The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1910-03-25
Virginian Page for Each Member Of the Family
THE WRONG ROSES
ny JOANNA SINGLE.

Think! q mere red rose to--you!" He
laughed and left her. But she treas
ured the rose, not showing II to her
Notwithstanding 1t upstairs with her.
And at twilight the next day came
another. and thereafter each dusk
brought the girl one perfect red rose
with no card.
Guy steadfastly denied knowledge of
them. Avery still sent the pink ones
he called she was sitting before the
fire with a glowing red blossom In
her blue belt. Avery's eyes opened.
What's this?" he. questioned light
ly. Wearing the wrong rose?"
Can rose be wrong Then why
send it," she parted.
Il didn't send it--that's why It's the
wrong rose-pink's the color o. love-
the books say-my color for you.
Whence the red r. N~
They come every night--wi,h no
card. believe you send 'em. Guy
declares he Doesn't suspected him
| Then, lightly she changed the sub
ject. while the young mans wrath rose
within him. n Guy Hardin dared to
send her--then the bell rang. and in
moment Guy himself entered the room.
He greeted Avery cheerfuliy. sat down,
and simply proceeded to stay, and,
moreover. to make the girl and the
girls mother glad that he did. He in
| terested, amused. claimed and got at
tention- -
1t was early when John Avery rose
and declared IL time to go.
so early? Wait awhile longer and
I'll go with you, Avery"
Guys voice was easy--a little pat
ronizing. He was the elder and more
successful man. and the younger mans
blood boiled. He had come to ask
rather TO tell Avis-that he was going
to take her to the Scranton dance.
He could not believe his ears when
Hardin said coolly. anticipating him:
Il came hoping you would not be
already promised for that Scranton
affair, Miss Horton. j want to present
myself as a candidate for your escort
will you give me a chance? Or am |
too late" II was all so easy and
causal. The girl laughed-she was a
little fascinated. And II pleased her
pride--his manner. his look.
You are the first In the field---and
therefore In favor, Guy. T1l-give you
back your rose for an answer" She
tossed the red flower to him He
caught it--laukhingiy. He was too
wise to make too much OF any favor
given him.
MY rose--stnce you honor me with
the gtft--and most adroit answer
1t makes me wish had sent 1t. real
ly, Nothing like red rose, 1t
means-at least three dances for me
Well it's time for me to take Avery
home. / believe" He rose and the
two made their farewels. Mrs Hor-
ton said nothing. but she looked very
wise--she had seen something new
awake In John Avery's face, speak
from hts eyes when he looked at
Avis. show in the tightening of his
jaw.
Late the next forenoon Avery call
ed, though he had to leave, his Of
fee to do so. Mrs Horton told him
Avis had gone for n walk-with Guy
Hardin--they'd be back soon, with
an appetite for lunch Would he not
stay. also? He refused.
II wish--she would not go about
with Hardtn-f don't quite" Then |
the mothers cold look--assumed for |
she agreed with him--made him re- !
member that he had no right to criti- /
else the friends afApis,- indeed, to I
choose her friends for her. He saw
the pink flowers he had sent the day
before In their bowl--but no red rose
anywhere--she was, OF course, wear
Ing the red rose---the wrong rose! He
came to sudden conclusion.
Mrs Horton" he said. IF you'll
let me, I'll stay until IL and wait for
Avis in the library want just a
word with -heF-4-Mef't stay to lunch
but when she comes you will send
her to me a moment"
few minutes past Il Avis Hor-
ton came, still in her wraps. into the
pretty library. Her face was aRlow
with exercise. her hair blowing about
her rosy ears her eyes deep and
blue. She wore red rose.
Here / am, John, Mother says
you want word with me. Which