Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-02-08

know that I'm loving you all the time
wherever you may be, and IL you think
that there might be glorious posi-
bility-some time-that you would be
my wife"-the big westerners voice
trembled-"oh. my dear" he whisper
ed, Il would try so hard to be worthy"
The girl stood up before him. Two
scarlet spots burned in her cheeks, and
her eyes We're filed with tears. "You
must not talk like that to me-" she said
severely: 1T Is $3.50 absurd. Why,
you do not even know my name. We
are going into the station now. and
my father will be there to meet me, SO
I will tell 1t to you" She laughed I'M
steadily. Il am Henry Hobbs" she
said-"Henry Hobbs, do you under
stand, writer Of that-that awful rot?
When spoke to you this morning it
was only because / was so anxious to
see the Illustration Of my story. I
had been too hurried to stop and buy
a copy Of the magaz zine. Then when
you spoke OF my story so discouraging-
~ l wanted to prove to myself that
such an occurrence might actually hap
deliberately trying all day long to per-
suade you to make love to me. You
see now what a horrible, despicable
creature 1 am. But that Is not all.
made you talk of western life because
1 am writing a western story and
needed material. You gave me a great
deal, oh, a very great deal"-she caught
her breath sharply-"and now I reckon
you will not think we are much finer
down here than you, Mr.. Boynton, with
all our southern ways"
The westerner arose and carefully
collected her bundles.
you have been welcome to any in
formation could give" he said slow
~, land 1 deserved punishment for
what foolishly said about your story.
But If 1t is any satisfaction to you
you may know positively that the sto-
~ is entirely within bounds Of reason.
for II you had cared for me today as
do care for you this would have
been-a parallel case"
The girl brushed her hand hastily
across her eyes. An old gentleman
was coming down the aisle:
why, Sylvia, my dear" he cried,
"your train has been delayed. We
have been most anxious" He turned
Quesioningly to Boynton-
This, father" the girl said, 'is Mr..
Robert Boynton from the far west.
He has been very kind" She held out
her hand to say goodby; but. taking
the proffered hand, the westerner help
ed her down the steps.
81 am staying over at the Grand no
tel until late tomorrow night" he ex-
planned.
And as the automobile which bore
her homeward turned a corner the
girl, looking back with a pang. saw
him still standing motionless, a great
and strange lonely figure. Even the
press of business upon the following
day could not Danish from his mem
,, DRY the girls witching, haunting face.
and Boynton returned to his hotel at
evening, weary and depressed.
"a letter for you, sir" said the clerk
at the desk, and Boynton tore open the
envelope with puzzled frown.
II would like to see you again to
ask forgiveness" he read. "Please,
will you call tonight"
The note was signed simply "Sylvia
Reynolds" but in parenthesis was add
ed the well known name Of Henry
Hobbs. A great light overspread the
| westerner's face:
| will you tell me the quickest way
to Magnolia avenue?" he asked of the
clerk at the desk. 1t was she herself
who opened the door, greeting him
with outstretched welcoming hands, Sc
lovely in her clinging pink gown that
Boynton stood abashed before the be-
wildering vision.
You were good to let me come" be
said at last, wonderfully good"
The girl came nearer. do you know
why 1 sent for your" she asked hest
tatingly. 1T was not to ask forgive
ness, because-because you will have
nothing to forgive"
Something in the shy upward glance
to spring within him.
You mean he asked tensey. She
laughed. 1t was a tremulous little
laugh.
II have been thinking about my
story" she said, "and-and l wanted
to tell you that this Is parallel case.
She took hasty refuge behind a tai
chair as he rushed toward her.
And you will marry me?" he CRIED
unbelievingly. A smile switched a
the corners of her lips.
ANY man who would ask a girl a
such short notice would be an out ant
out chump." she repeated demurely
Sylvia" he entreated.
And the girl who would aceep
him." she continued merciIessly
would not be worth asking"
With a masterful gesture the west
erner imprisoned the girls small re
straining hands. There was long 81
lence.
Unless" a muffied voice remarked
unless they were both plain foolish. -
|. She drew back to look up into hi
adoring face. 81 reckon that's !;
DEAR" she added softly. We're bot
e of US lust plain foolish"