The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1905-07-21
Three Roses and
Another
By JOANNA SINGLE

ognize what he did want when he sa,
II. These traits had been of use TO hlr
in working his way through college
through medical school after that an
into a flourishing practice now tw
years old.
In love as in business it was th
same, only the girls be had thus IA
met were undoubtedly the ones he di,
not want. Dr. Johns black gray eye
were always on the silent quest Of a
unknown girl the thought of whom b
linked with the thought of roses. Sh
did not appear. He was thirty.two an,
beginning to think be had missed he
and waS deciding to devote his spar
time entirely TO rose culture when th
no longer expected happened.
In September he went. with col
league, Frederick Mayne, NJ. D., to |
medical convention in ST. Louis. Seat
ed at the formal banquet, he locke,
up, just across the table. at her, Ant
then he seemed 10 have always know
that she was small and blond, witt
the sweet delicacy of a pink tea rose
that her head was poised like tlowel
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
y to Mayne beside him and said in q
low tone:
Look carefully at this ring on my
finger, and don't glare up. / want to
ask question. Who is she?'
Strangely enough, Mayne knew who
''she" was.
"Dean Carroll's daughter, Rose" he
replied. Then as they both looked up
earelessly he continued, II may as well
tell you that l shall try to get her. "
Choking back a senseless anger. trying
to realize that Mayne had as good a
right to want her as he, Dunham an
swered quietly:
"And / may as well tell you that you
have me to work against. 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
warn your
ITS everlastingly too late, doctor
All ! ask OF you is not to tell her ]
wanted to meet her and-not 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."
'T warn you that am" Dean Car
roll looked DR.. John Dunham over
carefully from head to foot Then be
held out his hands.
II 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 dangerous character"
John laughed contentedly.
Better that than encomiums."
Rose Carroll met her fathers old pu-
pil none the less graciously because be
was tall and strong and because the
heavy, dark hair framing his handsome
face was touched with gray. In fact,
he was 50 interesting that she met him
with an arInor 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 we'll While deferential,
he was not adoring; while entirely ap-
he was not insistent In bis
enjoyment OF her society, which he
accepted with a sort Of seemingly tran
sient spirit Of camaraderie that piqued
her a little. Several times during the
evening he drifted carelessly back near
her and watched with amusement
Mayne's breakneok endeavOr to make
use of his time to impress his rather
ponderous personality upon the girl.
Dunham asked permission TO call next
day
He did call and was carelessly enter
tanning. He let himself go, showing
his real self. speaking Of his youthful
adventures in the west, Of his roses at
home and leaving q sort Of an impress
sion that be was a man into whose life
women had entered little and that they
were to 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
,east subjugated by her charms. lie
did not stay long, but as he arose to
20 he unwrappsd long, slender par
eel he had been holding, crushed the
tissue paper in his fingers and put
one perfect white rose into her hand
He laughed down into her eyes.
81 wanted to give you a red Que,
only The significance of his tone