Montour American. (Danville, Pa.) 1866-1920, 1905-07-06
Three Roses and
Another
BY JOANNA SINGLE

DR.. John Durham knew what he did
not want. He could also instantly REQ
ogni2e what he did want when he saw
It. These traits had been Of use 10 him
tn working his way through college,
through medical school after that and
into a flourshing practice now two
years old.
In love as in business II was the
same, only the girls he had thus far
met We're undoubtedly the ones ne did
not want Or Johns black gray eyes
were always on the silent quest Of an
unknown girl the thought Of whom he
did not appear. He was thirty two and
beginning to think he had missed her
and was deciding to devote his spare
time entirely 10 rose culture when the
no longer expected happened.
In September he went, with a col
league, Frederick Mayne, NJ. D., TO
medical convention In St Louis. Seat
ed at the formal banquet, he looked
up, just across the table, at her! And
then he seemed TO have always known
that she was small and blond, with
the sweet delicacy Of a pink tea rose,
that her head was poised like flower
and that breeding and courage showed
In every feature and gesture.
Instantly the thought OF her as his
mounted TO his head like wine, and his
look met hers with an intensity that
made her eyes droop. He turned cool
ly to Mayne beside him and said in
low tone:
Look carefully at this ring on my
finger, and don't glare up. want 10
ask question. Who is she"
Strangely enough, Mayne knew who
"she" was.
Dean Carrolrs daughter, Rose" he
replied Then as they both looked Up
carelessly he continued, Il may as well
tell you that shall try TO get her.
Choking back a senseless anger, trying
to realize that Mayne had as good
right to want her as he, Durham an
swered quietly:
And | may as well tell you that you
have me to work against. l shall do
my best"
At the reception following John Dun
ham accosted his old professor, Dean
Carroll, shook hands and asked:
Doctor, please introduce me TO your
daughter"
Certainly, my boy-with pleasure
But and the old man laughed-"I
warn you"
Its everlastingly too late, doctor.
All I ask Of you is not to tell her l
wanted TO meet her and TO praise
me to her" The serious eyes Of the
young man checked the old mans
smile.
Upon my soul! / believe you're in
earnest"
II warn you that am" Dean Car
roll looked DR. John Durham over
carefully from head to foot. Then he
held out his hands.
81 wish you luck" he said slowly.
You're as open now as you were dur
Ing the four years knew you at col
lege and in your success since. Your
tactics are worthy OF general and
victory. Come along But perhaps
you'd like me first to suggest TO her
that you're n dangerous character
John laughed contentedly.
Better that than encomiumS."
Rose Carroll met her fathers old pu-
oil none the less graciously because he
was tall and strong and because the
heavy. dark hair framing his handsome
face was touched with gray. In fact.
he was so interesting that she met him
with an armor of protective resistance
beneath her graciousness. She was
used to easy victories over her admir-
ers. but not anxious, though she was
on the alert, for her own Waterloo.
There was time enough for that.
John began well. While deferenttal.
he was not adoring; while entirely ap-
preciative, he was not insistent In Ills
enjoyment of her society, which he
accepted with a sort OF seemingly tran
silent spirit of camaraderie that plqueo
her a little. Several times during the
evening he drifted carelessly back near
her and watched with amusement
Mayne's breakneck endeavor to make
use OF his time 10 impress his rather
ponderous personality upon the girl
Dunham asked permission TO call ne1'
day.
He did call and was carelessly enter
oh " Il
his real self, speaking OF his youthful
adventures In the west, OF his roses al
home and leaving a sort OF an impreS
sion that he was man into WHOSE llfe
women had entered little and that they
were 10 him sort of pleasant relaxa
ton from workaday cares.
Rose found herself putting forth un
usual efforts TO please this man, who
was not. as others, apparently In the
least subjugated by her charms. lie
did not stay long, but as he arose tC
20 he unwrapped long, slender par
eel he had been holding, crushed the
tissue paper In his fingers and pu'
one perfect white rose into her hand
He laughed down into her eyes.
Il wanted TO give you red one
only The significance Of his tone
and his hesitation made her rise to his
throw.
"Only you didn't dare?' she finished
for him.
"Oh, l dared" he replied coOliy
but | thought l wouldn't-yet! The
best for the last. you know" AnC
he left her trying to decide whether
he meant anything or nothing. Al
he went out he met Mayne entering
with large florists box, and during
his call he had learned that she wa'
leaving the next day for home. Wher
he reached his office he looked up thu
nOrthbound trains.
Next morning at 1855 he walked uu
10 the station. Just around the corner
on the platform he saw Rose Carroll
| smiling mt MHyne, who carried her
suit case and great bunch Of pink
carnations. Before they saw him be
stepped back into the waiting room,
bought ticket to the next town north
and kept out of sight until the train