Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1911-11-08


most charming pickering pink color in
her cheeks.
Jack billiard had never cared much
for girls. He had always been too
busy with luSty out Of door sports to
care about them or to think about
them. But when his eyes met those
of the girl with the brown eyes his
heart had throbbed queerly. and 1t con-
tinued TO perform in the same odd
manner whenever he thought OF her.
He was still thinking OF this un-
known girl when he reached Clifton's
home. but her face vanished with his
entrance into the softly lighted private
hall. where Harry Invested him OF his
overcoat and pushed him into the
small parlor
1t was a pleasant little room. charm
ingly furnished. with an open piano
and a bright fire glowing in an open
Franklin fireplace.
my mother and sister will be in
presently said Harry as they sat
down before the fire. You know, we
keep no servant. and they are putting
the finishing touches to the dinner"
I'm afraid l have made extra work
for them" said Jack regretfully. but
Harry Clifton treasured him, and
soon the two became deeply interested
in a small model OF a new invention
that was then stirring the world
The father Of a friend OF mine in
vented that" observed Jack as he
turned the model over.
do you know Silas Manson?' ask
ed Harry in surprise.
nv M I
classmates"
"Silas Manson is my uncle. Jerry Is
our own cousin. He is dining with us
tonight" said Harry.
"Well. by Jove, but I'm glad!" cried
Jack, conceaHng his surprise at the
newly discovered relationship. Il
heard that Jerry was dining down on
the Bleak road and would sail for
Scotland tomorrow morning. 1 was
disappointed not to see him"
Hes going 10 dine here first and go
down with his friends at 9 o'clock
said Harry; then. rising, he added. "Ah.
that is his ring now" ExcusinG him
self. he left the room TO return with
Jerry Manson.
The two college friends greeted each
other joyfully. and there was a half
hour of excited talk before dinner was
announced.
Presently Mrs. Clifton appeared. n
small, delicate looking little lady with
snow white hair and brown eyes. Jack
billiard bowed low over her little hand,
stained as It was with preparations
for the Thanksgiving feast. She was
as gracious and self possessed as his
huI ar.
prepared a meal in her life.
I'VE are rather old fashioned people
Mr.. billiard" she said. we cling to
old family customs and we do like
to observe our festivals at home. A
Thanksgiving dinner eaten in a fash
ionable restaurant never tastes quite
so good to me"
81 feel sure that this Is going to
mark an era in festivals with me-"
smiled Jack. and then he stopped short
and was guilty OF staring.
He had been seated facing an old
fashioned pier glass between the front
windows. and now he saw reflected
in its depths the form OF his brown
eyed Girl-the girl he had seen twice.
the girl he had dreamed about. II
was too wonderful to be true. and yet
it must be true. for Harry and Man
son had arisen, and JACK found him
self on his feet and turning to be In
troduced to Alice Clifton. When their
eyes met he was sure there was n
CLEAN of recognition in their brown
depths.
Alice Clifton was wearing pale pink
frock, and pink was undoubtedly her
color. It flushed her delicately until
she looked like a sweet pink rose.
ITO think Of what l might have
missed If / had thrown over Harry's
invitation" said Jack TO himself. as
they went in TO dinner and he found
himself facing Alice Clifton. ITO
think OF what would have missed If
/ had not come tonight! It's all too
wonderful for anything-to have old
Manson here too"
1t was a delicious dinner and was
marked by much fun and merrfment
From the very beginning Jack billiard
had no eyes for any one but lovely
Alice Clifton. He was afraid that this
might be a delightful dream from
which he would awaken 10 find her
vanished from his sight as had hap
pened before.
II was late when he left the Clif-
tons home and at the foot Of the steps
he paused and looked mp at the sky,
which had now cleared. The stars
shone brightly down and moon hung
high in the heavens.
Jack billiard had never been a re-
ligious youth. but now biz heart was
so full Of JOY and gratitude at the hap
penings Of the eventful day that q
new understanding Of things came TO
him and remained With him ever after.
He looked up at the sky and his
eyes seemed 10 pierce beyond the
stars For meeting her-for all these
things - for everything thanks"' he
said solemnly and went on his way.