The commonwealth. (Greenwood, Miss.) 1896-1923, 1912-03-29
Adele's System

By OLIVE ROBERTS BARTON

of humor. eve though she was disap-
pointed.
She next tried the Mutual Fire In
surance company and what was her
surprise when the office boy admitted
her to the sanctum sanctorum OF her
acquaintance Of the morning. She
flushed painfully. Here was q pre-
dicament indeed--but in a moment,
she noticed that he had not recog-
niEed her. He was very kind and po-
lite, but he did not want the books and
said SO plainly. Adele strangely
enough was not disappointed this time
and she breathed more freely out OF
the Office. But she thought a great
deal Of the man. She had met many
hundreds in her work, but none had
been just like John Moreland.
No sales that day, but she started
in bright and early the next morning,
too early to see the big Limousine that
came along at exactly seven n
moved past her corner very, very
slowly, and, in fact. every morning for
many days.
Adele stuck to the Mutuals, being
encouraged by n or two sales in the
week. Toward the end OF the week
she went to the offices Of the Mutual
Power company and for the second
time came face to face with John
Moreland.
Adele a~pologized and refused the
proffered chair. II am sorry to have
disturbed you," she said quickly. Il
had no idea Of asking you a second
time to look over my books"
John Moreland looked at the pretty
girl closely. He recognized her as
the little book agent who had visited
him a few days before, but some
where-a batled look came into his
eyes.
Adele colored and turned TO leave.
The mar jumped to his feet i
beg pardon. but won't you sit down?
| am positive | have met you before.
but | crave forgiveness for forgetting
Just where. | am the very busiest
man you cOulu luaBlDe'
Adele again breathed easily--thank-
full she had not been identified.
81 will sit down and talk books"
she answered steadily. win you look
at them?"
NO" answered Mr.. MoreIand, smil-
ing, but just as firmly as he had said
before.
Then, good-morning, Mr.. More
land" and Adele quietly lett the Of
flee.
II suppose he, would buy twenty
sets II | told him who | an" she re-
marked to herself in the corridor.
wei l am not starving yet and If he
buys any books from me it must be
because he wants them"
As for John Moreland, he sat for a
long time looking at the closed door
His head ached. He was tired,
I'm nearly a wreck, doing the work
of three men" he unused. Il suppose
it is foolish, now | have things start
ed and my fortune is in a fair way TO
make Itself. will wind up things
this month and go away for a year
But, by Jove, | hate to go alone! It's
time ! was marrying some nice little
girl, anyway. 1t would be pretty nice
when we came back to settle down
and have a little home of our own.
Heavens, how my head aches! And
that reminds me, | wonder how the
little girl is / nearly hit that morning
with the carr She had a sweet voice
and lots OF pluck" He frowned a
minute, then locked his desk and left.
Another week and Adele had
reached the very last Of her "Mu-
tuals." The Mutual Mill and Mine
Supply company. She had not done
badly and thought the system paid.
The junior partner was in and would
see her.
Adele entered and stopped sudden
ly. She flushed angrily. Was some
one playing a joke or her? John
Moreland rose with a glad smile or
welcome. But Adele had turned and
fled. And then
The young man stood rooted to the
spot. The look of confusion In the
sweet brown eyes, the bend OF her
head-at last he remembered. IF /
am not the greatest living specimen
of assininity in captivity" he muir
INJURED.
The next morning the big limousine
was standing at Adele's corner at SIX
o'clock. Patience was rewarded. At
six thirty she came. She drew away
hastily when she recognized the car.
But John Moreland sprang out
quickly. 81 wanted to tell you | would
buy your books" he said smiling.
Please, may II"
No, they are no longer for SALE"
she said icily. Besides you do not
want them"
"Oh, yes / do" he replied. Il made
a mistake when ! said | didn't and
have some other things to talk over
with you, II | may. Come jump In
and ride into town. We have quar-
relied long enough"
Then Adele laughed merrtly. I'm
deed. we have. l have acted perfectly
horrid." And she stepped obediently
into the waiting machine.