The Owosso times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1897-1926, 1908-04-24

proud bird stood as an emblem OF It's
country's wealth and daring. perched
On the bosom of princess of the free
TO Richard. in his present state of
mind. Harriet seemed the most ra-
dainty perfect creature yet produced
since the world began. AS she bowed
behind the tootlights for the second
time to an enthusiastic encore large
bouquet Of American Beauties was
tossed upon the stage. and Miss Har-
riet blushed as she stopped for this
most opposite tribute to her own
charms. When safely behind the cur
tains she glanced at card attached.
which bore two words. IAN Ameri-
can" This signature was vague, yet
somehow Miss Renwyck picked the
donor out from myriads Of gentlemen
who might better have claimed the
title. and again she blushed as she
buried her face among the fragrant
buds.
How splendid of himw she whis-
pered to her roses. IF only he had
been my cowboy perhaps-perhaps'-
But the rest was a secret which the
roses never told.
One by one the guests departed. but
not till the last of them was driven
away on the gravel road did Richard
find an opportunity for a word alone
with his ladylove. He was seated in
darkened nook on the front veranda.
sheltered from the light by thick wis
taria vines. He had lighted a cigar
and was dreaming, as he smoked, Of
how beautiful she was, when suddenly
he caught the swishing sound of skirts,
and she took q wicker rocker by his
SIDE
"Lord Croyland," she murmured
softly, 81 knew it was you by the smell
Of your cigar"
Richard was not connoisseur as re-
CARDS tobacco. and he wondered idly
If the real Lord Croyland's favorite
brand was up to the standard Of this
doubtful compliment. Miss Harriet
continued:
I'm glad l found you alone, for
want to thank you for these" She
held her sheaf of roses toward him.
1T was dear Of you to send them. and
it pleased me more than can say"
Nonsense" he laughed. "No flower
that ever grew is worthy Of you. That
sounds foolish, I suppose, for many
people must have said the same be-
fore, but mean it simply. honestly"
THANK ycu," she said softly, and
both for time were silent.
Miss Haryiet," he ventured present
ly, "you are beautiful tonight" He
checked her pleased laugh and contin-
ued earnestly, II don't mean that you
are not beautiful always, but 1 have
never seen you in black before, and
'How absurd" she smiled. IT shall
soon begin to think you like all the
rest, flatterer-just fiatterer''-
"'No, no." he protested warmly; at is
more than that, believe me. l want to
carry away with me forever the men,
DRY Of you as you looked tonight. l
must leave soon. I'm going home"
Back to EnglandY she asked,
tremor in her voice.
mo. to Texas"
"What?"
Richard caught himself just in time.
'Well-er-well, you see." he STAN
mered. you have turned me into such
a good American that l think of your
country now as being quite my own.
I lived down there for nearly a year,
you know. and now-and now business
calls me back again."
Once more they were silent for
little space.
"And are you not coming north
again. she asked him nervously.
at depends" said Richard the
Brazen, smiling into the wistaria vine
Listen, Miss Harriet. l want to ask
you something. No. it isn't a question.
1t is only flower. would like to
take just one of those roses to q cow
boy down in Texas. / will find him
IL can. and know it will make him
happier than anything else in all the
world. May have the rose?"
His tone was sad and low, but Har-
riet's tone was lower still when she
answered haltingly:
mo; you need not take 1t to my hero
Of the plains. No doubt he has forgot
ten me-if he ever thought of me-as 1
shall cease to think Of him. What
should a cowboy do with a flower?
And yeti will not be ungenerous. To
me you have given all these. Take one
and keep it for yourself"
With a trembling hand she laid a
rose upon his lap, but Richard forgot
the flower and caught the hand.
"You mean," he whispered eagerly,
"that 1 might one day take his place;
that ~
mo. no." she protested, striving for
release; 81 gave q flower, no morew
mo morew he echoed. "Only that
when l ask for-allY
Don't, please" she faltered.
II must speak! I willw he cried.
swept away by the hour and the
chance. II had hoped to teach you to
love me for myself-to realize that we
do not belong to different lands and
climes-for l am not
"Harrietv'
Mr.. Renwyck was calling from the
doorway, and Richard swore bitterly
beneath his breath. 1t was outrageous
to be interrupted lust then!