Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1908-11-13
DAILY SHORT STORY.
blushed becomingly.

Madeline bluShed becomingly.
"Well. you certainly act as If you |
were in one, Gerald" she commented |
lightly. Come, let's set the table. |
Oh" she broke off, laughing. how |
awfully funny that cigar holder looks |
in the center of the table, You certain |
" aren't going to have 1t there. This
isn't stag dinner. you know"
"Oh. that's just a dummy" Gerald
answered condescendingly. There are
to be American Beauties"
"WhSre arc they?" demanded the
mistress Of ceremonies. =
ooh. let's not put them on w.
They'd wilt" said Gerald whimsically.
land, anyway, they haven't come"
"Thcn fer the time kninr I'm -rcinH
to use these Pm wearing" Madeline
announced.
/" Gerald, entirely forgetfu1 of the I'M
shared glory that he had coveted,
stood watching Madeline as she deftly
distributed the silver on the table.
Her small, shapely hands seemed fairly
to twinkle.
"COme, Gerald; make yourself use
full" Madeline chided laughingly as
she locked up suddenly and became
conscious of his attitude of idle admi-
ration.
Gerald ob2yed.
Il hope the others won't get here be-
fore were ready" she added eXcitedly.
WASN'T it lucky | happened to come
little early? You see, Mrs. Sinclair was
delayed by
But she got no further with her ex-
PLANTATION.
-Gerald'S belated gasp of "The 9TH
ersr' startled her into abrupt silence.
She stood staring at him in painful
embarrassment.
at isn't possible" she finally man
| aged to ask him, that I've come on
| the wrong evening"
| Gerald made 4 heroic effort to put
! Madeline mt her ease. OF course it was
her mistake.
well, this was just intended for a
| rehearsal, you see. The real thing l
| had planned for Thursday, tomorrow
night. But I'm awfully glad that you
/ happened"-
Gerald" interrupted Madeline dra-
matically, this is tomorrow night. l
mean it's Thursday night. Ask any
one-ask the hallboy."
| For q moment Gerald looked Stupe-
fed, but in a flash his natural social
tact furnished a way out of the diem
| ma.
Finish setting the table, do, Made
line" he urged. Just hunt around till
you find things I'll go telephone the
chef TO get something over here in the
way of food It's lucky 1 planned an
informal dinner isn't it?' he added
, approaching to the full the humor OF
the situation.
1t was some little time before Ger
aid and the chef were able to come tC
an understanding.
Hang it allv' Gerald finally called
over the wire. Never mind what's
happened l want dinner served al
my rooms tonight no matter when
ordered it"
"But you ordered 1t for tonight. sir
! This Is Thursday" Numbered bach
the chef. "Of course it will all bt
there"
! So it was his own mistake. In hi.
enthusiasm he had lost track of the
days.
When Gerald came back to Madelin,
he found her surveying the table will
an air of very evident approval.
81 like your tablecloth, Gerald" sht
commented admiringly. Its beau
( ty."
at has one drawback" Gerald salt
solemnly. Its the only one have.
r shall be forced to starve while it's be
ing Numbered. By the way, have yo'
linen chest, MadelineY
"Why, of course not" Madeline re
piled. "Only engaged girls are inter
: ested In those"
II should think it would be great full
getting one ready" Gerald venture,
courageously. Shouldn't you. dear
estr
Madeline did not answer, but she fel
that Gerald must hear the mad beatin
of her heart as he stood there benin,
her chair.
look up, little girl" he asked ter
derby, land tell me that 1 haven't wait
n ed all these years in vain. watchin
= you grow up adorably sweet and beau
tiful. You do love me little?"
'el Madeline looked up, and Gerald ben
over to kiss her smiling eyes and lips.
n. All too soon the insistent telephon
u. brought the lovers back to reality.
1T "The Others" exclaimed Madeline
Is jumping up. Goodness, how does m