Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1905-07-13
CHAPTER II1.-(continued.)

CHAPTER III.-(Continued.)
"Oh, never wondered ABOUT my
overcoats. The tailor did the wonder
ing But I wish l could go on living
here just as before. I'd heap rather
live here than at that gloomy place on
the avenue"
THAT sounded like the things you
used to say when we played in the
garnet. You'd heap sooner do this
than that. don't you remember?"
That's Just why I'd rather live here,
Peggy. Last night fell to thinking Of
tina. old garnet, and hanged if some
thing didn't come up and stick in my
throat 80 tight that l wanted to cry.
How long has it been since we played
up there? Yes, and how long has it
been since 1 read Oliver Optic to you,
lying there in the garnet window while
you sat with your back against the
wall. your blue eyes as big as dollars?"
".Oh, dear me, Monty, it was ages
ago twelve or thirteen years, at
least" she cried, soft light in her
eyes.
I'm going up there this afternoon to
see what the place is like" he said ca
gerly. "And, Peggy, you must come
too. Maybe 1 can flnd one Of those
Optic books, and we'll be young
again
"Just for old times sake" she said
impuisively. you'll stay for luncheon
too.''
"I'll have to be at the-no I won't
either. Do you know, was thinking l
! had to be at the bank at 1890 to let
/ Mr.. Perkins go out for something to
eat? The millionaire habit isn't SO
firmly fxed as 1 supposed" After a
moments pause, in which his growing
seriousness changed the atmosphere,
he went on haltingly, uncertain Of his
position, 'The incest thing about hav-
Ing all this money is that-that-we
won't have to deny ourselves anything
after this" 1t did not sound very tact
full, now that 1t was out, and he was
compelled to scrutinize rather intently
a familiar portrait in order to maintain
an air of careless assurance. She did
not respond to this venture, but he felt
that she was looking directly into his
sorely tried brain. We'll do any
amount of decorating about the house,
and-and you know that furnace has
been giving us lot Of trouble for two
or three years. he was pouring out
ru,hlessly when her hand fell gently
ca his own, and she stood straight and
tl:l before him, an odd look in her
,cs
"Don't-please don't go on, Monty"
she said very gently, but without wa
reling. Il know what you mean. You
are good and very thoughtful, Monty,
but you really must not"
why, what's mine is yours he be-
gan.
Il know you are generous, Monty,
and know you have a heart. You
want us toto take some of your mon
ey." 1t was not easy to say it, and as
for Monty, he could only look at the
floor. I'VE cannot, Monty, dear. You
must never speak Of it again. MAN.
ma and had a feeling that you would
do it; but, don't you see, even from
You It is an offer of help, and 1t hurts"
Don't talk like that, Peggy" he I'M
plored.
1T would break her heart IL you Of
fered to give her money in that way
She'd hate 1t, Monty. 1t is foolish, per-
haps, but you know we can't take your
money"
II thought you-that you-oh, this
knocks oil the joy out Of itv' he burst
out desperately.
Dear Montyr'
Lets talk it over, Peggy. You don't
understand" he began, dashing at
what he thought would be break iii
her resolve.
"Don't!" she commanded. And in her
blue eyes was the hot fash he had felt
once or twice before.
He rose and walked across the floor,
back and forth again and then stood