Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1908-12-23
The Argus Daily Short Story
THE WINNING OF EDMONIA-BY JANET c. STEPHENS
Copyrighted Associated

There was nothing Of the knight err.
rant about Percivale Bonney. In the
thoughts of Edmonia Turner, thoughts
which Invariably formed the frownine
background to Percivale's waking
hours, he was discouragingly and mod
ernly inoffeEsive.
She had once stated succinctly, as
was Edmonia's way, that the only
thing about him that remotely suggest
ed standing up for itself was the COW
lick at the back Of square and other
wise irreproachably groomed head
The subject of this rather doubtful ap-
prevail was secretly encouraged in the
belief that the cowlick indicated an
aggressive spirit which seemed to be
the heroic attribute in the Imagination
Of Edmonias set.
Edmonia's family appreciative re-
mark had been inspired In her moth
er's attic during the rummaging of a
rain bound house party, when, upon
the discovery of an ancient coat of
| mail, Percivale had pulled it out from
under the caves and had fallen speed
lily to calculating how many chain
dishcloths it would have made for Mrs
Turner's carefully ordered kitchen.
This was too much for Edmonia. A
man who could evolve dishcloths from
1 the fabric Of romance must be lacking
In the most rudimentary instincts OF
chivalry. 1t counted for naught witt
her that Percivale Bonney was evinc
| ing a business ability that made his
father prouder every day or that shS
had never had rival in his loyal de
| votion to her
She dreamed of the clash of arlno
and the risks of joust and tourney, !;
knight who should perform feats @
arms for her sake and rescue her. i
need be, from tyrant's might. In tn
free wholesomeness of American so
ciety the tyrant had not appeared
and to do Edmonia justice she reall,
did care n great deal for Percivalct
allegiance. only she desired NOR,
daring proof.
1t was therefore incumbent upon thi
thoroughly consistent young lady tina
she steel her heart against the pleas
ing picture which a tall. broad shou
dered, gray clad figure. hat off an
light hair tossing In the breeze, mad
against morning sky on the first da
Of one of his erratic autumnal visit
near her country home.
She accordingly let her disdainfr
lglance dwell upon his Extensively rue
dy cheek and ignored his unaffecte
stare of establishment at her moder
equipage, brilliantly red automobil
at standstill upon the country road
"What, no. Rebeccav' he greeted be
, when within speaking distance {
where she sat in the crimson ran
bier. ARMED cap-apie I see. Is IL
drawbridge DOWN."
Edmonia smiled tolerantly and ga,
| him her hand.
: But why linger so far from tt
: paternal castle? Has thy gentle pa
, frey gone lame?"
j Edmonia glanced suggestively bat
. along the highway. "I'm waiting fl
D a friend" She said it with conviction
2 The dusty road stretched In two Ion
undertaking lines in either directio
No one was in sight. Percivars ga.
abandoned its quest and returned su
piciously to the crimson ramble
"Could l." he asked anxiously, "fgu
in that capacity?"
She Redeemed In turn, then scann
r him critically. Perhaps" She W
still rather doubtful Of his capabilitit
Mentally scorning as inexcusable I
votion to his business which had ma
him hitherto ignore the automob
craze, he fattened himself out AFT
the manner Of the ardent automobil
under her car and confided his desp
to her tonneau.
It was bad enough not to be rom:
tic. but not to be even useful was
bearable. He had not the slight
p idea Of how to start the machine.
craRled ont from under the mach