The Blackfoot optimist. [volume] (Blackfoot, Idaho) 1907-1918, 1911-09-21
!
the Rattle

Grace Ellison looked up in distress
as Philbrick entered the room. Phil
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
5riskly. as he came toward her.
Il want to see the man who gives
things away" she said lamely.
II am at your service" he said
with a smile What Is It, Fresh
Air fund. a seaside hospital or a poor
woman with seven small children and
a runaway husband?"
Grace smiled gratefully 1t 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.
Bonnat is getting up a fair at Lang
hampton for the hospital. It's for the
poor little children with bone tubercu-
losis."
Philbrick nodded understandingly.
and being an excellent patron OF
ours she has asked for contribu-
tion." he completed.
Grace nodded. f was coming to
town and she asked me to see Mr..
Tenton." she went on. Il didn't know
he had gone to Europe"
Philbrick mentally supplied the re-
mainder Of the sentence. He could
imagine that Grace would have de-
clined the mission had she known
that he was in charge of the big store
in the absence of the junior partner.
Il think that we can find a way
to contribute to the cause" he said
plea sanity, mindful of Mrs. Bonnat's
heavy purchases. ''If you will give
me some idea Of what you think
would prove salable, 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 not inconsiderable
item in the profit-andloss 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 cleverly led her to APP
prove of this suggestion.
Samples We're sent for, and while
they waited Grace constrainedly
chatted 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.
II wish you would wait mo-
ment," he said quietly. 81 should like
to make personal contribution"
He slipped from the room and
what he wished to give. He returned
in moment carrying a tiny morocco
case.
81 am really interested in your
charity" ne said please believe my
sincerity when l offer this to be
ratified Off 1t should bring in some
few dollars for the poor little kid
lies. They are welcome to it. I have
no further use fOc 1t"
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 orr"
she repeated duly blinkin. hard to
keep back the tears.
ut is best that 1t should bring hap
piness to someone" he said steadily.
81 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. II
J. am giving 1t to the poor misshapen
: little tots who really need help"
For a moment the paused irreso-
lutely, then she moved toward tho
door and. with q few conventional
r 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
u to the telephone booth and called up
y tho store. asking for Mr.. Philbrick.
Presently she heard his voice in an
8 swer.
, This Is Grace" she said softly. Il
% have been thinking things over. Phil.
IL think that it would be wrong to
d rattle of that ring because"
t. You are opposed to raffies!" he
d asked as her voice faltered and there
was silence for a moment
g mo" she said softly. "but because
a. I was wrong and l want 1t for myself
II you are still willing"
N willing" The voice through the
receiver sounded like a shout why.