Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1909-05-22
THE REJECTED
DREAM MAN,
BY AMELIA TRuEspALE.
Fcopyrigs.od. 1909. by Associated Literar,
Press

the water lilies Win huDy Lane, mad
just come near proposing to her and
she to refusing him, this being their
customary daily diversion. Now he
was watching her lazlly. That was
what irritated her so-hls inordinate
laziness. He was large and blond,
with placid blue eyes like n sleepy
baby's. She was little and trim as
waxwork. and her gray ewes were
clear and keen.
~ don't know what kind of fellow
you want" he grumbed amiably, with
an indolent movement OF one oar.
Hes brisk Ruby replied, land en-
ergetic"
'"Think I've got him In my minds
eye" Roy gave the other oar an easy
touch. Small and bustling and chip
perry, like the little cock sparrow that
sat on tree"
''Ie isn't like that In the least"
Ruby sat up prim and stiff and rosy
with Indignation.
"Oh, isn't he? Beg his pardon
Where Is he now"
AT work." Ruby replied promptly,
her tone implying comparison be-
tween a man thus proftably employed
and one who idled his time away at
summer hotel.
Perhaps he has an object in view"
Roy insinuated.
Perhaps" Ruby admitted demurely.
"And-um-is the object to be at
tanned soon?"
Ruby let her eyes drop toward the
top rufile of her blue organdie.
"I-don't know exactly; not before
next spring" She was dabbllng her
hand in the lake. her eyelashes still
slanting downward.
"Ah! Congratulate him and every
thing. Shall we row over to that
bunch of willows or down to the little
cover
For an instant Ruby wished she
might tip the boat over just to see If
his exasperating equanimity would be
disturbed by such an emergency.
II don't believe 1t would" she de-
cided in disgust. He'd get us out II
he could conveniently, and IL he
couldn't he'd drown with the content
ed smile on his face as serenely as If
he were a wooden Shem out Of toy
Noah's ark"
Mrs. Albert Lloyd was peacefully
crocheting when her sister Ruby whirl-
ed in upon her, cast herself into
rocking chair and rocked tempestu.
ously for three minutes. Mrs. Albert
viewed her quietly, suspending her
crochet hook for a moment.
Been fencing with Mr.. Adams
againi" she queried mildly.
YES" Ruby answered, "but hard
" think he'll care about fencing any
more"
"No? Why not?"
II practically told him l was--en-
gagged"
Dear me- And to whom?"
"A person 1 invented"
you unprincipled wretch! What
did you do It for:"
Just to see what effect It would
have"
And what effect did II have?"
None at all. You couldn't stir him
up to move an eyelash whatever you
did. He's too sublimely lazy even to
lose his temper"
Mrs. Albert shook her head gently.
You're Off the track" she comment.
ed, unwinding more scarlet wool. "He
may perhaps be guilty of always keep
ing his temper. and. let me tell you, a
married woman would consider that a
very good failing. but as for being lazy
-Albert's friends say that. although
be has that lazy way and looks as II
he were letting things go to smash II
they want TO, he has his eye on every
thing and every move he makes
counts. ! shouldn't wonder IL you've
put your silly foot In It for once with
your invented man."
Mrs. Lloyd ceased her lecture as she
found herself talking TO a dissolving
view Of blue organdie ruffies and a
couple Of whisking sash ends and re.
turned to her crocheting.
Roy appeared before Ruby early the
next day in his usual calm frame of
mind and his boating rig.
| @hhAh hc ~ obJecl 10 your going OUT
on the lake with me just once more?"
he asked. I'm going away early to-
morrow morning"
What forT" she asked.
Have TO-" he responded. Vacation
comes to an end tonight. Can you go?"
She reflected dismally that she must
either confess her little romance OF
yesterday to be an unfounded one or
bid goodby forever to this exasperat-
ing man. and she knew now that the
latter was something she could not do
and retain any shred OF happiness.
She waited. however. until they were
out on the blue, soothing bosom Of the
lake. Then she rushed into II.
HE couldn't object you know" she
said. revertlng TO his remark Of some
time before, because he's only a fic-
tion.'
"a dream mann he asked.
She nodded, blushing uncomfortably.
He hummed a bar OF when a
Dream Cama Trte" and saffled hacle