Reporter and farmer. [volume] (Webster, Day County, Dakota [S.D.]) 188?-1946, 1908-09-17

thought you might write TO that man
who wanted the blue BOWL have his
address, but wouldn't dare write
and could give YOU the bowl. and you
could sell it to him. and then-then you
could bring me the money
"IIl buy it myself" said Beverly
promptly. IL have never wanted but
one thing in my life more than ] want
that bowl"
Whats the other thingT' Clarice
asked curiously.
Beverly looked down at her uncon-
scious face.
ooh, we'll" he said at last, IL won't
tell you until am sure ! can get the
bowl"
THE man offered us $780," Clarice
said hurriedly. but | shouldn't expect
that now. think 500 will be enough"
"we'Il see,' Beverly stated. III
you'll bring it | can put a proper price
on it,
Come to the back door while | am
getting breakfast" Clarice directed.
AUNT Matilda is always asleep then"
Clarice getting breakfast was won
derful She wore an enveloping blue
apron. and her sleeves were rolled back
from her white arms. She was stirring
the breakfast porridge as Beverly
came in.
I'D ask you to have some" she said.
but we haven't any cream"
"You wait" Beverly told her and
caught up quaint pitcher. and pres
emily he was back with a basket of
strawberries. the cream and some rolls.
Clarice protested.
"Oh, you shouldn't
Beverly took both Of her hands in
his.
Dear child he said, surely you
will let me do such a little thing"
The blue bowl was, even to Bever-
ly's unframed eye. thing of beauty.
He insisted that Clarice should let
him pay the full $500. but she would
not, and at last he made out a check
for $50 and handed it to her across
the table. and just at that moment
sepulchral voice came from the door
way.
"Clarice. what are you doing with
my blue bowl?''
And there stood Aunt Matilda, look
ing as witchlike as possible in her
black dressing gown. with her gray
hair falling about her shoulders.
Clarce shrunk back. Oh" she said.
II thought you were asleepr'
The old woman took a step forward.
II walked early" she said, land went
to look at my china. Something warn
ed me. And the blue bowl was miss
ing Give 1t TO me at once"
But 1t is not your blue bowl" Bev-
erly Informed her. ''Clarice has told
me that 1t belonged to her father and
was left to her with other pieces. and
now she has sold 1t to me-"
"WhatY' Aunt Matilda shrieked.
did you darey"
Clarice's head went up. "It was
mine. Aunt Matilda" she stated.
But 1t breaks the set" the old wo-
man moanej "Clarice. give him back
his money and give me back my
bowlr'
She clutched at the coveted piece,
but Beverly's hand restrained her.
There is only one way that you can
have it," he said.
"And that?" she demanded eagerly.
'You must let me marry your niece.
She will then give you all the china,
and will settle an income on you so
that you can live comfortably and hire
woman to stay with you. And then
Clarice and will go out into the great
world together-Clarice'-
He turned to the girl and his eyes
pleaded.
"Oh." she whispered but I have
known you such short time"
What is time to usT' he asked. MY
mother will come to see you. my sis
tiers. so that you may have no doubt as
to my character. my circumstances,
and. as for the rest surely you won't
send me away. Claricer'
He held out his hands to her, and
presently she came to him. and he put
one arm about her protectingly as he
turned to Aunt Matilda.
"And now" he asked. Twill you take
the bowl?"
Aunt Matilda's eyes gloated over II.
"Yes." she flung out.
sand will take Clarice." said Bev-
erly joyously. and as Aunt Matilda
Rugged her treasure to her breast he
bent and kissed the lady of his heart.