The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1906-05-19

point. He had pleaded artfully for an
early marriage, but Miss Field had set
her foot down with much firmness. and
said he must so through long proba-
tionary period-all of which Arthur
failed to understand. He had always
been noted for his persuasive powers,
and had tiattered himself that Bernice,
with her gentle, clinging, bud-like ways,
would succumb at once.
Now, be it known, that Miss Bernice
Field had not arrived at years Of dis
erection for nothing. Neither had she
not unprepossessing young person.
with nearly one hundred thousand in
her own right-passed through the ex-
perience of ten seasons without gather
ing unto herself much knowledge of
the ways and wiles Of wicked man. She
had had, as might have been expected,
offers to high number, but thus far
the gentlemen concerned had failed
by reason of their unanimous desire TO
touch her purse-to touch, in the first
place, the all-important key to it, which
was hidden away in her plump bosom.
And Miss Bernice Field was worldly
wise in her day and generation.
She was certainly in love with Ferris
there could be no doubt Of that. 1t Is
| quite as certain that she was very Sc
rously in love with him; but, with the
wisdom born of experience, she did not
! let him know one-half Of what she felt
| for him.
If anyone had told Ferris that he
was just now in very shaky position,
he would have scoffed. His chum, Ed
Cross, who was spending the winter
at the house during Mrs. Ferris abb
/ sence, had once suggested that there's
many a Slip" but Arthur merely SHE'D
shoe at him and whistled serenely.
1t was in this frame of mind that,
one evening in February, he ran lightly
up the steps Of the Field mansion to
call on her whom Cross unfeelingly re-
ferred to as his little lady-love." 1t
was warm, and the front door stood
ajar. The footman was not in his ac-
customed place, so Ferris, with the air
of one who knew just where he was
going, stepped inside. From the open
door of Papa Fields study came the
sound of voices in earnest discussion,
and one Of them spoke his own name.
He halted, irresolute, as would any
one else under like circumstances. Papa
Field was speaking.
"Of course, my dear, you are your
own mistress, and l can only advise
you. 1t seems to me, however that
you have done very foolish thing to
engage yourself to this young Ferris.
True, he seems an exemplary young
fellow, and he comes Of an excellent
family; but 1t Is we'll known that he
has only a small allowance from the
estate, in addition to a beggarly two
hundred-a-year salary. How do you
know it Is you, and not your money,
that he wants? 1t Is brutal question,
l know; but 1t is one you have prob
ably asked Of yourself half dozen
times concerning other young men,"
Arthur, out in the hail. standing in
much the same attitude child assumes
when speaking Its first piece" in
school, WINGED, but waited for the an
swer. 1t came in serious, thoughtful
tones, which indicated plainly that Miss
Bernice also had considered this very
matter"
"N-no, l am sure you misjudge him,
papa. OF course, l understand how he
is situated financially, and all that But
l am sure he Is honest and honorable,
and that he-cares for me very much.
There are a thousand ways by which
can learn much that you cannot,
and"
"Yes-yes, I understand. But sup
pose you should put him to the test,
do you think he would come through
! ah-er-unscathed, as 1t were? Sup.
pose you should tell him that had lost
all your money and mine In unfortu-
nate speculation-that we were heggars
and had not penny we could call our
own? Are you afraid to try him?"
There was brief silence. Then:
II don't like to tell falsehood, papa !;
but 1t would be only white lie,' and
perhaps for the best. Yes, I'll try him
tomorrow night"
That's my dutiful girl. Now run
along and let me work."
There was the sound Of a kiss, and
the perspiring young man In the hall
fastened to get out Of the house. He
wanted time to think, but the first thing
that entered his head as he reached the
pavement was fanciful picture of the
dainty Miss Field, with her one hun
dred and sixty pounds avolrdupois,
running along" and he smiled broadly.
Then he walked rapidly over to the
next street to catch a cab to his club,
there to hold confab with Cross.
On the steps he hesltated moment.
"Ihd l better go back now" he
thought. mo; she won't have her little
tale Of woe ready, and might be put out
If call tonight. might give myself
away, too. Better have time to get my
speech prepared" And this astute