Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1910-05-31

be very glad wrote Vernon giggling
ecstatically as she penned the words,
ito profit by your more intimate
knowledge Of the workings of the
feminine mind" And certain broad
shouldered young fellow who read the
letter, grinned sheepishly, and, adj
dressing suit or armor IN corner
of the studio, observed confidentially
that he guessed he had put his foot
in it. The frigid silence preserved by
the recipient of these condolences
seemed to give consent.
When the anniversary of Eskine's
When the anniversary Of Eskine's
wrote with unusual cordially in COM
memoration of the event, Vernon's
sleeping conscience woke up. There
had been something in the letter that
had made her vaguely uneasy. The
enthusiastic reference her cores
pondent had made to the inspiration
OF the singular friendship brought be-
fore her thoughts very distinctly the
misunderstanding under which Leslie
Eskins was laboring. She thinks
Pm man." thought Vernon, con-
science stricken. "And it's even pos
sible that she might fall in love with
me-"
She wrote long letter that same
afternoon. 1t was a frank letter. She
explained as we'll as possible the mis-
chevious impulse which had led her to
allow Miss Eskimo to continue in her
misrepresentation, and laid emphasis
on the fact that she had grown to
value the friendship. Indeed, If you
are angry with me for continuing this
childish deception, Vernon wrote, Il
shall be frankly miserable" At this
point she was compelled to have re-
course to her pocket handkerchief. 1t
was extraordinary how blank the f,l-
ture seemed without the cordial en-
couragement of Leslie Eskimo. Even
her criticisms were preferable to 81
lence. It was damp little wad OF a
handkerchief that was restored to Yer
mons pocket at last.
She sent the maid to the corner
with the letter. and devoted herself
to writing humorous verses. She was
half way through the second poem
when Mary Ann trudged up the stairs
to say that a gentleman wished to
see her. tLeastways. he asked for Mr..
Field" explained Mary Ann. But
since you're the honely individual so
named, it's you he must a meant"
"Let me see the Card said Vernon
cautiously, land held out her hand.
The next minute she was on her
feet. gripping Marv, AIMS shoulder.
"Mary Ann, did you say gentle
man? Isn't it lady? Stop and think,
Mary Ann"
Mary AIMS respectable British
backbone stiffened. ''In that case.
miss" she replied, "it's the most hex
traordinary type of female ever in
this 'ouse, for it's in breeches and
with mustache.'
him." said Vernon at last. gulping over
the pronoun, "that will be down very
soon"
When she descended the stairs, Ver-
non Field did not look like a rising
young writer whose stories had been
accepted by some Of the best maya
zines. Instead. her manner suggested
Q naughty child anticipating an inter-
view likely to result in her being sent
supperless to bed. And the young man
in the Darlor who rose at her en-
trance looked anything but success
full illustrator. He was flushed, awk-
ward. uncomfortable-ye it was he
who first found his voice.
II beg your pardon" he said, "but
I wished to see Mr.. Field-Mr. Yer
non Hamilton Field Perhaps" he adj
ded hopefully, "you are his sister"
Vernon sat down. She did 1t hastily
for her knees were giving way. "No,"
she replied frankly, "I'm not his sis
ter. I'm he!"
IS WHAT" exclaimed Mr.. Eskine, ex-
plosively.
II mean I'm she. I'm Vernon Ham
ilton Field-the only one there is"
"And l." said the caller, "am Leslie
Eskimo"
They looked at each other and the
explanations and apologies trembling
on the lips Of each we're never spoken.
Vernon gave way to hysterical laugh
ter and Eskine chimed In. And
when they wiped their moist eyes and
regained breath for serious speech all
was understood and all was forgiven.
eve were both wrong" Eskimo
said. when he babe her goodbye sew
eral hours later. 1--WE were both wrone
but this may be one of the rare cases
when two wrongs make right. Don't
you think so?"
81 don't know what you mean. !"
Vernon answered. But her eyes, drop
ping before his and alluring in their
very shyness, told different story.
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