Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1912-09-07

way. here In the moiling town, rather
than 60 back to the ,nagging OF .
step-mother-- naggings whose root
was the prosperous Billy Mason.
Latimer had known her from her
cradle. Indeed, he had carried her
lpig-a-back several miles at least. He
had never thought Of her - a sweet
heart. Sweethearting for him. In.
deed, had always meant Agnes Ware.
n she had not thrown him over for
his rich uncle he should never have
seen New York. His coming had a
cogent reason why under heaven
had that willful Joe come likewise p
why, finding himself 80 unfit did
she foolishly stay?
He bought the poor little story
paying for It from his own spare
pocket. but through the mask Of the
makazine After the check had been
sent by messenger, he felt a BIT
easier. though still he could not set
tie steadily to his work. Joe's face.
wearing that gallant smile above the
pain-marks, came between him and
the page he read. She stayed with
him 30 persistently: indeed, he shut
his desk half an hour early. and went
scowling to the tiny chambers he had
managed to find in a quiet eddy Of
the town.
They looked desolate enough. yet
he had thought them cosy Joe was
the matter even there abe haunted
him. He went out quickly, made his
way to the park and walked there
with swinging strides. until almost
midnight. Then suddenly he felt
himself faint with hunger, found an
eating place and fed himself decent
". Afterward there WAS another
stroll The moon had come un
Transforming magically even the sor-
did town. 1t was late after mid
night when he came again to his
own door and sat down upon the
steps for last bask In the moon
shine. q last cigar.
At first he barely noted a huddled
limp figure upon the farther end OF
the topmost step. It gave him
turn to have It suddenly slip down
beside him. Next minute Joe was
saying IN breaks:
"Johnny-I-you'll have to send
me home-after all. I've found out m
l won't do-I'm too big coward.
| "How did YOU make this discovery
Latimer asked teasingly, laying his
hand on her arm.
She drew away from him ever 30
gently "Why you see- this way. !
got the story all right and Parish
said I could use 1t. But--but found
couldn't do that Why! Johnny the
whole secret is-Mrs. Norowill loved
her husband SO she wouldn't stand
In the way Of his happiness after she
found out he loved somebody else.
And She she made believe to flirt
with the other man 80 her husband
would have a clear conscience. Gould
oii--could anybody, cruelty q. woman
who. would do that?"
II know you couldn't" Latimer re-
turned, his heart beating fast. He
had heard more than the words
softly vibrant sympathy. Joe must
know what that other woman felt
was It possible she had loved him,
lIAtimer, all along7" She was stand
ing unsteady upon her poor pinched
feet.
1T was 50 kind Of YOU sending
the check" she murmured. had
to come and tell you when they said
YOU were out, / waited. Please TX
| It 30 can 20 home Saturday Dut
understand, I won't marry Billy.
| NO because you are going 70
marry me instead" Latimer answered!
|tucking her hand over his arm. y
am coming for you early In, the fall
think you can be ready?"
'Tm ready now unless you wan'
to send me away" Joe said 80 low, %
sweetly Latimer had to kiss her then
and there, regardless of time ana
place.