The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1909-07-29
A GENEROUS FELLOW
BY ELaERr 8. BENTLEY

June, as everybody knows, is de-
lightful month. a young; man was
walking on a:suburban roadion June
morning: The heavens were blue;
without single feecy dash. The air
was dry and warm. an atmosphere
that accords with the, hum of insects
and the occasional piping of q" bird.
He stopped and leaned upon neat
fence. Within were spacious and
highly cultivated grounds. Directly
before him was flower garden partly
hidden by little clumps Of low trees.
He was flower lover. He coveted
especially some beautiful Jacqueminot
roses he saw within. Surely the own
er Of the place would not grudge him
one or two. The house stood back
within q grove. No one was about.
He felt again the glow of boyhood in
stolen fruit. To his right was a gate
mot the main gate-a little one for side
entrance. He went and stood by the
gate and looked and fell before temp
tation. With quickly beating heart
he opened it. stepped briskly in, picked
he saw a bed Of American Beauties
losing themselves in leafy recess. 1t
occurred to him to gain the recess be-
fore doing any more stealing. Hur-
rying into it. he ran up against girl
sitting on rustic bench with lapful
Of roses. She uttered an exclamation
of sudden fright
"pa bo ri
The girl said nothing. She was try
ing to regain her equanimity. Instead
of looking as if she had surprised a
thief she looked as If she had been
surprised doing something she was
ashamed Of
81 am very fond of flowers" he
added.
II love flowers too"
$50 judge by the roses in your lap"
1T was wrong to pluck them, but l
couldn't help It,"
"Why wrong to pluck that to which
I'm sure you are welcome?"
She looked at him inquiringly. She
was herself trespasser. 1t occurred
to her that he was the owner.
Then l may keep them|
He saw the situation. He, thief,
had stumbled on a thief who thought
him the possessor of the place. Put
ting his hand on his heart, he bowed
low and said:
Cali of them and more"
He broke off dozen and threw them
in her lap.
ooh, how kind Of your
She was very pretty and. dressed as
she was in sheer white formed a love-
ly contrast with the green background
and the roses in her lap.
IL were an artist" he said, II
would wish for no better subject"
won't you show me your place r.
she asked
Certainly, but may l not sit for a
few minutes in this enhancing bower p
She moved aside and made room for
him on the bench.
II am fortunate" she said, Gin find
ing one so lenient with me, a tres
passer."
Rather I welcome another choice
flower in my garden"
A few quick steps crunching the
gravel and gentleman Of middle age
entered the recess He stood looking
at the pair in surprise. The girl
glanced at her companion, expecting
him to excuse her presence to one
whom she thought was another of the
occupants Of the place. He did not
speak. He was hunting for a story to
cover the situation.
This gentleman" she said to the
newcomer, "has been so kind as to
give me some roses"
you are quite welcome to Them"
said he who was the real owner
IL knew you would have done as
much yourself" said the man tres
passer, coloring.
The owner took in the situation-at
least enough of ito give him cue.
He fancied the trespasser had brought
the girl there and yielded to tempta-
ton to give her the roses.
Would you like to see my placer
he said.
The girl gave her companion tres
passer surprised look. "Why.
| thought you lived herew
The owner came to the rescue of q
fellow man. "He is always welcome
here" he said.
'Oh, q friend?" said the girl.
IAN esteemed friend" the owner put
in. ''Come, we will walk through the
place.
The girl gathered up her roses. and
they were led through the place, the
owner calling their attention to this
and that rose, tree or plant. When
they had seen it all, he asked them in
for a glass, Of wine and biscuit. This
offer was declined, and they were con
Quoted to the gate.
Haven't seen much Of you lately
old man." said the host at parting
care you going to desert us entirely r.
"Wi1l you be at home this EVENING"
Eyes; happy to see you"
"I'll call"
When they were alone the girl said
"How nice it was that I was caught