Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1908-12-24
6bs swimming of
EdnnOnia.
By JANET CHRISTINE STEPHENS.
Copyrighted. 1908. by Associated
Literary Press.

There was nothing Of the knight en-
rant about Percivale Bonney. In the
thoughts Of Edmonia Turner, thoughts
which invariably formed the frowning
background to Percivale's waking
hours. he was discouragingly and mod
erniy inoffensive.
She had once stated succinctly, as
was Edmonia's way, that the only
thing about him that remotely suggest
ID 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 APP
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 Edmonia's set.
Edmonia's family appreciative re-
mark had been inspired in her moth
er's attic during the rummaging OF
rain bound house party, when, upon
the discovery of an ancient coat or
mail, Percivale had pulled IL out from
under the caves and had fallen speed
fly to calculating how many chain
dishcloths IL would have made for Mrs.
Turner's carefully ordered kitchen.
This was too much for Edmonia. A
man who could evolve dishcloths from
the fabric Of romance must be lacking
In the most rudimentary instincts Of
chivalry. 1t counted for naught with
her that Percivale Bonney was evlnc-
ing business ability that made his
father prouder every day or that she
had never had a rival in his loyal de
votion TO her.
She dreamed of the clash OF armor
and the risks of joust and tourney, a
knight who should perform feats of
arms for her sake and rescue her, II
need be, from tyrants might. In the
free wholesomeness of American so
eiety the tyrant had not appeared.
and to do Edmonia justice she really
did care a great deal for Percivale's
allegiance, only she desired a more
daring proof.
1t was therefore incumbent upon this
thoroughly consistent young lady that
she steel her heart against the pleas
ing picture which tall, broad Shout
dered, gray clad figure, hat off and
light hair tossing In the breeze, made
against morning sky on the first day
Of one of his erratic autumnal visits
near her country home.
She accordingly let her disdainful
glance dwell upon his Extensively rud-
dy cheek and ignored his unaffected
stare of establishment at her modern
equipage, brilliantly red automobile
at a standstill upon the country road.
"What, no, Rebeccay' he greeted her
when within speaking distance of
where she sat in the crimson ram
bier. Armed cap-a pie | see. Is the
drawbridge DOWN.
Edmonia smiled tolerantly and gave
him her hand
But why linger so far from the
paternal castle? Has thy gentle pal
frey gone lame"
Edmonia glanced suggestively back
along the highway. Pm waiting for
friend She said it with conviction.
The dusty road stretched in two long
undertaking lines In either direction
No one was IN sight. Perclvals gaze
abandoned its quest and returned sus-
piciously TO the crimson rambler
Gould t. he asked anxiously. figure
I'm that capacity?"
She Redeemed In turn, then scanned
him critically. Perhaps" She was
still rather doubtful Of his capabilities
Mentally scorning as inexcusable n de
votion to his business which had made
him hitherto ignore the automobile
craze, he finttened himself out after
the manner of the ardent automobiles
under her car and confided his despair
to her tonneau.
It was bad enough not 10 be roman.
tic, but not 10 be even useful was un-
bearable He had not the slightest
idea of how TO start the machine He
crawled out from under the machine
and mounted to the drivers seat.
Her sudden accession Of trust. in
spired by his businesslike manner, pro-
voked him to fresh endeavor He made
a great show Of moving brakes. tight
ening useless screws and peering into
the machine while she scanned the
scenery
Whatever he finally did TO that auto
mobile TO start it Percivale does not
know. Suddenly II slid out Of the
shade into the road like a bird from
under his hand aha" he cried, with
an assurance that he was far from
feeling. Il thought sor'
He held trembling hand upon the
wheel and answered irrelevant ques-
lions at regular intervals. They were
now gliding along between hedgerows
Of gorgeous autumn color. He began
TO feel more at ease. Edmonia hum
med little sing as old as 1t was
sweet
The rose that all are praising
Is not the rose for me.
He looked Mt her and in that look
forgot his new responsibility. She was
gazing steadily down the dusty turn
pike. little smile upon her lips, as
though she would see the knight OF
her dreams in plumed helmet and
shining armor riding to bear her away.
He couldn't catch US" said Perez
vale In response to her thought She
started and looked with more interest
at her companion. He had spoken H.
the confidence that Is born OF igno-
rance
SAY. Ted" he continued. II don't
know much about your flowers OF
chlvalry.' I don't even understand the
first thing about an aut''- He caught