Middletown transcript., 1909-05-01
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a chair.
I asked you to call, Miss Tray
ers, in order to clear up 9 little
matter regarding The competition
for which you entered.
Peggy felt vaguely uncomfort-
able. The editor handed her
Harold's sketch.
Is this your property?
Yes, of course, she said. Il is
me, too!
Yes, I see that, and the cur
ious thing is, that another com
petitor has sent an almost exact
" similar sketch-a little differ
ence in the features, perhaps,
but quite recognizable.
Peggy started to her feet in
furious indignation.
The wretch! How dare he!
Mr.. Harold Densmore. Do
you know him, Miss Tfavers?
Do / know him! Yes, or rather
I did know him, for shall never
look at him again. ! suppose
that this is to show me how little
he cares.
I presume, then, that both
sketches are your work?
My work! Good gracious, no;
I can't draw a stroke, said Peg
gy in astonishment. Harold
drew them.
Then had you Mr.. Densmore's
consent to send in that pictureY
No, Of course not! said Peggy
hotly. 1t was mine! He gave it
to me, I supposed / could do
what / liked with it.
The editor considered.
This complicates matters con-
siderably. These two sketches
are very much the best sent in,
tand I should very much like to
have one. However, I have ask
ed Mr.. Densmore to call also,
and I think he should soon be
here, so no doubt We can come to
some arrangement.
My goodness! said Peggy wild
ly,what am Ito dos | can't meet
him!
She seized her sunshade and
made for the door.
lam sorry, Miss Travers, to de-
tain you, but I really can't let
you go till Mr.. Densmore comes.
l must have this matter, cleared
up.
He walked over to the door as
he spoke, effectually barring her
escape.
She looked at him in despair,
and her lip trembled.
I thought you looked a nice
man! Can't you see how awk-
ward it is? was engaged to
Harold, and l have broken it of
now; and oh! you must let me
out!
The editor Of the Tuxedo
Magazin" was an astute young
man. He was engaged to a nice
little girl himself, and, naturally,
liked to see other couples prop
erly arranged Here was a
chance of setting a misguided
pair of lovers right!
Peggy was nearly in tears by
a brave effort she kept them in
check. Just then the door open
ed, and she realized that escape
was out of the question. She re-
tired with her chin 10 the air to q
distant window, and appeared to
be engrossed in the traffic out
side. The room was a large one,
aad Harold Densmore did not
not notice her.
lam very glad you have sent
for me, he began at once. / wish
to withdraw my entry for the
competition. ] havec changed my
mind about it, as it might give
offense to q lady whom / know.
In silence the editor handed
him the two sketches, and Har.
old stared at them in amazement.
Then, hearing suppressed little
sniff, he looked round.
Peggy?
Yes, it's me, she said, with a
sweet disregard Of grammar. I
did it because ! wanted money to
get things to 60 to Newport with
those Macklyns. Ihave changed
my mind, I'm not going now, so
Harold can have the prize, Mr.
Mr.. Editor I don't know your
name.
Welford, at yosr service, he
said, bowing.
How horribly like Wilfred, she
thought.
7 hope you will reconsider your
decision, Mr.. Densmore, Wexford
went on, or perhaps you could let