Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1905-01-12
DAILY SHORT STORY
MISS coURTNEY's ASSISTANCE.

Graham, standing meekly inconspic-
| nous in the most remote corner or the
| department store elevator. listened 10
| the monotonous chant of the elevator
boy as he stopped his craft with a jerk
/ st each successive door.
Second floor. Boots and shoes. crock
| cry. upholstery goods, Going up
| There was a swish of skirts. Several
| chattering women crowded of. and
sew ral more crowded on. The door
banged, and the elevator crawled spas
medically upward.
| Third floor, Linens, draperies. wall
paper. Going up
! Graham crowded farther into his cor
| ner and experienced that sense of help
| lessness that falls to the lot of every
| man who invades the domains of a de-
| partment store.
| Fourth floor, Rugs, carpets. furni-
| turer'
Graham pushed his way out as gen
| thy as possible and hcaved "A sigh of re-
| lief. AS he did So he bumped against u
! young woman who was about to board
| the elevator.
| Miss Courtney" lie cried in.surprise.
MIR. Graham" said she.
! "Going up said the elevator boy
pointedly and banged the door.
You don't mean you're here all
| alone:- she asked
1T is my misfortune TO be in that
| condition" he laughed. You couldn't
spare me few minutes. could you?
I'm convinced l need a pilot for this
J cruise
Miss Courtney smiled knowingly.
Il can't leave you TO such a fate.
poor. helpless man that You are" she
said. What are you looking for?" she
ended briskly.
"Oh, lots OF things" was the noncom-
initial reply.
The truth OF the matter was that
Graham had come merely to purchase
, a new rug for his den, but the chance
OF n chat with Miss Courtney was
something too tempting to let slip. Ora
ham suddenly decided to go much far
ther than the rug.
Isn't there n furnished suit or some
thing OF the sort up here?" he asked.
She nodded.
We'll. that will probably give me
some ideas" said he. Between you
and me. I'm after furnishings for a suit
this morning"
oh she said. with a comprehend
ing smile.
Exactly" said he calmly. You see,
l want to surprise her.
"And you were beginning to think
your surprise might prove more COM
plete than satisfactory she asked
gayly.
Graham laughed. Il was indeed"
said he. I'm fact, II hadn't found you
1 think l should have taken the next
elevator down and fed"
You must trust implicitly to my Sc
lection" she explained.
Rest assured / WILL" ne said1hearti-
ly.
They found the FURNISHED suit and
inspected ii from the spotless range
I'm the kitchen to the point curtains in
the parlor. Miss Courtney offered many
suggestions. and every suggestion. Ora
ham hailed with enthusiasm.
Then the purchasing began. Furni-
ture for room after room they picked
out. and floor after floor of the'depart
ment store they invaded. They argued
about rugs and draperies and screens,
and Graham drew up checks with sur
prising prodigality.
Shortly after noon the purchasing
was finished. The fittings for the new
domicile had ali been selected. even to
the wrought iron lanterns that We're to
adorn the hall
Lets go back TO the furnished suit
and rest "a bit before we leave" Ora
ham suggested
.Doner' Miss Courtney cried. And
you shall tell me all about'her'
The furnished suit was quite de-
serted. fortunately. They.chose the d.
minutive library the quietest place
To- talk and settled themselves comfort
ably ~ the big leather chairs.
Now tell me all shout her." Miss
Courtney commanded.
Graham smiled quietly
1T seems almost like PROCLAMATION to |
put 80 halting "a tongue as mine to such
a task said he. but she is all that is
good and sweet and clever"
He paused. Go on" she demanded,
"and tell me what she looks like" |
Graham rose and, taking Miss Court ]
ney's hand. gently drew her from the |
chair. He lei her TO little mirror |
hung above the fireplace
Look. There she is-' he said simply. |
Miss Courtney gasped
We'll. OF all she began.
Graham was looking at her with eyes
that were intent and pleading. She col !
pred beautifully. but faced him, bravely 1
with smile.
And where is this suit of yoursy'
she demanded some few minures later
Il thought-well, the truth OF the
matter is" said he haltingly, "Ehadn't /
the courage TO hunt for IL without YOUR