The Democratic advocate., 1908-12-18
Me winning of
EdnnOnia.
By JANET CHRISTINE STEPHENS.
Copyrighted, 1903. by Associated
Literary Press.

rant about Percivale Bonney. In the
thoughts Of Edmonia Turner, thoughts
which invariably formed the frowning
background to Percivale's waking
hours, he was discouragingfy and mod
e1nly inoffensive.
She had once stated succinctly, as
was Edmonia's way, that the only
thing about him that remotely suggest
cd standing up for itself was the cow
HEX at the back of a square and other
wise irreproachably groomed head.
The subject of this rather doubtful ap-
provai was secretly encouraged IN the
belief that the cowlick indicated an
aggressive spirit which seemed to be
the heroic attribute in the imagination
Of Edmonia's set.
Edmonia's family appreciative re-
mark had been inspired In her moth
er's attic during the rummaging or a
rain bound house party, when, upon
the discovery of an ancient coat or
mail, Pereivale had pulled it out from
under the caves and had fallen speed
iIy to calculating how many chain
dfshcloths it would have made for Mrs.
Turner's carefully ordered kitchen.
This was too much for EdmOnia. A
man who could evolve dishcloths from
the fabrts of romance must be lacking
in the most rudimentary instincts OF
chfvalry. 1t counted for naught with
her that Percivale Bonney was evinc-
Ing a business ability that made his
father psouder every day or that she
had newer had a rival In his loyal de-
voffon 10 her.
She dreamed Of the clash Of arinor
and the risks of joust and tourney, a
knight who should perform feats of
arms for her sake and rescue her, II
need be, from tyrant's might. In the
free wholesomeness of American so
ciety the tyrant had not appeared,
and to do Edmonia justice she really
did caro- a great deal for Percfvale's
allegiance, only she desired a more
daring proof.
It was therefore incumbent upon this
thoroughly consistent young lady that
she steel her heart against the pleas
ing picture which a tall, broad shoul-
dered, gray clad figure, hat off and
light hair tossing in the breeze, made
against morning sky on the first day
of one of his erratic autumnal visits
near her country home.
She accordingly let her disdainful
glance dwell upon his extensively rud-
dy cheek and ignored his unaffected
stare of astonishment at her modern
equipage, brilliantly red automobile
at standstill upon the country road.
"What, no, Rebeccaw he greeted her
when within speaking distance of
where she sat in the crimson ram
bier ARMED cap-a-pie 1 see! Is the
drawbridge DOWN."
Edmonia smiled tolerantly and gave
him her hand.
"But why linger so far from the
paternal castle? Has thy gentle pal
frey gone lame"
Edmonia glanced suggestively back
along the highway. 'Tm waiting for
a friend" She said it with conviction.
The dusty road stretched in two long,
lines in either direction.
No one was in sight. Percival's gaze
abandoned it's quest and returned sus
piciously to the crimson rambler.
"Could l." he asked anxiously, figure
In that capacity?"
She Redeemed in turn, then scanned
him critically. Perhaps" She was
still rather doubtful of his capabilities.
Mentally scorning as inexcusable de-
votion to his business which had made
him hitherto ignore the automobile
craze, he fattened himself out after
the manner of the ardent automobilist
under her car and confded his despair
to her tonneau.
1t was bad enough not to be roman
tic, but not to be even useful was un-
bearable. He had not the slightest
idea of how to start the machine. He
crawled out from under the machine
and mounted to the drivers seat.
Her sudden accession Of trust, in
spired by his businesslike manner, pro-
voked him to fresh endeavor. He made
q great show of moving brakes, tight
ening useless screws and peering into
the machine while she scanned the
scenery.
Whatever he finally did to that auto
mobile to start it Percivale does not
know. Suddenly it slid out Of the
shade into the road like a bird from
under his hand. "Aha," he cried, with
an assurance that he was far from
feeling, II thought sor'
He held q trembling hand upon the
wheel and answered irrelevant ques-
Hons at regular intervals. They were
now gliding along between hedgerows
of gorgeous autumn color. He began
to feel more at ease. Edmonia hum
med little sing as old as 1t was
sweet:
The rose that all are praising
Is not the rose for me.
He looked at her and in that look
forgot his new responsibility. She was
gazing steadily down the dusty turn
bike, little smile upon her lips, as
though she would see the knight Of
her dreams in plumed helmet and
shining armor riding to bear her away.
"He couldn't catch u.s." said Perci-
vale in response to her thought She
started and looked with more interest
at her companion. He had spoken in
the confidence that Is born Of igno-
rance
''Say, Ted" he continued, II don't
know much about your flowers Of
cAivalry.' l don't even understand the