Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-06-14
The Argus Daily Story
The Architect-By F. A. Mitchell.
Copyrighted. 1911. by Associated Literary Burea-

IlaI WHIT / utlT dDOul hltAtSis <.
They say he has come TO that age
about thirty-when rich young men
either begin to occupy themselves in
some life work or become dissatisfied,
diSgruntled. miserable men"
What can they do: They have no
incentive to action
They can work for others If not for
themselves. I'm told that Blakeslee IS
coming home TO take an active part in
the amelioration of the condition OF
the poor-that he has plans for their
improved manner Of living. plans for
locating friendless boys on farms.
finding homes for girls in families
where they are needed. They say his
head is brimful OF such plans. and
he has the means to do his part in
carrying them out. lie needs q wife
with something OF the same inclina-
ton. A man may possibly not need
woman's help to succeed in business
or q profession. though her sympathy
and encouragement are always bench
cial. but in assisting the poor it seems
TO me helpmeet is almost necessary
Really" remarked the decorator,
you have quite interested me In this
Mr.. BiakeSlee. But | am not work
| ing l must be up and doing"
She arose and resumed her work.
! In a few days the decorator had laid
| out her schemes and, being ready TO
| apply them, summoned workmen for
/ the purpose. The architect perfected
/ his plans for the renovation and en-
! largement of the house. and masons
began to lay the necessary founda-
| tons. He aud Miss Straug met every
day. and when the additions were
we'll under way they were continually
working together TO effect n harmony
of construction and decoration
Mature works. said the architect.
"in doubles, in complements-what
you like In animal life all is in
pairs. In our joint efforts here the
owner Of this property will derive
such complementary results. If when
he comes TO live in it he brings wo-
man fitted to act with him. as you
and l have united our artistic facul-
ties, doubtless he will pursue a sue
ccssful Career-a career for which he
will be envied.'
There was something in his tone in
referring to the owner of the place
deriving a benefit from a union Of
the architects and the decorator
tastes that made the latter lower her
eyes. For the first time 1t occurred to
her that he was using this man
BlakeSlee to illustrate what he had in
his own mind and that he was think
ing of mingling of their two ca
reers.
As the house was growing in beauty
so grew that something friendship
companionship. mutual interest and
lastly, love The man was right in
predicting that the two professions
were corelative. but it was doubtless
this coulningling of hearts that fur
nlshed the inspiration for the beautiful
interior which was gradually formtu"
At last the work was finished. and II
was a veritabie thing of beauty"
Il am sorry to leave it," said Miss
Straug. Il have SO enjoyed its devel
opmeut."
Il have enjoyed the work because OF
my collaboration. But If you will we
may continue TO work together"
AS partners in architecture and dec
orationE"
AS partners In every respect
She turned away her face and he
advancing, EMBEDDING her, plead bis
B cause with Il warmth and vigor that
considering his previous apparent un
demonstrative nature. surprised her
She would have expected from him
philosophic reasons for their union. buI
lie broke away from his usual analysis
and told her simply that he loved her
When they left their work that day
they were engaged.
Soon after this the architect told his
fiancee that the owner had arrived and
was coming to inspect their work lie
would be at the house the next morn
ing by appointment at 8 o'clock. Whcr
that day and hour arrived Miss Straul
entered the stone gateway and waIkct
10 the house. number Of persons
were there, the central figure of WHOM
was the architect who was showing
the beautiful interior
where is Mr.. BlakesIeeT" askej
Miss Straug.
IL am Mr.. Blgkeslee," said the archi
? tcct. Then. turning 10 the others
This is Miss Strang. who has pro
, duccd these effects with which YOU
, are 50 well pleased / take pleasure II
: introducing her as my decorator an,
! as my promised bride"
I When all were gone except the new
o ly engaged couple. they stood Iookin:
into each others eyes. the womanl
-, moist with emotion
, Il told YOU" said the man. that na
. 'ure works in pairs This is hut pre-
9, iminary to the great work trust an,
=, believe we shall do together"