Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1908-09-07
She Hrgus Daily Short Story
The Blue Bowl-By Temple Bailey.
Copyrighted, 1908. by Associated Literary Press.

went down the walk. What was a mere
tons? He was thirty two, rich, and he
had waited all these years to find the
ideal woman. And here in this quiet
town where he had come TO rest and to
fish he had discovered her. and he
should marry her in spite of any old
aunt dragon.
But as the days went on he found
that it was not an easy thing to con-
Quer Aunt Matilda In the first place.
he could not meet her. She was as in
visible as witch, and, except for her
voice calling Clarice from behind the
window curtain whenever Beverly
stopped at the gate. there was no tan
gible evidence that she existed at all.
You see, it doesn't do bit of good
for you to keep coming" Ciarice told
him desperately one morning when she
met him on the way to the postoffice
'She always calls me away, and then
she scolds and scolds. She says /
haven't any pride" And her lips quiv-
cred
IF l dared ask you to meet me
somewhere" Beverly said. "but of
course it wouldn't do
NO" Clarice said. 81 couldn't do
that-and-you see. Aunt Matilda gets
crazier and crazier over her old china
and she ought to sell it. We haven't
enough to be comfortable-we haven't
always enough to eat"
"Oh. by Jover' Beverly said. 81
can't have her starving you. you
know"
Clarice grew little pale.
81 shouldn't have told you" she said
"but I have thought of way for you
to help
81 am always at your service" said
Beverly gravely.
ooh" She looked UP quickly. 81
thought you might write to that man
who wanted the blue how'll have his
address, but 1 wouldn't dare write
and l could give you the bowl, and you
could sell it to him. and then-then you
could bring me the money
I'll buy it myself said Beverly
promptly. Il have never wanted but
one thing in my life more than l want
that bowl"
whats the other thing" Clarice
asked curiously.
Beverly looked down at her uncon-
scious face.
ooh, WELL" lie said at last, 81 won't
tell you until l am sure | can get the
bowl"
1.-The man offered us 5000" Clarice
said hurriedly. but l shouldn't expect
that now. | think 500 will be enough y
well see." Beverly stated. IF
you'll bring it can put 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.
"
| 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 little thing"
| The blue bowl was, even to Bever
| ly's unframed eye, a thing of beauty
He insisted that Clarice should LEI
him pay the full 5000. but she woult
not. and at last he made out checl
for $50 and handed it to her acros.
the table. and just at that moment .
sepulchral voice came from the door
way.
"Clarice. what are you doing witt
my blue bowl?"