The Ward County independent. [volume] (Minot, Ward County, N.D.) 1902-1965, 1912-06-13

John slammed The receiver In plaza,
but tho noise did not drown q t1t1uD
In the outer once.
Fool!-why hadn't hs tAougA(
about tho first Of April! And shs ha1
been willing to make him ridiculous
before them all. moving that thSy
already disliked him. even II It wsRe
for reasons which ho could not Con-
trol. .EE
| BY sheer determination he ground
out the busy afternoon.
As the clerks wer leaving, he heard
Q tap at his door, and called: "Come."
Edith Billings slipped in and closed
the door after her.
Are you busy, Mr.. Benton?
Her hesitation was appealing, but
John refused to be affected by 1t.
Entirely at your SERVICE" he said.
The girls face flushed at his tone.
II came to explain about that joke
we-I-played on you today. You
knew I wrote the slip? The rest
dared me to do it, They said l did
not dare because-you are always so
so short with everyone. I had de-
MED you were that way, so had to
take the dare! But I'm sorry now
did it, | ask your pardon"
John had a confused sense of see
ing her eyes filled with tears before
the door closed quickly behind her
In an instant he sprang up, but she
L., -; + ftn
street
The young man made his home
ward journey mechanically.
She had defended him before the
others! She had wept because she
thought he was offended. And he
had let her go away without a word.
He must see her at once, and there
seemed but one way to accomplish it.
Immediately after hurried dinner
and a painstaking grooming. he call
ed up the elder John Benton.
This Is Uncle John9 Can you give
me Miss Billings address?
Eyes, Miss Billing, the stenogra-
pher, of course. She is the only per
son I know by that name. Yes. it is
something pertaining to the Office
work, and 7 must see her tonight II
possible. Yes, sir, there has been a
mistake made. I shall be very care
full not to make a similar one in the
future, you may be sure! Thank you
very much Good bye!"
It seemed to take an incredibly
long time to reach the quiet suburban
street. He thought with a sudden
pang of the cold mornings Of winter
when she had endured the tedious
ride. And what sort of ride had she
had tonight?
There was a light in the cottage
which bore the number he was seek
Ing He rang the bell impatiently.
He heard steps cross the room with
In, and the door opened.
Ste stood in flood Of warm light,
looking at him questioningly.
s'Mr. Benton! Will you come in?"
He stepped inside and closed the
door III. 49, * 49,.
Forgive me for troubling you. but
I had to come! You bewildered me
this afternoon when you came in, and
then you were gone before I could
speak Do you suppose l could leave
It like that?" 4 -.
Benton looked at her intently. She
wore some sort Of soft, clinging blue
gown, and had rose in her hair. She
had flung a bit Of needlework upon
her chair on her way to the door. Her
eyes looked heavy, with dark circles.
The sight made him desperate.
Edith" he said, don't you know
that would rather die than give you
unhappiness? What does that paltry
Joke matter? I'm fool. whether It
Is the first Of April or not, for I've
wanted you more than anything else
on earth and haven't dared ask you!"
The smile he had dreamed Of dawn
ed in her eyes. +'@
"But your uncle" she remonstrat.
ed, remembering. IT must not let you
lose such opportunities" -sG
IF you care as do, girl, nothing
else matters. I suspect he will b
furious, and win probably turn me
down. But I can take care of you.
dear. without his help, II only you
will let me!
Lets call him up now and tell him
at once" -. !
Together they heard the elder Ben,
tons voice in answer to their CALL
"You are rendering your resigna-
ton? Rather sudden, isn't It? All.
this also includes Miss Billings!
That's rather sudden, too, believe?
"Um-well, refuse to accept your
resignation. I never in my life
thought so well Of your Judgment as|
do this minute" Good night"