Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1909-11-04

ana Geralu was surprised ana
annoyed at the hauteur and disdain
with which he was treated by the girl
whom a few short months ago he had
looked upon as little more than a
child. There were moments when he
thought he could detect a little more
cordially in her tone or glance, but
any encouragement thus derived was
quickly o~verbalanced by her GOODNESS,
if he presumed On it. He overlook
her one morning as they left the thea
ter.
"Our ways seem to lie in the same
direction; may l accompany your" he
asked, somewhat timidly.
mo, thank you" she answered, in
differently.
Despite his repulse, Gerald, who by
this time was willing to admit to
himself that he was really in love
with her, continued to seek Margaret's
society. One morning on his way
to rehearsal he noticed in a florists
window a pretty bunch of Margue.
rites. Acting on the impulse of the
moment, he purchased them, and on
arriving at the theater sent them tc
Miss Deane's dressing room. When
she stepped on the stage she carried
the box containing the flowers in hel
hand.
Some foolish person sent me these
she remarked to the company who
stood around her. Il am not particu
larly fond of Marguerites, as they re
mind me too much of my W name
which l have the misfortune to dis
like. Won't you all help yourselves
l might not be SO generous If the.
were roses"
AS the ladies present availed them
selves of the invitation and pinne'
clusters Of the pretty blossoms O
their gowns, Gerald received a defian
little glance from Margaret that cor
WINGED him that she had discovers
the donor, and that her dislike TO
Marguerites was of recent and sudde'
growth. The dress rehearsal whic
took place on the night preceding tn
presentation Of the piece in public wa
a long one, and it was nearly on
o'clock when the weary performer
emerged from the stage door. Ma
garet Deane felt decidedly nervous q
she walked along the lonely eros
streets, which were practically deser
ed. Every football in the distanc
made her start, and when she fancie
she heard a cautious step behind he
as of some one following in her tracl
her heart beat painfully. She glance
hastily back and caught sight Of til
tall form of a man who was EVIDENT
watching her.
She fastened forward b~reathlessl
conscious all the time that her pu
suer was also hurrying IN. At la
the thought of calling a policema
entered her mind, but there was nor
In sight. A light in the window Of
house close at hand caught her ey
and she decided to appeal to the i
mates for aid. Mounting the steps, 81
was Mortified to hear the rapid a
proach of her pursuer's feet close b
hind her. Desperately she reached Fl
, the bell, and was about to pull it, WHIT
a familiar voice said:
. do you wish to see anybody her
, l have a latch key handy"
: Gerald! Mr.. Morrison" almo
screamed Margaret, in surprise al
immense relief. rs it really you?
thought it was some awful highws
: man following me. Oh, I am
:, glad!"
! $50 am l." said Gerald, earnest
p glad because the barriers are brok
down between us, even If you we
a little bit frightened. You fooli
child, did you imagine that l would
: low you to wander through the stree
: alone at this time of night? And,
course, Fate ordained that you shot
:, run up here, where | live. Now l 6
: going to see you home"
Margaret slipped her little hand CT
! fidingly through his arm, and tn
: started off together. Il was horl
to you, Gerald" she said, faltering
but / will be again"
During the following week the
h nouncement was made in theatri,
q circles of the engagement of Margal
d Deane, leading lady Of the Sterli
k Stock Company, to Gerald Morrison
n Queer" commented the stage mi
A. ager, Il thought she hated that CHI;
but you never can tell. I suppose s
was in love with him all the time"