Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-02-05

What was going on at the table I
heard; Phoebe's voice l did not hear
at all. Singleton was evidently keep
ing up the conversation.
What 1 did not know then I learned
afterward TO my horror. Phoebe's eyes
We're upon ME all the while, her ex-
preston growing every minute more
lowering. My aunt observed both
Phoebe ard me. Singleton made tre-
quent efforts to hSld Phoebe's atten-
ton and. failing. finally gave 1t up to
make random remarks to the hostess.
I held Miss Maryweather's attention
so closely that she was only partially
aware of the strained conditions exist
ing between the other three. As the
dinner proceeded Phoebe's brows con-
tracted more and more; the corners of
her mouth were squared; her cheeks
were red, and her eyes flashed fire.
The worst of it was that l, ignorant Of
the situation, was piling on fuel every
moment.
IT must have been a great relief to
Mr.. Singleton and possibly my aunt
when the dinner was finished and we
arose from the table. l cast a glance
at Phoebe but at the moment she had
turned and / did not see her face.
saw my aunts and noticed that 1t was
impassive. When we reached the
drawing room Phoebe and Singleton
took far corner, Phoebe sitting with
her back to me. Since 1 had become
interested in the work my aunt had
assigned me 1 continued to pursue 1t
for all it was worth. My aunt sug-
gested that 1 take Miss Maryweather
to see the plants in the conservatory,
and / did so. We remained there some
time, and when we returned I saw my
aunt chatting with Singleton. Phoebe
was nowhere to be seen. asked my
aunt what had become of her.
"She has gone home" was the reply
"Gone homer
Eyes. She, said she had headache
and telephoned for a carriage. She
told me to say to you that since you
were so pleasantly occupied she would
not disturb you"
knew that a bomb had burst
which I had not heard. Miss Mary
weather said something to Singleton,
and, taking his arm. they walked away
together, leaving me with my aunt,
who told me what had occurred, I'm
ishing with the following announce
ment:
And now, John, have something
to say to you. You know that I have
! e. IL, Tn 20
1 have left you the principal part of
what I possess. I shall tomorrow add
a codicil that if you marry this girl to
whom you are engaged your share
is to go to Peter Hickson."
"Good gracious"
81 mean what 1 say"
1 was prevented from any further
response by the return Of Singleton
and Miss Maryweather. Singleton
said:
I'VE fear that we have been the in
nocent cause of a misunderstanding.
Possibly 1t may tend to mend matters
IL we make an announcement which
we had intended to defer till Just be-
fore Miss Maryweather's return home.
More than week ago l proposed to
her She has just given me a favor
able reply, a response which she says
she intended to give from the first.
She hopes our engagement will dis
sipate any hard feeling that has arisen
this evening"
81 do hope, Mrs. Perkins" said Miss
Maryweather that II anything has oc-
Cured during the evening to displease
you you will pass it over and forget
it for my sake. You have been so
kind to me and l have been made so
happy that l can't bear to have 1t all
spoiled at the last moment"
NV aunt's object having been accom-
plished, though her plan of its accom-
plishment was both unnecessary and q
failure. she was much Modified. 1t re-
manned to be seen how far her change
of feeling would affect Phoebe. Fur
thermore it remained to be seen wheth-
er would be able to effect reconcil'
iation between Phoebe and myself.
Before going to sleep that night
thought out my plan of procedure. j
was still between two fires, my aunt
and my fiancee. If / could not soften
my aunt toward Phoebe l had better
not soften Phoebe toward myself.
resolved to appear angry toward the
latter till l could placate the former to
ward her Miss Maryweather proved
a blessing. She knew well all that had
occurred and at once learned from my
aunt her scheme. She besieged the
; good lady and at last won her over t.
a promise not to disinherit me II
married Phoebe. So far so good.
followed up the advantage by telling
my aunt that on no account, after wha
had happened, would consent to mar
ry Phoebe. This put the dear woman
I'm a position of having by her absurt
, ! scheme torn apart a pair of lovers
She sent for Phoebe and told her m.
, position. Instead of having TO ben,
! the knee 10 my fancee she sent me al
, apology.
n And so the matter was made up be
, tween Us. Ny aunt became very fon
n of Phoebe and when we were Marie
n gave me out of my inheritance hous
q to live In.