Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-11-22
She looked at him thoughtfully.

Hank" she agreed. land maybe l VIII
need somebody sometimes Ives. you
may come for me-"
The rest came about naturally. Hank
became Elsie's STEADY company" as
the neighboring young people said, but
Hank and Elsie themselves under
stood And Fred when he returned
home for few days at CHRISTMAS un-
derstood, too. and he wrung Hanks
hand and called him a good fellow for
protecting his girl from the other
boys.
Before the end of the next year
there was a rumor that Freds father
was not quite satisfied. The firm had
not advanced Fred as it should have.
He was still receiving SO week, and
money had to be sent from home to
paw for his clothes. Then his letters
were filed with theaters and the prop
er things in high life, with nothing
about his work.
Then one day Fred suddenly appear
ed among them. jaunty as ever and
home for good, as he said. The city
was too crowded and unsatisfying,
and besides, his father needed him to
manage the farm. And all he brought
for his two years work and the money
sent him were a large diamond, which
flashed upon one of his fingers, and
experience.
The very night of his arrival he
dressed himself with all the elaborate
ness Of his city knowledge and went
across to Elsie's home. She received
him in the parlor in the pretty white
dress which he remembered she was
having made for her graduation. AS
she entered the room something in her
bright. winsome beauty-so different
from the chalky compilations of the
shopgirls he had become acquainted
with-made him step forward i'm
pulsively.
why, you're beautiful, Elsier' he
exclaimed. 81 had no idea. It's fine
to be home again. Amt you glad to
see me?"
Eyes. indeed. 1 am, Fred" she an
swered frankly as she gave him both
her hands. ut will be nice to have
you with us again"
Fred laughed complacently and set
tied himself comfortably in the easiest
chair in the room.
How do you like city life?" asked
Elsie.
"Oh, | Ike the city, but there's no
chance for fellow there. l wish there
was. The amusements to be had IN the
city are infinitely superior to those we
have in the country. l used to go to
the opera nearly every night in the
season of course 1 always went in
evening dress. No man goes to the
of+ h 70,
of our country parties. Everything
seems very crude to me now I've got
back"
Indeed
"Oh. by the way. Elsie" he said
presently. mother told me there was
to be a party over at Hulls' Wednes-
day night. Shall we go? l haven't
got any invitation yet, but it'll come
soon s they hear I'm home"
Yes. you'll get it all right" Elsie
agreed. But l can't go with you.
Fred. I've promised Hank. He's got
a cousin staying at his house, though
nice girl. Suppose you ask her.
No, thank you" smilingly. Il
would rather have you. It'll be all
right about Hank. I'll see him myself
anu tell ulLu nC OA uuAgs
The color deepened little in Elsie's
cheeks.
81 don't believe Hank will agree to
that. Fred" she said demurely. We
are to be married at Christmas, and
he doesn't seem to want me out of his
sight a single evening. But he'll be
here in a few minutes now. You can
ask him and see"
They looked out of the window, and
there came Hank, walking as II be-
hind the pillow, but with as honest
face as the sun ever shOne upon. Fred
glared at him, but said nothing.
Fred will be ut our wedding.
Hank" said Elsie.
Wen be glad to see him." replied
Hank.
Tim afraid / shall have to deny
myself the pleasure" stammered Fred.
"Ive found. after all, I've become so
much attached to city life that can't
stand the country any more. I'm go
ing back
That's too bad" from Elsie.
The wedding came or at the ap-
pointed time. even though Fred was
not there to give it eclat in swallow
tail coat
To Cure a Geld in One Day