Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1912-11-05
the house.

|
The next day Mavis deliberately
mourned for Henry Morton, making
no pretense Of pride to herself She
re-read his letters, set his photo.
graphs up before her. wondered how
he could have failed tocome back to
her after the foolish little quarrel
when she had sent him away. She
had even written note saying she
was sorry. He had not answered.
Pride ranked at the memory. but
love was greater than pride.
1t was wretched way to spend a
holiday. BY dinner time she was
half sick and did not go down, &C
cepting the tray which the really
concerned landlady sent up. BY
she had cried herself asleep and did
not wake until dusk was falling
Then she sat up fortornly among the
pillows and decided that she could
mot offer, Keith Lowry half heart
|! he was too fine, too genuine and
sweet and loving. Her heart warmed
at thought Of him. But she would
refuse him. Then the landlady
| knocked at the door and thrust in her
head.
"Mr. Lowry to see you Says take
your time, but he'll stay till he sees
! you. Wants you to dress to go OUT
She slammed the door and lum bered
away ~ .@s q.
| Mavis thought moment and then
rose to battle and dress She was
young. and even tears. could not make
her less than lovely. though her eyes
wer. a little swollen and tired. She
10Th a 80
Keith over with, and she would honor
him by looking her best.
Down in the parlor he waited, and
when she came in he rose to meet
her. lowering his voice.
Look here. Mavis. I've been great
brute. We won't think Of anything
but being happy tonight. Well go
out to supper and then to the theater,
and you can have whole year to
think in. don't want you to decide.
How do you likes these violets? Where
shall we eat?" He bombarded her
with gay, commonplace questions IN
til she was laughing herself
When they had decided on Mcrris's
for supper. she ran upstairs for a
gayer hat and better gloves, and they
were off.
Marvis was bit feverish. great
deal relieved and very lovely at the
candle-shaded table, with Keith lean
ing across to admire her. But as he
talked she knew she must tell him
tonight in fairness to him. She
would never be guilty of dangling
then her eve caught the people at
ia lie Just behind Keith. and her face
went white.
what is it, dear?' whispered I:eith.
She shook her head at him, and
though her lips moved, no sound
came from them. Her eyes were still
held by Henry Morton's. He half
over-dressed girls with him asked
him shrilly If he was seeing things
already"
Keith turned his head little, and
Henry Morton rose and came toward
them. Tall, good-loking, careless,
he came straight to Mavis, who
seemed not to see his outstretched
hand, and gave him a queer little
smile and bow.
"You're--looking fine. Mavis," he
said. not Familiarity, for he still had
the manner Of gentleman. but with
half.possessive tone of astonished
admiration.
Keith's eye olazed blue fire, and the
girl spoke in little furry.
Keith" she said, this is an old
friend, Mr.. Morton. I knew him
ages ago-at home Henry, this is
Mr.. Keith Lowry-my fance" The
men shook hands and then a stiff lit
tie pause ensued, but Mavis, woman
like, bridged 1t over. 81 am very glad
to see you again." she said. "You are
looking we'll Have you heard from
the Williamses lately? No? Keith
give me a little more salad. Perhaps
we'll meet again since you're in
town. Somehow Henry Morton knew
he was dismissed.
Keith Lowry was very still and
conventional a moment as he served
the salad. Then he spoke in tone
which might have discussed the
weather.
"Mavis, is that the man? Were
you saving your pride, or do you
mean"
Keith" she said tensely, notion
ing away the waiter with his ice
water, "he never was the man! Just
one glance at him undid all the old
hypnotism-I--" her eyes met his,
pleading ccnfessing, loving
"Beloved!" he breathed the word
lfervently, but in voice so low that
the waiter might have suspected him
! of praising the salad!