Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1911-03-22

hoped some other clerk would wait
upon him, but il was a busy morning.
and there was no way OF escape. for
Martin came directly toward her and.
without the slightest sign of recogni-
ton. spoke to her:
''Wfl you show me some teakettles.
pleaseT' he asked. referring 10 paper
in his hand.
without a word poor Susannah set
forth on the counter a row OF teaket-
ties OF every size and shape-tin. cop
per. nickel and enameled ware Of
every color.
Martin looked at them critically.
''What would you choose?" he asked,
looking her directly in the eyes with
his clear. searching glance. What
would you choose for a family of two.
I'm going to be married" he added in
explanation.
Susannah's color came back in a
swift rush, and her daintily poised
head went up proudly. All at once
she was the model saleswoman. brisk
and attentive. II Martin Wayne in
his chagrin WIS to fiaunt his marriage
to Miss Fearing, Susannah would not
finch. 1t did not occur to her to
think 1t strange that Martin should
be buying his kitchen ware alone.
Had not he and Susannah planned
every detail Of their future home
down to the very toasting forksT
What would you chooseT" he re-
peated, and Susannah picked out
green enameled kettle because in the
house that they had built in fancy
there was to b9 nothing but white
enamel ware.
''Green" he repeated in a puzzled
tone.
cit wears WELL" said Susannah in q
businesslfke tone Now. here are
other kettles to match in the same
color-pots and saucepans and
81 must ask your advice" he said
soberly and laid his list before Susan.
nah-the very list they had compiled
together In the red glow Of the IRE LII
library. MY wife-that is, the lady
who In to be my w1fe-has expressed
a wish for white enameled ware-pure
white. Don't you think had better
choose what she wants? You see. abe
made out this list herself" He gave
it to her. and before her blurring eyes
the letters danced up and down. but
it was her own writing.
All at once Susannah found speech.
Martini" she said in a very small
voice.
He turned instantly. "Susannah.
dearest, what is it?" he asked in low
tone.
ooh" said Susannah sharply. Then
you got my note?'
"Yes-and tore It up," said Mr..
Wayne promptly. Your Aunt Lettuce
is weeping over hers yet. Dear. she
sent you a message by me: Tell my
little girl that don't regret the book
of sermons: have learned a sermon
by heart now"
ooh, dearw half sobbed Susannah.
I'm afraid I'm going to cry, Martin.
I've been so horrid to you both! Did
Aunt Lettuce tell you all about it?"
Every word, even unto how she in
cited your jealousy of Madeline Fear
ing. Susannah, as they say in the
melodramas. all is forgiven; come
home" He covered her little hand
with his own while the floor manager
turned his back.
az must wait until the whistle
blows" smiled Susannah through her
happy tears.
"And 1 will wait outside-just as IL
I was your steady company Shall i,
Susannah?"
Yes" said Susannah softly.
Tomorrow we will come back and
select white enamel-eh, dear?"
Yes" said Susannah again. her face
radiant with bushes. Martin. how
did you know / was here?"
MY detective-didn't you see him
prowling around awhile ago? I was
waiting outside for his report"
az see. And. Martin, just as I was
beginning to enjoy my independence
it is ended" she sighed. little re- |
gretfully.
isn't there something sweeter than |
that-dependence upon me-" whis- |
pered Martin as he slipped the ring |
back into its accustomed place.
Yes, indeed" And this time there |
was no regret in Susa nnah's voice.