The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1908-09-29

words could have been. II showed hsr
that In her beautiful programme OF
homo refinement OF polite CONVERSE
tIon, OF high thinking and speaking,
Michael Maioney was incapable OF tax.
Ing part.
Promptly she explained TO him that
she felt convinced that future years
would find them happier for avoid
ing the error Of continued friendship.
Tho venture OF matrlmony would be
perllous where dispositions were 50
widely at variance. She hoped that he
would remember her as she would re-
member him, ctc. She had d good
denl OF her author BY heart.
From all OF which Michael gathered
that he was being turned down. He
wnlked away, his big shoulders stoop-
cd, his red locks dropped over hiS free
kIed face. And Nellie walked the other
way, her back very straight. her Merry
Widow" hat very high over her eyes,
which showed strong suspicion Of
moisture.
No more did she suggest to her moth.
or that she needed exercise when she
came home In time TO hear one Of the
younger Mores being sent on an er-
rand TO the ten store.
No more did she arrive at that en-
porium OF close priced groceries just at
tho hour OF closing. No more did she
| walk the shaded bowers OF stuyvesant
square leaning upon Michael Maloney's
manly arm. not for awhile! She spent
D still greater amount OF her spare time
AZ the settlement house. improving her
English, for awhile.
II was one Saturday afternoon In
July that she sat In front seat In the
lecture hall Of the institution for the
Improvement OF herself and other Mel
lle Morcs. A very famous authority
had condcscended 10 speak to the chill.
drcn Of the slums. and up TO one re.
mark Nellie aat very erect and tried to
look wise and not wish she was down
at Concy Island with Michael Maloney.
After the making Of that remark
Nellie sat rather limp. looked toward
the door and wished she were away
almost anywhere. The great authority
had stated distinctly that "the very
best English spoken In the world II
that of Dublin, Ireland"
With the directness OF the American
gr under such circumstances, she
made her way boldly TO the tea store
| Just at the time when the clerks had
gone home and Mike was there finish
Ing up. She invested In q can OF corn.
Then she asked Michael II he would
accompany her home.
As soon as they were started she be
gan her apology. Michael. II is my
desire to request your pardon for my
own grievous errors as to your use OF
English. ! have learned today for the
first time that the inhabitants OF the
city of Dublin are the best examples
Of the correct usage Of your mother
tongue"
"Is that SOL" asked Michael, the
hopeful look fading. then swiftly re-
turning as he looked at her II niv-
yer gave much thought to the quis'
tion. There Is another matther as 10
worritin' me lot more. VIII ye mar
ry me, Nellie Morer
"Yes, Michael" She still held out
for the full name.
II was somewhere near Fort Wads-
worth that he pressed her little hand
to his lips for the twentieth time as
they sat In a secluded corner Of the
Coney Island steamboat. II was
about the same place that he ventured
to risk the truth.
"Nellie, me darllnt, maybe ye won't
be takin' me afther all. But OF cud.
dent be lying to ye. Oh nivver saw
Dublin In all me life. Sure. OF come
from Cork"
Nellie did not withdraw her hand.
She gave the first real hearty laugh
that had passed her lips In months.
"Aw, quit yer kiddln'." she said
gayly. I've got troubles Of my own
thinkln' what dub I've been, Why,
Mike, I'd love you II you was Dutch.
4 mnnV