Waterbury evening Democrat., 1907-11-08


 Lenora blushed prettily.
 'Yes, they sent them" she acknowl- edged, Rob and Jack and Roland. But not even the American Beauties give me such keen joy as my rubber violets."
 The doctor followed her gaze. From the chandelier hung a womans rubber overshoe filled with rich, fragrant vio- lets.
 Its the most romantic thing that ever happened to me in my life," ex- claimed Leonora, her eyes shining with happiness. You see it's the rubber lost that rainy day before was taken Ill. Some man saw me drop it and has sent it back to me in this artistic fash ion-anonymously, of course"
 Rather a footless procedure, 1t strikes me-" commented the doctor
 "For shame" Leonora reproved. You're jealous''
 The doctors face grew serious.
 Maybe am," he replied. Leonora dropped her eyes under his steady look of admiration. ''The other three were strong enough rivals without this un- known macintosh putting in with his rubber plants.''
 Leonora turned aside the doctors meaning lightly.
 He's the one interest in life for me now" she said gayly.
 Following the advent of the violets came lady slippers, with fanciful lit. tie note expressing the hope that they'd prove as fitting an expression of the donors devotion as the rubbers, and when they had faded a great bunch of brilliant autumn leaves filled their place.
 "Leonora, am jealous" announced the doctor as he watched her go into ecstasies over the gorgeous foliage. T believe if it weren't for this aggres- sively sentimental scamp I'd stand half chance myself. Don't you care for me the least little bit, Leonora?"
 The girl hesitated.
 More than a little bit, Dr. Terrence. But, foolish or not. all my thoughts center around this unknown admirer. He appeals to my imagination more than any man I ever actually knew. love romance. can't help it."
 "WeIl, then" said the doctor decisive 1y, 'the sooner he's discovered and laid low the better. I'm going to hunt him down if it takes month of Sun days and present him to you, little Miss Romance"
 the doctor that he would call on a cer- tain afternoon, with Leonora's consent, and bring "Mr. Mackintosh" with him.
 With feverish anticipation Leonora waited the continuation of her TO- nance. On the stated afternoon she dressed herself in her most becoming frock and tucked some of the violets that had come that very morning into her belt
 The bell rang. Her heart beat furi- ously. She was half joyous, half afraid.
 The doctor entered her sitting room alone.
 "Wouldn't he come? faItered Leo nora.
 He wants time to have little talk with you first, Leonora. First, he's ask ed me to tell you a bit what he's like, and then if you don't want to see him you needn't I'm' going to be just as frank and fair about him as l know how IJa ;cD,t think he's about as near homely as they make 'em-and he's conceited- awfully conceited. He isn't rich either makes just fair living, though he hopes to do better some day. He's pretty fond of his own way, I've dis covered, but you could manage him without doubt. He's"-
 He's everything you say he isn't" interrupted Leonora. He's handsome and modest and unselfish and-and- anyway, money isn't everything"
 "Why. Leonorar' stammered the doc tor, utterly taken back by her burst of passionate defense.
 And l know something else about him too. found it out today. His handwriting is always the same funny boyish scrawl whether it's on pre- scription or in a note sent with lady slippers"
 The doctors face was radiant.
 "Leonora," he cried, you do love me -there is no rival?"
 "No, dear; none. You've won the rubber even if you did juggle the cards a bit. acknowledge my defeat"
 And then the man who was pretty fond of his own way" insisted on talk ing thirty kisses-and one more to grow on.