The united opinion. [volume] (Bradford, Vt.) 1881-1970, 1909-04-02
Ole Winning of
EdnnOnia.
By JANET CHRISTINE STEPHENS.
Copyrighted, 1908, by Associated
Literary Press

T
E>t~%~N~~1
There was nothing of the knight er
rant about PerciVale Bonney. In the
thoughts of Edmonia Turner, thoughts
which invariably formed the frowning
background to Percivale's waking
| hours, he was discouragingly and mod
ernly inofensive.
She had once stated succinctly, as
was Edmonia's way, that the only
thing about him that remotely suggest
ed 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
prevail was secretly encouraged in the
belief 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 rummaging 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
lily to calculating how many chain
dishcloths it would have made for Mrs
Turner's carefully ordered kitchen.
This was too much for Edmonia. A
man who could evolve dishcloths from
tho fabric of romance must be lacking
in the most rudimentary instincts of
chivalry. 1t counted for naught with
her that Percivale Bonney was evinc-
ing a business ability that made his
father prouder every day or that she
had never had a 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 fer her sake and rescue her, If
need be, from a tyrants might. In the
free wholesomeness of American so
ciety the tyrant had not appeared,
and to do Edmonia justice she really
did care q great deal for Psrcivale's
allegiance. only she desired more
daring proof.
thoroughly consistent young lady that
she steel her heart against the pleas
ing picture which a tall, broad shout
dered, gray clad figure. hat off and
light 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 a 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 cap-a-pie l see! Is the
drawbridge DOWN."
Edmonia smiled tolerantly and gave
him her hand.
But why linger so far from the
paternal castle? Has thy gentle pal
frey gone lameT
Edmonia glanced suggestively back
along the highway. I'm waiting for
a friend" She said 1t with conviction.
The dusty road stretched in two long,
Underwriting lines In either direction
No one was in sight. Percivals gaze
abandoned it's quest and returned sus-
piciously to the crimson rambler
Gould l." he asked anxiously, figure
in that capacityY
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 hattened himself out after
the manner of the ardent automobilist
under her car and confided his despair
TO her tonneau.
1t was bad enough not to be roman
tic, but not to be even useful was I'M
bearable. He had not the slightest
idea of how to start the machine. He
crawled out 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
a great show Of moving brakes, tight
ening 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 it slid out of the |
shade into the road like a bird from |
under his hand. Aha" he cried, with
an assurance that he was far from |
feeling, II thought sor'
He held a trembling hand upon the |
wheel and answered irrelevant ques-
tions at regular intervals. They were
now gliding along between hedgerows |
Of gorgeous autumn color. He began |
TO feel more at ease. EdmoniA hum
med a little sing as old as it was
sweet:
The rose that all are praising
Is not the rose for me-
He looked at her and In that look
forgot his new responsibility. She was
gazing steadily down the dusty turn
pike. a little smile upon her lips, as
though she would see the knight Of
her dreams in pluned helmet and
Ihining armor riding to bear her away.
HE couldn't catch u.s." said Perez
Tale In response to her thought She
Itarted and looked with more interest
Il her companion. He had spoken in
he confidence that is born Of igno-
ance.
Say. Ted" he continued. Il don't
now much about your flowers Of
Rivalry I don't even understand the
list thing about an aut''- He caught
Iimself up. He positively would not
ivulge this humlliating fact He
V.nt on more confidently: But you