Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1911-07-25

slowly, things don't look as they did
when mother was here"
Look pretty we'll considering how
busy we are outside all day" answered
his younger brother William.
That's just the point, Will! We're
used to It, and 80 we don't notice
what a rut we're getting into. What
we need is a woman In the house-Pvo
felt 1t for long time. And It appears
to me that, seeing you are the young
or and the handsomer OF us It's your
duty to get married. Ever think about
TT"
Never" answered William.
well, I mean what say. I'll give
you six months to and q wife. and II
you do not, I'm blamed II I don't get
married myself"
Go ahead" said William.
There are plenty OF nice girls to
choose FROM" continued Jason. There
is Mary Bushnell, neat. pretty. and
smart az steel trap. l guess things
would shine with her here"
when I do get married" William In
terrupted CURLY, 'l shall choose my
own girl"
ooh, to be sure: Just mentioned her
AS an example! You'd better think
over what say
To his annoyance. William found
that he did think! But not of the capa-
BILE Mary Bushnell.
~ can see what would happen TO US
IL Mary was to come here" he said to
himself as he hoed corn In the lower
lot that afternoon. She gave me her
opinion the other evening. She be-
lieyes In modern things and means to
have them! I guess Jason Will have
to do the marrying II any Is done' "
But" whispered persistent voice,
"Mary Bushnell isn't the only girl who
would make a good farmers wife. Do
Won mean to say you intend to let a
GIRLS white hands, and bright hair
that is combed as farm women do not
comb theirs, blind you to other
charms?" continued the voice, mad
deningly. "She has fine clothes and
lively time there in town. The Judges
family trust her, and depend on her as
- she belonged to them. What would
she care about you and your quiet, old
Fashioned home up here among the
hills?" 80,
William groaned at the impossibility
OF 1t. How had he come to let q slip
OF girl like Lucy Redding get such
a hold on him? !.
eve Just got to forget it," he said
at last, "but can never marry any
other girl!" s
when William Parker walked. few
days later. into the Judges side porch
and rang the doorbell. his heart beat
|tumultously.
The door opened. and the pretty
little maid stood before him.
ooh, Mr.. Parker. you have brought
more eggs; I am so sorry to tell you
we shall not need them"
The eyes she raised to his filled sud
denly with tears.
"What Is the trouble?" asked Will
liam in his direct manner.
The girl stepped out, closing the
door after her.
"sit down." she motioned to a
chair eve just got to talk with some
one and you--have always been 80
kind"
William sat down, dumbly.
ut really isn't anything SO dread
full" she tried to say cheerfully. 1t
simply means am out OF a place, The
family have gone away for Mrs. Rus
sells health, and the house Is to be
closed today"
"But there must be plenty Of other
people who will want you, STAN
mered William.
"There are no other houses like
this. in this small place, you see." she
explained, smiling at his distress l
expect to 60 to work In the factory
tomorrow-you know have my moth
err to care for"
"But that is impossible" cried Par
ker.
"There is place could go to, IN
the country" she continued, strangely
comforted by his interest; but can
not leave mother alone"
"And you would go?" incredulously.
Indeed yes, If I could" J.
"Then Lucy, will YOU" He paused,
confused by his own audacity.
Lucy looked at him and a beautiful
blush grew in her cheeks.
Can that be true, dear?" he cried,
taking her hands. II thought was too
rough and plain for you; never dared
dream you would care for me. VIII
you marry me today, Lucy, and let me
take care Of you and your motner!
ooh no." breathed Lucy not to-
day.
Listen, dear girl. I've loved you for
weeks, but could not bring myself
to tell you because thought there was
no hope. cannot have you in that
dreadful factory, child. Come home
with me today, and as soon as she can
get ready we will come back, after
your mother" x
Lucy laughed nervously.
"'But l never heard OF such a
thing" she persisted.
well, you were never married be.
fore, we're your"
Not until he led his wife into the
pleasant old-fashioned farmhouse, did
William Parker consider the condition
Of his housekeeping.
II ought not to have brought you
here" he said contritely, until had
had things put to rights little, poor
grill"
"But 1t looks very we'll considering