The Lake County times. [volume] (Hammond, Ind.) 1906-1933, 1909-01-06
6he Winning of
EdrnOnia.
By JANET CHRISTINE STEPHENS.
Copyrighted, 1868. by Associated
Literary Press


There was nothing Of the knight err
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 inoffensive.
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 a square and other
wise frreproachably groomed head.
The subject Of this rather doubtful ap-
proval 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
the fabric of romance must be lacking
in the most rudimentary instincts of
chivalry. 1t counted for nauRht with
her that Percivale Bonney was evinc-
ing 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 for her sake and rescue her. IL
need be, from tyrant's might. In the
free wholesomeness of American So
ciety the tyrant had not appeared,
and to do Edmonia justice she really
did care great deal for Percivale's
allegiance, only she desired a more
daring proof.
1t was therefore incumbent upon this
thoroughly consistent young lady that
she steel her heart against the pleas
ing picture which a tall. broad shouI-
dered, gray clad figure, hat off and
light hair tossing in the breeze made
against morning sky on the first day
of one Of his erratic autumnaI 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, Rebeccar' he greeted her
when within speaking distance of
where she sat in the crimson ram
bier. Armed cap-a-pie see! Is the
drawbrfdge DOWN."
Edmonia smiled tolerantly and gave
him her hand.
But why Hnger so far from the
paternal castle? Has thy gentle pal
frey gone lame?"
Edmorlia glanced suggestively back
along the highway. I'm waiting for
a friend" She said it with conviction.
The dusty road stretched in two long.
undertaking lines in either direction.
No one was in sight. Percivars gaze
abandoned its quest and returned sus-
piciously to the crimson rambler.
Gould l." he asked anxiously, figure
in that capacity7"
She Redeemed in turn, then scanned
him critically. Perhaps" She was
still rather doubtful of his capabilities.
Mentally scorning as inexcusable a de-
votion to his business which had made
him hitherto ignore the automobile
craze. he dattened himself out after
the manner of the ardent automobilist
under her car and confded his despair !
to her tonneau.
1t was bad enough not to be roman
tic, but not to be even useful was I'M
bearable. Ee had not the slightest
idea of how to start the machine. He