Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1909-06-02
Ms Winning of
EdnOnia.
a, JANET CHRISTINE STEPHENS.
~o,yrirhted, 1893. by Associated
Literary Press.


ubich invariably formed the frowning
background to Percivales waking
hours he was diseouragingly and mod
ernly inoffensive.
She had once stated succinctly, as
uas Edmonias way. that the only
thing about him that remotely suggest
al standing up for itself was the cow
lick at the back Of square and other
wise irreproachably groomed head
The subject Of this rather doubtful APP
nroyal was secretly encouraged III the
hol,ef that the cowlick indicated an
aggressive spirit which seemed to be
the heroic attribute In the imagination
of Edmonia's set.
Edmonia's family appreciative re-
mark had been Inspired in her moth
er's attic during the rumraaelng Of a
rain bound house party, when. upon
the discovery of an ancient coat of
mail. Percivale had pulled It out from
under the caves and had fallen speed
ilv to calculating how many chain
disncloths 1t would have made for Mrs.
Turner's carefully ordered kitchen.
This was too much for Edmonia A
man who could evolve dishcloths from
the fabric Of romance must be lacking
I'm the most rudimentary instincts OF
.chiyaIry. 1t counted for naught with
her that Percivale Bonney was evinc-
ing business ability that made his
father prouder every day or that she
had never had rival In his loyal de-
votion to her.
She dreamed Of the clash of armor
and the risks Of joust and tourney, a
knight who should perform feats Of
arms for her sake and rescue her, II
need be. from tyrant's might. In the
free wholesomeness Of American So
eiety the tyrant had not appeared.
and to do Edmonia justice she really
did care q great deal for Percivale's
allegiance, only she desired a more
daring proof.
It was therefore Incumbent upon this
thoroughly consistent young lady that
she steel her heart against the pleas
ing picture which q tall. broad shout
dered, gray clad figure. hat Of and
Hight hair tossing In the breeze. made
against a morning sky on the first day
Of one Of his erratic autumnal visits
near her country home.
She accordingly let her disdainful
glance dwell upon his extensively rud-
dy cheek and ignored his unaffected
stare Of establishment at her modern
equipage. a brilliantly red automobile
at standstill upon the country road.
what. no. Rebeccaw he greeted her
when within speaking distance OF
where she sat in the crimson ram
bier. Armed capable see. Is the
drawhridge DOWN."
Edmonia smiled tolerantly and gave
him her hand
But why linger so far from the
paternal castle? Has thy gentle pal
frey gone lame?"
Edmonia glanced suggestively back
along the highway, I'm waiting for
friend" She said It with conviction.
The dusty road stretched in two long.
undertaking lines in either direction.
No one was In sight. Percival's gaze
abandoned its quest and returned sus-
tANtFNSAs W thC NkiLbSoh
Gould l." he asked anxiously. Figure
In that capacity|
She Redeemed In turn, then scanned
him critically Perhaps" She was
still rather doubtful Of his capabilities.
Mentally scorning as inexcusable de-
votion to his business which had made
him hitherto ignore the automobile
craze, he f1attened himself out after
the manner Of the ardent automobiles
Under her car and contided his despair
to her tonneau.
1t was bad enough not to be roman
Tie, but not to be even useful was I'M
bearable. He had not the slightest
idea Of how to start the machine. He
crawled ont from under the machine
and mounted to the drivers seat.
Her sudden accession of trust, in
spired by his businesslike manner. pro-
voked him to fresh endeavor. He made
great show Of moving brakes. tight
ehing useless screws and peering into
the machine while she scanned the
scenery.
Whatever he finally did to that auto
mobile to start 1t Percivale does not
Know. Suddenly 1t slid out of the
shade into the road like bird from
under his hand. AHA" he cried, with
an assurance that he was far from
feeling, Il thought so.''
lie held trembling hand upon the
"heei and answered Irrelevant ques-
IONS at regular intervals They were
now gliding along between hedgerows
VI gorgeous autumn color. He began
:" Ieei more at ease. Edmonia hum
nieo little sing as old as. it was
sweet:
me rose that all are praising
Is not the rose for me.
ne looked at her and in that look
Aoieoe MS new responsibility. She was
saAing steadily down the dusty turn
p1Ae' little smile upon her lips, as
.uougn she would see the knight Of
Nc. dreams in plumed helmet and
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