Audubon County journal. (Exira, Iowa) 1884-1993, 1910-02-24
THE CHINESE
TEAPOT


his affairs were in shipshape order,
save one, and this one was causing
him more anxiety than all the others,
for on it depended his present happi-
ness and future plans.
AS he swung along in the direction
OF Helene Thornton's home he de-
bated within himself as to his
chances. AS he reviewed the two
years in which he had known her he
could not remember of any time when
by word or sign she seemed aware of
the deep admiration and love he had
for her. He laughed little
nervously as he remembered a Ger.
tain day when they had wandered into
Chinese curio shop An odd Chinese
teapot had pleased her and he bought
1t and told her to keep it as souve-
mir. She laughingly turned about and
bought him tiny vase in return. He
remembered how he treasured it. The
choicest spot on the mantel was it's
seat of honor, but he never saw the
teapot, and one day, being curious, he
said:
Helene, do you remember the day
we bought the Chinese souvenirs?"
1t seemed to him that it took her an
unnecessarily long time to remember,
but finally she did, and then he said:
II have treasured that vase ever
since"
He remembered he had waited for
her to say something, and at last she
said, rather indifferently:
oh, the teapot; broke it a short
time afterward."
1t was like dash of cold water,
and now as he strobe along it gave
him chilly feeling of doubt. How
ever, the question must be settled to-
day, for he was to be gone four
months and he could not leave it un-
settled. He had tried for a week to
see her alone, and last night he told
her that he was going to say good
by to-day, and SO it was with a feel
ing of determination that he rang the
bell.
Her 12-year-old brother opened the
door.
Come right in, Mr.. Harding. I'm
awfully glad to see you" He closed
the door and led the way to the sit
ting room.
'sI'm all alone " cold is much
better and I'm + ! working for Aunt
Jane" He showed Phil collection
of broken china that he was gluing to-
gether. osnf
Phil stammered: isn't your sister
in?"
Helene? No, she went out, but said
five"
Half past f1ve," echoed Phil. At
that time he would be on his way to
the train. He knew that she had gone
out to avoid him and for the instant
he was angry, then he resolved des.
perately to wait, even If he missed the
train, and settle it at once.
Henry chatted away as he worked
and finally surveyed his finished task
with pride.
Helene has an old dish upstairs
that she thinks lot of. It's broken
and she'll be delighted to have it
| fixed"
He ran upstairs and came back with
| the "old DISH" and Phips heart gave
a leap, for he was holding the Chinese
teapot.
did you say that your sister val
ued it?" he said quietly.
| well, l don't say she valued it. II
doesn't look worth much, but she
thought lot of it. Perhaps some one
| that's dead gave it to her."
| The bright thought settled every
thing to him.
Its full of truck" he said as hi
proceeded to dump miscellaneou:
collection of things on the table. Sucl
things as tumbled out! A dance order
knot of ribbon, snap shot which
| Phil recognized Immediately, faded
rosebud, tiny watch charm, etc.
Phil felt little guilty as he glanced
at the pile 1t seemed as though hi
was intruding on sacred ground. Still
he had not been to blame; it was the
brother who had unconsciously lait
bare her secrets. He resolved tt
wait; if fortune depended upon hi
getting that train he would rathe
lose it than miss seeing her.
/ He persuaded Henry not to light VI
and they sat in the twilight. Ever,
nerve was strained for the sound of
we'll known step. At last her cheer,
voice sounded in the hall.
Sitting in the dark. brother?" Sh
turned on the light in the sitting room
as she passed it. Then she caugh
sight of Phil.
why, Mr.. Harding "-she starte
forward with outstretched hand, bu
followed his glance to the table. Sh
gave cry of dismay. For once sh
was off her guard. She turned pal
snd grasped the table to steady hel
self. then her face flushed red; sh
was beginning to get angry.
Phil turned to Henry. "Say, Henry
there's a book in the library Gale
The Cruise of the FREELY Find Il
and here's dollar for your trouble.
After search of is minutes Henr
| 10 oitt To na