Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1908-09-07


about old china. but after he saw the
lady of the blue bowl at the front
gate, with yellow rose tucked into
her shining brown hair. he became at
china-and of Clarice.
THE Claibornes are as poor as church
mice" his landlady Informed him when
he asked about the people who lived
in the gray mansion on the hill. THE
neighbors roundabout here don't think
that Clarice and her aunt have enough
to eat, and yet they won't sell thing.
And they've got some old furniture
that they could get most any price
for, and their china-why, one man Of
fered old Miss Claiborne 5000 for a
blue bowl, and she wouldn't take it,
Il wonder if could see it," Beverly
asked, thinking of the girl at the gate.
Maybe" said his landlady doubtful
ly. ''They don't care to meet many
people. They used to have money, and
now that they haven't the old lady
shuts herself up there and Miss Clarice
doesn't see anybody"
But Beverly was not to be daunted,
and three days later he knocked at
the Claiborne front door.
Clarice answered the knock. She was
even more beautiful than the first time
Beverly had seen her in faded gown
of pink bingham.
Il beg pardon" Beverly said, "but
my landlady has told me of n bowl-a
blue BOWL am interested in old china
and hoped might see it,
Clarice looked at him gravely
ITS not for sale" she said, ''and l
am not sure that you can even look at
it. I'll have to ask Aunt Matilda"
'Of course Beverly agreed prompt.
ly, land if you don't mind I'll sit on
the porch while l wait and look at the
view. It's wonderful. You must be
able to see three states"
"We can" Clarice said slowly, "and
that's the worst of it."
He looked at her In surprise
Don't you like the view?" he de-
manded.
81 hate it," she said vehemently "It's
dreadful TO look out into the world
and then to be shut up-here"-
Then she blushed hotly.
"Oh, l beg pardon" she said. 81
shouldn't have said that. l forgot
was speaking to q stranger"
You are not speaking to a stranger
Beverly told her. Just think for mo-
| ment that am a long lost brother or
the ancient mariner or anybody that
you'd have right to tell your troubles
to. Why, feel as If know you better
than any girl I've ever met, and yet
we have seen each other only ten min
utes."
Clarice sighed 81 feel that way
too" she admitted. "but-now I'd bet.
ter go and ask Aunt Matilda"
When she came down her cheeks
were flaming.
"She says you can't see it." she said
mournfully.
ooh, can't Il" Beverly's tone was
| stubborn. "Well, l shall see it-and
| you-as often as / wish"
Clarice shook her head. "You dom
know Aunt Matilda" she said hope
/ lessly.
81 know her kind" Beverly stated
81 used to read about dragons ani
| wicked stepmothers and godmothers II
!, my fairy books and of beautiful prin
! cesses shut up in castles. This will
simply be bringing it up to date. And
while I'm not sure that will fulfill al
the requirements of Prince Charming
! I'll do my best"
Clarice gave him a flashing glance
"Oh, I'm sure she began. and thel
the smile froze as voice came from
/, above.
| "Clarice. Clarice.' It said. "come III
! at once"
'It's Aunt Matilda" Clarice said il
frightened tone and vanished.
Beverly bore himself tauntily as b