Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1908-10-23

. cushions. Ana, anyway, I've been
thinking about what you said yester-
day = about the fat looking better
than we do. There's some truth in it."
Nell could hardly believe her ears
Beth, who took life so seriously and
spelled Career with capital letter.
i yielding to the temptations of personal
vanity. There must be some COM
, pelling reason for it.
| Beth's next remark supplied it.
Il think I'll put my waist ON tonight,
/ Nell. if you'll help me. Gilbert Tay-
! lor's coming to call
Not the man you refused ON ac
count of your career!" gasped Nell.
| did l ever mention refusing any
one else?' Beth retorted. bit impa-
| tiently.
! Its as coy as ii can be-" Gilbert
exclaimed, looking around the artistic
living room. And it's $3.50 home
like" He hesitated for the proper
! word to express his feelings. But /
can see where leather cushioned
morris chair would be the browning
touch" he added laughingly. "Only
what will you do with it, Beth, with
out man in the family"
Beth flashed a look of defiance at
him. 1t reminded Gilbert of the old
days when she had held out so per-
sistently that she had as much right
as he to an independent life of her
own and meant to claim it.
Il suppose you have Il notion she
answered him, with fine show of su-
periority, that morris chairs, like all
other creature comforts, were invented
for masculine monopoly"
!. THE average man is selfish beast
he admitted good naturally. but Pm
not. You shall sit in the morris chair
every night, Beth. l won't say a word
If you'll
At this critical moment Nell darted
in, securing refractory hatpin in
transit.
Beth introduced Gilbert
II was just complimenting Elizabeth
on your attractive little place here,
Miss Stafford he said easily. .She
thinks it needs a morris chair TO make
it complete. and had the stupidity to
ask what she'd do with one without q
! man to occupy it. You've come just
in time to settle the question"
"Pm afraid I'm what you might cal
prejudiced. Mr.. Taylor" Nell answered
lightly. Il really believe in both, Il
you can get them. When 1t comes tt
choice-well, Beth knows my senti
ments. Dicks downstairs" she added
turning to Beth, land l mustn't keel
him waiting. Good night"
She gave Gilbert an encouragin:
smile as she closed the hall door, Blu
Beth was unaware of it.
~ take ir Miss Stafford has matri
monial intentions" Gilbert remarke,
| when they were alone again. THAT
going to upset your little menage, ism
e it. Elizabeth? What are you going t
do?"
l. 1t was brutal mistake. He knew
o as soon as the question had escape
q him.
Il But there was no audacious repl
l. from Beth as he expected. Instead
u her eyes filed, and she buried her fac
in the cushions, sobbing as If he
e heart would break.
c Gilbert had never before seen Bet
t unequal to situation. Her helples:
/ ness touched him deeply.
Beth he said gently, 81 have a
u idea. Suppose I buy out Nell's d.
Il nestle INTEREST,""
II No answer, only fewer sobs.
"You shall sit on q cushion and
IL mo; / won't sew fine seam.
E hate sewing" came a muffied repl
IS from the pillow depths.
y At that Gilbert gathered her to hin
laughing joyously.
"She shall just eat Strawberries
Is sugar and cream. then" he amende'
e