Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1907-04-24

! lot more sociable, and two heads are
| better than one, you know. Besides,
down at the beach this summer that
Hawkins man monopolized so much of
your time that it's only fair for nue. to
have my innings now. Shall we go to
Seventy-sixth street next?"
"DO you realize" said Rowena a week
! later as they sat on bench on River.
side drive, that time is flying and
we've found nothing-absolutely moth
ing-so far?'
But we've had lot of fun" Dwight
replied, smiling reminiscently as he
thought of sundry strolls they had TAX
en- in the park. sundry luncheons tete-
a-tete in the little casino, sundry car
rides to perfectly irrelevant places. and
all with the ostensible excuse of fat
hunting.
This is good enough for me-" he
went on, with look first at Rowena
and then at the river. where myriads
of water craft piled up and down.
Steam launches puffed portentously,
sailboats cleaned in the sunlight. and
an excursion steamer churned past. all
flag flying and band playing Justify
on deck. The rows of stone houses
facing the drive were closed and silent,
the lower windows boarded up, while
the half shut blinds of the upper ones
gave them a semblance of superclious
dropping eyelids.
Rowena toyed with her parasol. She
was looking dangerously demure in pale
blue. A tip tilted, coquettish hat sat
lightly on her well poised head
Il feel like perfect culprit when
l return >at night" she confessed. THE
girls fuss over me and say what q
hard day l must have been through"
II know" echoed Dwight. grinning
sympathetically. 1.-The fellows tell me
that I'm brick and that they're no
end grateful, while as it Is I'm having
the time of my life! Must we really
go?" he pleaded as Rowena abruptly
gathered up her gloves and parasol.
II simply must decide on something
today she said, ring of determina-
ton in her voice II cannot put 1t off
any longer"
LETS try this, then" suggested
Dwight, looking up at white stone
building on a side street This is 90
1t looks pretty spick and span. doesn't
it? / have an idea that it will do"
Rowena gave a regretful shake of
the head.
ITS too small" she declared, glanc-
ing about at the little drawing room
But, oh, what q darling! It's the
loveliest one we've seen anywhere!
With little money and little taste
it could be made a perfect jewel box.
How the sun streams in, and how dear
and cozy this drawing room would
be-
with window seat there" said
| Dwight, ''and a bookcase against the
wall"
"And some pictures and bits of brio
a-brac on the mantelw Rowena glow
ed with enthusiasm.
"And low round table and a read
ing lamp" added Dwight delightedly.
The voice Of the ever present jani-
tress broke in on them. Il think
you'd like it," she observed. 'Its just
the place for young married couples"
Rowena gasped and retreatel. Dwight
followed.
"Dear," he besought, you know it's
exactly as she says-it's meant for us
and no one else. All. ROwena, won't
you say that the light which shines
through these windows will be our
home light? Won't you say that every
night at dinner time the woman love
will be waiting here to welcome me-?
Won't you say"-and there was mirth
in his voice as well as tenderness
won't you say that our fiat hunting
is over?"
ROwena hesitated.
II don't know" she began demurely
II hadn't meant to lease my heart so
soon, but since-since so desirable
tenant has applied it seems only right
to oblige him with permanent occu-
pancy. provided he keeps 1t in good re-
pairv'