The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1913-03-13

way--it accounted for his half-morbid
ideas about marriage and other
things.
In a day or two really breathless
hing happened. and was spread
recklessly over the front page of the
evening paper. news being very scarce
Under romantic circumstances an old
relative OF Frank Barker's had left
him some money---a great deal Of
money for a young mechanic-more
than would be good for most men OF
his makeup. Ford saw the paper
downtown, and was generously glad
of the other mans luck And then he
remembered EVE. OF course now
would marry EVE; he could give her
everything. Ford tried to be glad for
Evie. but he walked home slowly, and
entered his own gate, bit quiet and
depressed. Up the walk to the Jordan
cottage Frank Barker was springing
with joyful step. Ford heard Ewes
voice welcoming him at the door, and
went into his empty house; he sat
alone until 1t grew quite dark. and
then went early to bed. I; was Sat
urday, and he could sleep as late as
he pleased.
He awakened late Sunday morning,
and rose listlessly. He was ashamed
OF his weakness. He had determined
On course and must take It without
regret. Besides. even II he had wooed
Evie with all his will, probably she
would not have had him. It was GER
tainly too late now-Frank Bankers
very step the night before had told
him that. Ford got his own break.
fast, put the dishes aside for Mrs.
Peters, and went out into his bit of
fiower-garden which he kept up be-
cause 1t had been his mothers pride
and because he liked 1t himself He
was glad the house was between him
and EWES home. He pulled a few
weeds from the pansy bed, considered
The grass which needed cutting, and
then sat down under the one maple
tree on the bench. Unthinkingly, he
stopped over, his elbows on his
knees, his face resting in his hands.
He did not see Popsy Jordan's saucy
face look round the corner, and then
disappear
What is it?" II was Ewes voice.
and he jumped to his feet, to see her
before him In her little blue cotton
house dress. He stared a moment,
then reached out his hand. She
laughed
What for?"
Won't you let me wish you happi-
ness-Evie?" She gave him a queer,
sober, almost plying look out of her
sweet dark eyes
"Of course-but just why land
why now? Popsy said you were
sick or sorry, or something and
came to Sc if" Then Ford said
when he meant not to say.
Il oughtn't to be sorry to have you
marry Frank-only-I-I love you
myself-and l simply can't stand it
for you" She laughed little I'M
steady laugh and held out both her
hands
"Then-you may wish me happiness
but not with-Frank. Frank is very
nice, but he isn't" He waited for
her to finish, holding her hands very
close. She finished with her eyes
bravely meeting his.
Frank is not-you." Then he kiss
ed her without delay, and without
shame, and Popsy saw him. She
pointed brown, forefnger at them.
I'll tell mother on you!" Frank
laughed happily, and snatched the lit
tie girl by one hand.
mo, you WON'T I'm going to tell
mother myself"
Evie looked at him blissfully, and
he asked her'a question
will you-wait for me?" She con-
sidered, her eyes aglow.
I'll wait a year-and work while
| wait. won't wait ten years, and
grow cid and lonely while you slave
to grow stupid and well-off. can
earn money to furnish a little house
in year. You can buy a lot and
build something in yearAI don't
care what, SO it's-with you!" Popsy
looked at them, her wise little head
on one side. She began to, dance
about, clinging to Ford's hand.
"Oh, know! know! You are 60
ing to get-married" Frank Barker
came up just In time to hear the
child. His face set little, as he
looked inquiringly at Ford. Then he
held his hand out manfuly.
'I-believe Popsy's right" answer
ed the happy lover The other man
was watching EVE, and said slowly:
you were always-perfectly fair
with me, Evie. You said I had no
chance-but | never once thought OF
tkis-you never showed It,"
Evie replied soberly something like
tears in her eyes:
"Of course not-had l been-asked
to show it?" She ran away into the
house, and left Ford to follow her.