The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1911-02-17

and his sense Of gratitude toward his
companion was strong. He showed
her many little attentions on the voy-
age which sometimes escaped him.
From Dover, they had a carriage to
themselves.
/" Peter" Miss Brown said, after he
had made her comfortable. when is
1t to be?"
When is what to be9" ne asked,
puzzled.
Our marriage" she answered, look
Ing at him for a moment in most
bewildering fashion and then suddenly
dropping her eyes.
Peter Ruff returned her gaze In
blank an1azement.
What do you mean. Violet" he
exclaimed.
Just what I say" she answered,
*composedly. When are we going to
be married."
Peter Ruff frowned
What nonsense!" he said I'VE
are not going to be married. You
know that quite WELL
oh. no; don't! she declared,
smiling at him in heavenly fashion
!" At your request have told Monsieur
de Founcelles that we were engaged.
Incidentally, have refused two hum
dred and fifty thousand fvancs and,
believe, an admirer, for your sake.
declared that was going to marry
you. and must keep my word"
Peter Ruff began to feel giddy.
Look here, Violet" he said, you
know very well that we arranged all
that between ourselves"
Arranged all that?" she repeated.
with little laugh. Perhaps we did.
You asked me to marry you, and you
have posed as my f1ance. You kept 1t
up just as long es it suited you--it
suits me to keep it up a little longer"
Do you mean to say--do you seri-
ously mean that you expect me to
marry you?' he asked, aghast
do she admitted. az have
meant you to for some time, Peter!
She was very alluring, and Peter
Ruff hesitated. She held out her
hands and leaned towards him. Her
mum fell to the floor. She had raised
her veil, and faint perfume Of violets
stole into the carriage. Her lips were
a little parted, her eyes were saying
unutterable things.
You don't want me to sue you, do
yCd, Il CtCl DIG 4
Peter Ruff sighed-and yielded.
The woman who had been Peter
Rufus first love had fallen upon evil
days. Her prettiness was on the wane
powder and rouge, late hours, and
excuses OF many kinds. had played
havoc with It, even In these few
months. Her clothes were snowy but
cheap. Her boots themselves, unclean
dnUr, OF hn han t11l -
She stood upon the threshold Of Peter
Rufus office, and looked half defIantly.
half doubtfully at, Violet, who was its
sole occupant
" Can do anything for your" the
latter asked, noticing the woman's
hesitation.
II want to see Mr.. Ruff" the visitor
said.
Mr. Run is out at present." Violet
answered.
When will he be In 2"
cannot tell you," Violet said.
Perhaps you had better leave a mes
sage. Or will you call again? Mr..
Ruff is very uncertain In his move
ments."
Maud sank into chair.
III walt" she declared.
am not sure" Violet remarked.
raising her eyebrows, whether that
will be convenient. There may be
other clients In. Mr.. Ruff himself may
not be back for several hours"
Are you his secretary7" Maud
asked, without moving.
am his secretary and also his
wife" Violet declared.
The woman raised herself little in
her chair.
Some people have all the luck.
she muttered. ITS only few
months ago that Mr.. Ruff was glad
enough to take me out. You remem-
Der when used to come here?"
I remember Violet assented.
II was all right then" the woman
continued, land now---now I'm down
and out" she added, with a little sob.
You see what I am like. You look
as though you didn't care to have me
IN the office, and don't wonder at II.
You look as though you were afraid
I'd come to beg, and you are right
have come to beg
am sure Mr.. Ruff will do what he
can ca for you" Violet said. cal
see you know all about It," Maud
interrupted, with hard little laugh.
came once to wheedle information
out OF him. / came to try and betray
the only man who ever really, cared
for me. Mr.. Run was too clever. and
! am thankful for 1t. have been as
Dig q 1901 woman can be, but r
am paying / am paving for II
right enough (