The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1911-01-19

Maud. with a difildence not alto
gether assumed, had accepted the chair
which Peter Ruff had placed for her,
and sat fdgeting. for moment, with
the imitation gold purse which she
was carrying.
Il am sure, Mr.. Ruff" she said.
looking demurely into her lap, az
ought not to have come here feel
terribly guilty It's such an uncom-
Portable sort OF position, too, isn't
it?l'
Il am sorry that you find 1t So"
Peter Ruff said. II there is anything
can do
You are very kind she murmured,
bali raising her eyes to his and drop
ping them again. but. you see, We
are perfect strangers to one another.
You don't know me at all, do you!
and have only heard of you through
the newspapers. You might think all
sorts Of things about my coming here
to make inquiries about gentleman"
II can assure you Peter RUIZ said.
sincerely. that you need have no
fears-nu fears at all. Just speak to
me quite frankly. Mr.. Fitzgerald was
friend of yours, was he not?
Maud simpered
: He was more than that she an
swered looking down. We were en-
gagged to be married.
Peter Ruff sighed
IL knew all about It," he declared.
Fitzgerald used to tell me every
thing"
You were his frIend?" she asked,
looking him in the face.
II was" Peter Ruff answered fer
yently, " his best friend! No one was
moro grieyed than ! about that-little
mistake"
She sighed.
I'm some ways" she remarked
softly. you remind me of him."
You could scarcely say anything"
Peter Ruff murmured. which would
give me more pleasure. | am fat
tered"
She shook her head.
It isn't fattery." she said. It's
older. and Spencer had a very nice
are really not unlike. Mr.. RUIZ, do
tcli NE " hCiG hC 40.
Peter Ruff coughed
You must remember" he said,
that Mr.. Fitzgeralds absence was
caused by events OF somewhat I'M
fortunate character"
II know all about It." she answered,
with a little sigh.
You can appreciate the fact, there
FORE Peter Ruff continued, that as
his friend and well-wisher can
scarcely disclose his whereabouts with
out his permission. VIII you tell me
exactly why you want to meet him
againo
She blushed looked down and up
again betrayed. in fact. all the signs
OF confusion which might have been
expected from her.
Must tell you that?" she asked.
You are married. are you not? "
Peter Ruff asked, looking down at her
wedding-ring.
She bit her lip with vexation. What
fool she had been not to take 1t off!
Yes, Well, no-that is to say
Never mind" Peter Ruff inter-
rupted. Please don't think that
4 WANT 10 CTO5S-cAdnJht YOU. Jill
asked these questions because ] have
sincere regard for Fitzgerald.
know how fond he was Of you, and
canno. see what there is to be gained
from his point Of view, by reopenine
| old wounds.
- suppose. then" she remarked
| looking at him In such manner that
| Miss Brown had to cover her mouth
with her hands to prevent her scream.
/ ing OUT" suppose you are one Of
( those who think il crime for a wo.
| man who Is married to even want II
/ see. for a few moments. an old sweet
1 heart?
On the contrary Peter Ruff an
swered as bachelor, | have no con
! victions of any sort upon the subject
4 She sighed.
Il am glad Of that" she said.
Il am TO understand then Pete