The Brookings register. [volume] (Brookings, Brookings County, S.D.) 1903-1971, 1908-04-23

dark. well dressed man sitting on the
hammock beside her or occupying one
Of the rustic chairs on the porch or
smoking IN the library with the air or
one who feels at home. Most OF them
took the hint. There was n excep-
ton, however, an obtrusive young fell
low, Randall by name. who continued
his visits, though Ferguson did his
best to make it clear that they could
be quite content without him.
Unfortunately Miss Morrell did not
second these efforts as she might have
done. She continued to treat her per-
sistent caller with a consideration
which Ferguson thought distinctly un-
necessary. When he came n night
prepared to take her driving and found
she had gone boating with Randall he
gave a harsher name to the act. He
did not sleep that night. and when he
presented himself next evening he was
in the worst Of humors.
Had Miss Morrell been conciliatOry
all might have been well. but instead
she wore an air of studied Indifference.
and when she did not resent his re-
proaches she laughed at him. Accord
ingly I'm fifteen minutes the interview
terminated abruptly.
IN that case said Ferguson, rising
to his feet. the best thing for me to
do Is to take my hat and go home"
And Miss Morrcll replied, Il quite
agree with YOU"
Only one thing intcrfercd with carry
ing OF this programme Immediately
Ferguson could not find his hat. Good
evening, said Miss Morrcll in the back
! ground as if weary OF waiting for him
to take the initiative.
Il beg YOU moi TO imagine that ! am
delaying i~ntentionally.' exclaimed Fer
guson. with Indignation. But eve
you can see that it is impossible for
me to leave the house barchcaded."
You put your hat on the chair. !
saw YOU" said Miss Morrell.
Il am q2i.e aware that | put II
there" returned Ferguson stitily. but
1t Is easy to see that it is not there
now"
For some minutes he hunted. Mis-,
Morrell laid aside her offended dignity
sufficiently to assist in the search. AL
at once she started ~nervOuSly.
Il do hope Punch didn't find it," she
exclaimed. Hes SO mischlevous some
times"
But when the hat was discovered II
was in PunCh'S society. Moreover. il
had lost It's resemblance to IA hat. The
brim was missing. and the crown was
fast disappearing. Punch surveyed
them over the wreck and grinnrd com
%placently.
other, and Miss Morrell's lips twitched
Ferguson thought she was on the poinr
Of laughter, and he smiled cncOurag
ingly. Then she surprised him hl
turning her face to the wall and burst
Ing into tears.
my darling girl exclaimed Fergu
son, almost beside himself. My dear
est Ina, | beg you won't give a though
to the worthless thing"
But you were going away angry
said a Stihed voice.
angry with your cried Ferguson
Never" He took her In his arm,
again as he had done under the pcacl
tree. but he did not let her 90 as quick
ly. And that wise old pug left tn
ruined hat on the rug and waddlC,
away to the window seat. as if salts
fed that they were once more capabl,
Of mana ging their W affairs.
Punch is older 10Y and divides hi,
mistress devotion with a small pinl
and white rival said to resemble Fer
guson, but he wears a silver collar
and no n grudges him his place as al
honored member of the household
Whatever FcrguSon's faults, he is no
ungrateful.