Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1911-01-03

"Denning! What Miss Denning? 2
Bobby Drake had turned so suddenl.
on the girl that she was startled intt
answering him without a thought o
|. r. rudeness.
Ruth Denning-she has won som.
big prize or something and we ar,
going to France"
Where is she now?" brakes voice
was unsteady.
There was no time for answer
Ruth Denning herself appeared She
stood between the portiers with Z
hand gripping each one in the effort
to steady herself
"Bobby" She smiled in way
that Alice livery had not seen hel
smile even when the great Leyar
prize was given her. She came for
ward then and met the hand which
took hers as In wise.
"Are you fiat hunting?' The very
foolishness of her question in so tense
a moment snapped the cord and all
four young persons laughed. And
Jimmy so far forgot the fact that he
did not know either girl that he an
swered glibly:
WY, move are hunting mush
rooms With wabbly eyes"
Alice Ivery's silvery laugh rang out
and she cast a demur glance at
Jimmy. Perhaps you would like to
see the view from the fire escape. .
she said, looking pointedly at Drake
and Ruth Denning, who looked 40 II
a new world had suddenly sprung up
before them. Jimmy took the hint
and followed the little blue figure to
a miniature kitchen where he perched
himself up on the enameled tubs to
enjoy >le novel situation.
In the other room Bob Drake was
speaking.
why. are you renting your apart
ment, Ruth? Does it mean that you
are-that you have failed The true
sympathy in Bob's voice brought I'M
told triumph to Ruth Denning. When
she spoke she had gained command
of herself and her steady gray eyes
met his without flinching and telling
no tale of her innermost feelings.
mo, I have not failed. In the con-
trary, have succeeded even beyond
my greatest expectations. Didn't you
hear Alice livery tell YOU"
81 heard nothing after she had
spoken your name"
"Ho'hy, h,ve won the grea. Ley
Ian prize, and they are sending me to
Paris for three years." The last
note ended in sob and she was in
his arms. She had kept up bravely
during the long, hard competition.
and now for the first time she fully
realized the greatness of her achieve
ment.
Bob Drake had learned much about
Ruth and the depths Of her moods
Turing their long separation, ard now
he held her quietly until the heavy
sobbing had seased
I'm awfully silly" Ruth looked
up at Drake through shining tears.
he struggle has been long and hard,
Bobby dear, and have wanted you
to be here so terribly at times"
dear. Drake asked tenderly,
when do you sail .
II am not going-now." Ruth
looked up quickly.
Bobby smiled Yes You are" He
knew that this withdrawal of the
stronger Ruth was but momentary..
you are going over to the land Of,
art and work even harder than you
have here-because you have more at
stake"
ore at stake! How can | have
now that have won-you."
Winning is only the first STEP" he
answered with a quizzical light in his
eyes.
Robert Drake! Do you mean to-
ell me that you would cease to love
ne if failed at >the last minute and
gave up my art?'
II mean exactly that. The girl II
nave always loved ia not made of the
stuff that gives up" He lifted her
ace and looked into her eyes. you
would not be that girl if you gave
lp.'
81 have indeed won,' the girl
oreathed softly.
"Oh, say-excuse mel
Jimmy Rogers had burst into the
'oom, followed by girl with flushed
cheeks and happy eyes.
81 suppose the trip to Paris is in
definitely postponed and that Drake
Ind | are done out Of this dandy
title fiat"
Neither" put in Bob, I'VE will
axe the fiat ard also make one trip a
rear to Paris
Jimmy Rogers and Alice livery ex-
hanged glances. She was the fluffy,
lainty kind who knew not Gibson
rom Feter Paul Rubens.
81 SUPPOSE Ruth will always need
me-" she sighed, Ito keep house for
ler--"
Not on your life." put in Jimmy
more firmly than eloquently.