Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1913-06-17

eyes fingered on the furniture strewn
about on the sidewalk. Uncon-
sciously he began to study the In
dividual household accessories.
Gradually. as II arising from q
mist, the great davenport seemed to
hang suspended before Changers
vision and demand his attention.
Granger drew a swift breath and
wave of emotion swept him from
head to foot. 5..
, That big davenport with it's
lowered chintz covering was the
one upon which he and Enid had
sat during the memorable evening
Of their betrothaL
Granger drew a hand across his
brow. Bitter and sweet were the
scenes rampant In his brain. He
quickly scanned the other furniture.
No. There was not another thing
from out of the dear past to re-
mind him of Enid Vance's home.
That davenport with its riot Of
roses had been snatched away and
transplanted into other surround
ings.
John Granger grew suddenly
tense. Why had that bit Of furni-
ture been separated from its CON-
panions in the home Of Enid Vance?
What possible calamity could have
brought about the breaking up of
the wealthy family of Vance?
Jenkins called Granger In to par
tlcipate in the coffee and bacon he
had prepared for his master, and
through his entire breakfast John
Grange pondered over the turn OF
events and the ache in his heart
grew. lr"-g
'And thought could live hap
PLY without her." he reflected with q
grim smile.
Try AZ he might to forget her,
Granger realized more than ever that
he had loved once and for all time.
Enid had come into his life, bringing
JOY and the scent OF flowers. taking all
with her and leaving no reason. And
in his arrogant youth and pride
Granger had nursed his wound In
secret, neither seeking Enid nor her
motive.
But now In his more mature mind
he reasoned that he had played the
part of weakling. He should have
sought the girl and asked her for the
truth. He knew that nothing could
hurt so mercilessly as the dreadful
uncertainty of her destiny-her rea-
son for leaving him without so much
as handclasp.
II was fool" he told himself vehe-
mently Enid no doubt needed mo
more then than at any other time"
He arose from the table and once
again stood by the window. The
great davenport was not there. It
had been carried up with the furni-
ture.
For a moment Granger waited In
uncertainty revolving all things in
his mind. Life meant nothing to him
without Enid. Was there chance In
a thousand that he could trace her
through the medium OF the rose COW
cred davenport? He went quickly
out and to the apartment opposite.
His mind was made up.
There was young matron there
in the house who was experimenting
the moving of the furniture.
Granger's sudden entrance was
rather surprising, but Mrs. Carter
found the intruder's face attractive
and his eyes frank. He smiled and
tie little lady greeted him.
II am not madr he began with
his engaging humor, but l have
come to ask you II any thing under
the sun or moon will induce you to
Mrs. Carter's eyes widened. She
stood for a moment lost In doubt.
Should she or should she not tell this
stranger the reasons why she might
not part with the bit of furniture.
Granger, in the meantime had
stepped over and his hand rested
among the roses that /rioted over the
back of the seat
Suddenly he turned to Mrs. Carter.
II proposed to the only girl ever
loved while she was sitting here
among the flowers" he said, and the
little matron was conscious of feel
ing Of swift tenderness for John
Granger.
Il am sorry-more than sorry
that cannot let you have the daven-
port" she told him resretfully. II
am only taking care Of 1t for q very
dear friend Of mine. She Is girl
who had been brought up in the lap
of luxury until some scandal which
Involved her father deprived her Of
every thing. She seemed to have a
great fondness for this old daven-
port, and when the sale of her fur
niture took place Enid begged me
to keep 1t for her." T.< E
John Granger had risen and his
face was an odd study in surprise,
pain and citation.
Enid Vance?" he questioned
quickly. ..
It was Mrs. Carter's turn to ex-
press establishment
ENID Vance! Yes" Sudden COM
prehension made her smile and hold
out her hand to Granger. Then 1t
is little Enid whom you have loved
and lost?"
YES Granger said simply. III
you can tell me where | can find her
you will turn darkness into dawn
for me- -.s..
And think for Enid" Mrs. Car
ter told him with soft smile. 81
have always known that Enid was
trying hard to conceal some abiding
sorrow-now realize that she left
every bit Of her old life and you be-
cause Of the scandal connected with
I,