The Ordway new era., 1911-07-07

the Rattle

Philbrick was the last person she
wanted to see. She could not very
we'll ask favor of man with whom
she had quarreled only few weeks
before. She knew now that Phil
| brick had been In the right. which
did not make the meeting any easier.
You wished to see me?" he asked
briskly. as he came toward her.
II want to seq the man who gives
things away" she said lamely.
II am at your SERVICE" he said
with smile. what is It. Fresh
Air fund. seaside hospital or poor
woman with seven small children and
runaway husband?"
| Grace smiled gratefully. It was nice
Of him to get right down to business
without any personal preamble.
ITS Mrs. Bonnat." she explained.
] You see." Grace hurried on. MRS.
Ronnat is getting up fair Mt Lang
hampton for the hospital. It's for the
poor little children with bone tubercu-
losis"
Philbrick nodded understandingly.
And being m excellent patron OF
ours she has asked for a contrtbu-
tion." he completed.
Grace nodded. 4 was coming to
town and she asked me to see Mr..
Tenton." she went on. II didn't know
he had gone to Europe"
| Philbrick mentally supplied tho re-
mainder OF the sentence. He could
imagine that Grace would have do
clined the mission had she known
that he was In charge Of the big store
In the absence Of the Junior partner.
II think that we can find way
to contribute to the cause" he said
pleasantly, mindful of Mrs. Bonnat's
heavy purchases. III you will give
would prove salable. I will see what
can be DONE"
Philbrick was used to receiving re-
quests for donations. Every patron
seemed to feel entitled to a contribu-
tion to some favored charity and the
donations formed a not inconsiderable
item in the proflt-and-loss account.
Just now there was on hand half a
case of dainty fans that presently
would find their way to the bargain
counter. so he clererly led her to ap-
prove Of this suggestion.
Samples we're sent for. and while
they waited Grace constrainedly
chntted upon such safe topics as the
weather and the heat in town. Phil
brick might have been an entire
stranger, for all the indication he
gave that a few short weeks ago they
had been engaged. At last the de-
cision was made and she rose to go.
Il wish you would wait a mo-
ment," he said quietly. II should like
to make a personal contribution"
He slipped from the room and
Grace resumed her seat wondering
what he wished to give. He returned
in a moment carrying a tiny morocco
case.
II am really interested in your
charity" he said. please believe my
sincerity when I offer this to be
raffed on 1t should bring in some
few dollars for the poor little kid.
dies. They are welcome to 1t. I have
no further use 70: II"
She pressed the spring. knowing
full we'll what the case contained. but
the sight of the solitaire that had
been her engagement ring moved her
strongly.
"You wish this to be ratified off?"
she repeated DULY. blinkin. hard to
keep back the tears.
at is best that it should bring hap
piness to someone" he said steadily.
IT do not care to keep 1t or to sell
it."
There might be someone you
could give 1t to-" she sug.
gested.
"Precisely." agreed Philbrick. 81
am giving 1t to the poor misshapen
little tots who really need help"
For a moment she paused irreso-
lutely, then she moved toward the
door and, with few conventional
words of thanks for his kindness.
slipped out.
But once she gained the cab.
Grace's tears began to flow. She
knew that Philbrick was not only In
the right. but that he would not be
the first to speak. All the way to
the station she fought with her pride
and in the end love won. She went
to the telephone booth and cnlled up
tho store, asking for Mr. Philbrick.
Presently she heard his voice in an
swer.
This is Grace" she said softly. Il
have been thinking things over. Phil.
/ IL think that 1t would be wrong to
rattle off that ring because"
you are opposed to raffles?" he
asked as her voice faltered and there
was silence for a moment.
NO." she said softly. but because
I was wrong and want 1t for myself
If you are still willing"
"Willing." The voice through the
receiver sounded like a shout. why.
you blessed child, Of course I'm will
| linn ,,,nntod to toll Vol 90 whan