Willmar tribune., 1909-09-29

OPPORTUNITY,
A Very important Conversation
That Settled Matters.
BY HARRIET luMMle SMITH.
Copyright. 1908. by Associated Literary
Press.l
Jimmy Fitzgerald was downcast.
Everybody was against him. he told
himself, and in that sweeping general
ization he included even Carroll. For
IL it had not been for Carroll's con-
nivance. her tame submission to the
maneuvers Of interfering relatives. the
words which had trembled on bis lips
for three dragging months would have
been spoken long ago.
From the standpoint of a disinter-
ested spectator Jimmy was ready to
admire the cleverness which 20 far
had circumvented him. Good team
work." he denominated 1t. The in
genious air with which Grandmother
Reynolds would appear to claim Car
rolls assistance in regard to dropped
stitch in her knitting just when jim
my was bringing matters to Z eli.
max and Carroll was turning most
becoming pink was only eQualed by the
childlike innocence with which Car
rolls small brother would rush bawl-
ing into the library with a bloody
handkerchief held to his nose. inter-
rupting an eloquent outbreak begin.
ming "Since the first hour saw you"-
In Jimmy's estimation this was all
the harder to bear because he was 90
perfectly eligible. Character and pros
poets alike were beyond question. The
most serious accusation that could be
brought against the match was that
both Of them were young. Carrolrs
sister, Marie, was Of the opinion that
an engagement would be absurd, and
Jimmy thought he knew why. II
George Freeman. Marie's latest ad-
mirer. had been as eager to propose az
Jimmy was. the latter young man felt
positive that no obstacles would be put
in his way.
With duplicity foreign to his usu.
ally frank nature. Jimmy lost no op-
portunity of expressing to Freeman the
admiration with which Marie inspired
him. II the older sister were once en-
gagged or, better still. married. Jimmy
believed there would be hope for him.
Meanwhile the family opposition
showed itself in a system Of espionage
which kept Jimmy's great avowal un.
spoken. If he suggested a walk, either
Mrs. Reynolds declared that CARROTS
cold would not permit her to venture
out or Marie invited herself to accom-.
pany them; If the theater, a chaperon
was necessary. Whole souled cooper.
alton on Carroll's part would have re-
lieved the situation. but the girl knew
SO well what Jimmy wanted that her
modesty shrank from giving him any.
thing but the most negative assistance.
Accordingly Jimmy decided that she.
too, was against him and gave him
self up to thoughts Of unutterable
gloom.
He called one afternoon wearing an
expression Of grim determination
which. If he had known it, put the con.
spirators on their guard. He was ush-
cred into the family living room, and
Mrs. Reynolds entertained him till Car.
roll came down. Jimmy made few
tnane comments on the weather, his
eyes devouring the pretty girlish tg.
ure seated demurely in the opposite
corner.
Its too fine a day for the house,
said Jimmy. suppose we take lit.
tie walk"
Really. Carroll, dear" said Mrs.
Reynolds before Carroll could reply,
1T won't do for you to leave the house.
Mrs. Baker is likely to want you any
moment. We have a dressmaker here,
Mr.. Fitzgerald" she continued, turn.
ing to Jimmy with her most charming
smile.
Cant we sit on the piazxar' sug.
gested Jimmy. Carroll agreed to the
suggestion. But, as 1t proved. her
small brother. Bob. was In possession
Of the hammock. and he remained for
two hours, enlivening the occasion BY
describing the exploits Of the ball
team.
An ear splitting whistle in the rear
Of the house relieved them at length
OF Bob's company. Without delay
Jimmy plunged into the subject up
permOst in bis mind. O.
Carroll. there's something I want
to say to YOU
Carroll. Mrs. Baker is ready fos
you" said Marie's voice behind the
parlor shutters. That she had been
waiting there. biding her time, Jimmy
could not doubt Then the gate click.
ed, and Mr.. Reynolds came up the
walk. He settled himself in the chair
Carroll had vacated, and he and Jimmy
talked politics till dinner time.
The young man refused an invita-.
ton to remain to dinner. He went
away with lowering brow and 4
heavy heart. But at half past 8 that
evening the telephone bell rang, in.
terrupting a game Of bridge going on
In the den. Carroll, who was nearest
to the insistent instrument. pushed
back her chair and went to answer
the summons.
"Hello-hello! Oh. yes, this Il Car