Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1910-11-09
The Argus Daily Short. Story
Coverly's Substitute-By Clarissa Mackie.
Copyrighted. by Associated Literary

I'm sorry, Elizabeth" said Ralph
Coverly. "that 1 must go to Chicago
on business for the firm of Fabens Sc
Coverly."
Never mind, Ralph. My one week
has been lovely, and I shall enjoy
spending a quiet time with your
mother"
Mother will be delighted to have
you with her constantly. An invalids
days are dull enough. But there is
an elderly aunt coming tomorrow, and
I'm afraid you'll not find it very
amusing with just Aunt Agatha and
mother. I've thought of a plan so
that you might enjoy the program we
planned and not miss any of the con-
certs or art galleries or even The op-
era
What is that, dear? Really, half
of the anticipated pleasure was the
knowledge that we We're to be to-
gether."
Ralph hesitated, and then. as if dis
missing some unworthy doubt from
his mind, he said quickly:
'Why. I've spoken to Fabens. He's
a mighty clever chap and is better
versed IN all the things you're inter
ested in than L am. Pm such prac-
teal fellow. Elizabeth. Well, ! told
Fabens all the things I'd planned we
were TO do the coming week and ask
ed him to see that you didn't miss
any of the pleasures"
Its very thoughtful of you. Ralph"
The next morning when Elizabeth
wandered downstairs TO n late break
fast she found the expected Aunt
Agatha established at the head Of the
table. She was q stern viSCged lady.
whose hair remained Il shining black
In defiance of threescore years. She
wore gold spectacles with thick lenses.
which magnifed her dark eyes with
startling results. An ear trumpet dan
gled from n ribbon over her shoulder
much like a powderhorn at the back
Of a hunter.
Good morning. Miss Neal-or shall
I say Elizabeth? My niece has writ
ten of you. and I've seen your picture.
If you'll excuse my saying so, you're
not at all the sort OF girl l thought
Ralph would marry. He always pre-
ferred brunettes, Ike myself. Well.
men are tickle as the weather. It's too
bad Mary is confined to her room.
You will be very lonely" Miss Dale
paused to take breath.
"Mrs. 'Coverly will enjoy having
some one with her. She is so much
alone except FOR the nurse" said Eliz-
abeth.
81 can't hear a word you say" as
serted Miss Dale calmly. "Tt doesn't
matter. I can always guess what peo-
pie are talking about at table. You
probably remarked that you wouldn't
be lonely at all during Ralph's alb
sence. I know Dick Fabens. my dear.
and more Fascinating mar I never
met. Ralph is very foolish TO leave
you in Dicks care. But, there. every
one has his consultations, and that lit
tie dark beauty Ralph was so crazy
about last year lives in Chicago
There, there! Don't get emotional!"
Elizabeth, angry and amused. watch
ed her and when she was alone fin
ished her breakfast and retired to her
own room. Later her brief morning
visit to sweet Mrs. Coverly brought
forth the fact that Aunt Agatha had
arrived from, her suburban home at an
early hour that morning. She had sur
veyed the house from attic to cellar
and had interviewed the nurse and the
servants with praiseworthy results
Mrs. Coverly smiled indulgently and
touched Elizabeth's serious face. with