Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1907-11-20

SN0t hC A1u4 OCCn thC OlR>
He had nearly 5000 saved up, for the
Curtains were wealthy and spent the
summer at an expensive resort. Yet
it did not seem right to spend all the
money when it might be the price Of
Moxie Solomon's life.
With a sudden determination he
turned into side street, and presently
he was in the charity organization Of
flee. The superintendent was interest,"
ed, but helpless. Like the hospital, tho
| demands were greater than their re-
sources. He might send Mox away for
two weeks with one of the fresh ali
parties. More than that he could NOT
do-unless Vardon cared to raise sub
scription. When Vardon turned away
1t was with a receipt for more than
half his vacation money in his pocket.
Mox's stay in the country until his leg
was well was assured.
1t was hard to have to write Bess
that he was not coming 1t was hard.
er still to explain without seeming t.,
ask her appreciation Of his action. In
the end he said nothing OF the reasons.
simply writing that unexpected devel-
opments made 1t impossible for him to
come.
Mox's delight at the news Of his va
cation brought feeling of warmth to
Vardon's heart, but it did not relieve
the ache when Bess' cold reply came
She had not understood and was an
CRY that he should have changed his
plans at the last moment
Vardon spent his two weeks at q
cheap resort near town and came back
to take up the Office grind again. Bess
had not replied to his last letter, and
though Mox's beaming face as he de-
parted on the train for the country
home repaid part of the sacrifice the
dull ache remained.
The next few weeks dragged miser-
ably. Then one morning there was
letter at his plate at the breakfast
table that for moment seemed to
stop the action Of his heart
Bess was coming to town on Friday.
and she suggested that they might
lunch together and he could take her
to roof garden in the evening.
II have a lot to tell you," she wrote.
II met one of your friends up here, and
I want to tell you what he said. I
shall save it for lunch"
Somehow the days dragged by, but
Friday came at last. Sitting across the
table from her Vardon could not real
iZe his good fortune.
tbonOhf uo,1 U,ara ba co;H
as he leaned forward.
II was" she admitted frankly. Il
was counting so much on your visit.
I had made no other plans for those
two weeks. and when your letter came
and you did not even offer an explana-
ton of your rudeness could not I'M
derstand it. 1t seemed as though you
wanted to hurt my feelings"
"Could you think that?" he cried re-
proachfully
Il am afraid" she confessed shyly.
that in my disappointment l was not
fair. Then your friend came, and it
was all explained"
"WhO was that?' he asked curiously.
He did not remember having told any
one of his real reason.
"A gentleman of the name Of Solo
mony' she smiled. "Moxie Solomon,
believe it is"
What is Mox doing in your part OF
the country" he demanded. II under
stood that he was at Melrose."
"That Is just below us. We drove
over there one day to see the Riddles,
and Mox told his story"
yardon moved awkwardly in his
chair. He did not want to be praised,
even by Bess.
II suppose Mox put lot of trim
mings to it?' he said after pause
HE was very truthful" she said,
smiling softly. "He said that you
were the best man he knew"
"And you think so too?" His voice
trembled with eagerness. Bess nod
ded.
"Good enough-for a husband, your
husbandY'
II think so, Dick" she whispered.
THAT'S what l came to town to tell
you-to make up for your lost vaca-
ton"
Lost vacation he echoed. why,
Mox's vacation was the most selfish
thing 7 aver did since IL won me YOU"