Smyrna times., 1909-06-23
THE REJECTED
DREAM MAN,
BY AMELIA TRUEsDALE.
copyrighted. 1909. by Associated Iiterarv
Press1

she to refusing him, this being their |
customary daily diversion. Now he
was watching her lazily. That was
what irritated her so-his inordinate
Iaziness. He was large and blond.
with placid blue eyes like sleepy
baby's. She was little and trim as
waxwork. and her gray eyes were
clear and keen.
don't know what kind of fellow
you want" he grumbled amiably. with
an indOlent movement Of one oar.
Hes brisk" Ruby replied, "and en-
ergetic."
Think I've got him in my minds
eye" Roy gave the other oar an easy
touch. Small and bustling and chip
perry, like the little cock sparrow that
sat on a tree"
He isn't like that In the least"
Ruby sat up prim and stiff and rosy
with indignation.
"Oh, isn't he? Beg his pardon.
Where is he nOwY
"At work." Ruby replied promptly.
her tone implying a comparison be.
tween a man thus profitably employed
and one who idled his time away at a
summer hotel.
Perhaps he has an object in view"
Roy insinuated.
Perhaps" Ruby admitted demurely.
"And-um-is the object to be at
tanned soonY
Ruby let her eyes drop toward the
top ruffle Of her blue organdie.
I-dont know exactly; not before
next spring." She was dabhling her
hand in the lake, her eyelashes still
slanting downward.
"Ah! Congratulate him and every
thing Shall we row over to that
bunch Of willows or down to the little
coveY'
For an instant Ruby wished she
might tip the boat over, just to see If
his exasperating equanimity would be
disturbed by such an emergency.
II don't believe 1t would" she de-
cided in disgust. He'd get us out If
he could conveniently, and If he
| couldn't he'd drown with the content
ed smile on his face as serenely as If
he were a wooden Shem out Of a toy
Noah's ark"
Mrs. Albert Lloyd was peacefully
crocheting when her sister Ruby whirl-
ed in upon her, cast herself into a
rocking chair and rocked tempestu-
Ously for three minutes. Mrs. Albert
viewed her quietly. suspending her
crochet hook for a moment
"Been fencing with Mr.. Adams
again7' she queried mildly
YES" Ruby answered, "but l hard
ly think he'll care about fencing any
more"
mo? Why noty'
II practically told him l was-en-
gagged"
Dear me! And to whom?"
"a person invented"
You unprincipled wretch! What
did you do it forT'
"Just to see what effect It would
have"
"And what effect did It have?"
None at all. You couldn't stir hin
up to move an eyelash whatever yOT
did. He's too sublimely lazy even t.
lose his temper.
Mrs. Albert shook her head gently.
You're of the track" she comment
cd. uuwiudlng more scarlet wool. 'H
may perhaps be guilty Of always keep
ing his temper. and. let me tell you,
married woman would consider that ;
very good failing. but as for being laz.
-Albert's friends say that. although
he has that lazy way and looks as /
he were letting things go to smash
they want 10. he has his eye on every
thing and every move he make
counts. shouldn't wonder if you'v
put your silly foot in 1t for once wit
your invented man."
Mrs. Lloyd ceased her lecture as sh
found herself talking to dissolvin
view Of blue Organdie rufies and
couple Of whisking sash ends and r
turned to her crocheting.
Roy appeared before Ruby early th
next day in his usual calm frame
mind and his boating rig.
Think he'll object to your going OF
on the lake with me just once more
i he asked. 'I'm going away early t
morrow morning.
"What forT she asked.
"Have to-" he responded. 'Nacatic
comes to an end tonight. Can you go
She reflected dismally that she mu
- either confess her little romance
Yesterday to be an unfounded one
bid goodby forever to this exaspera
ing man. and she knew now that u
latter was something she could not
and retain any shred Of happines
:, She waited, however, until they we
e -e out on the blue. soothing bosom OF q
lake. Then she rushed into 1t.
or. "4e couldn't object you know" s.
said. reverting to his remark OF sor
time before, because he's only
ton"
= "a dream manT' he asked
, She nodded, blushing uncomfortap
He hummed bar Of "Wnen
Dream Came True" and settled pa
n IN