion looked straight into his eyes.
How small you must think me TO
have pretended that was taking va
cation when /, too, need the money"
He smiled tenderly and reached for
her hand. NO. it is one Of the things
l have admired in yOu-that faculty
for making the best of things. keeping
the best foot forward. II is so much
better than repininS for the things
you cannot have and paradinG your
troubles and disaDpointments before