Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1908-10-12

IF you don't mind. I'll eat under
that apple tree. It's shady there. and
the air is fine. l can't get enough Of
it."
''All right" She disappeared, and
Carl betook himself to the nearby tree
BLESS my SOUL he thought. stretch
ing comfortably. II need air. My little
hostess In calico beats the whole bunch
of frills and gossip-so sensible, so in
nocent and rs sweet as a dew kissed
rosebud. Thinks I'm gentleman, Ell?
Well. I'm glad I washed my face and
hands at that brook. I'll try to see
more of her"
Into the kitchen Hilda Brentwood
hurried.
Father IS working just behind the
barn, and I'm not bit afraid to sit by
my gentleman while he eats" she re-
: flected. perhaps lie will like company
and if he has Travelled I'd like to hear
about things and places 1 have so long
ed TO see and visit. | don't care. Til
ask questions and learn. What harm
can it do? I know he's gentleman
poor fellow. There, l guess this tray
win keep him busy"
Going out to Forrest she made pic
ture. The man closed his eyes for a
moment. 1t would deepen the impress
sion. A thrill stirred his pulses when
she seated herself. her eyes bright
with quiet excitement and anticipa-
ton
Yes. Carl could talk and eat at the
same time. Oh, yes, Rome, Paris, Lon
don, the Yellowstone-he was familiar
with them. Was Miss-eh-ah--Brent
anks-interested? His name
was Forrest. Well, now at Naples two
years ago
The girl sat entranced, clasping her
hands, drinking In every word as he
talked. The man lost himself in the
telling. almost forgetting to eat. This
was worth while. When had he en-
joyed such a listener?
Once absently he touched her fingers
1t was like an electric shock to both
them: the blood ran in their cheeks; the
man coughei Pardon me" and for a
moment could rot go on.
Finally he rose. Hilda's eyes held
him. They were dreamy and sweet
Her lips parted like Il child's.
My" she uttered, Il should love to
be compartment
Carl steadicd his voice, laughing
slightly.
You have done me world of good.
he said. 81 thank you for everything
Money ! can't offer 1t would seem
an Insult. But 1 have some trifles
picked up abroad These walks do me
good. l want to give you some remem
brance. May come again? l should
like to meet your father"
'He is back of the barn." said Hilda
"Oh, do come again. 1 want to heal
! more" She held out her hand. Car
pressed 1t hastily and started for the
barn.
What he said to Jonathan Brentwood
will never be known to others. but
! twice a week for a month Forres'
trampcd over TO the farm i'm his un
slightly clothes. and the old man mad,
no objection.
One evening the moonlight spanked
through the branches of the apple tree
1t twinkls1 81 two heads. The fair
wavy hair of one lay upon man.
breast. and the mans lips rested upoI
the soft locks. He was whispering /,
story of love and old clothes and beau
tiful faroff lands soon to be enjoyed
. with dear companion who hat
brought to him peace and a new out
look upon life.
But the girl who had loved him Oh
| that first day only nestled closer with
out reply She was too happy to thin
|, connectedly. OF course 1t would b
very delightful to have money and t
travel, but TO her at the moment th
strong heart beating beneath the ar
tiquated coat throbbed song In he
ear which satisfied her dreams. A
the rest was as nothing.