Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1913-01-10
MISS PECKHAM'S BEAU
By BLANCHE HARPER.

" INC WHICH WIZ were BalucIeu
around the bridge table.
You don't say SOL" exclaimed Mrs.
Holman. Who is he?"
The new boarder," replied Mrs.
Bennett. Hes the tall young man
who sits at the middle table. He took
great fancy to Miss Peckham the
very day he came. I'm SO glad Miss
Peckham is one Of the finest women
at the Brownstone, and it certainly is
a shame that she never had a beau
before"
Never had a beau!"
Never" repeated Mrs. Bennett,
impressively. she admitted It to
me in confidence one day. / intend
to help her along all | can, and see
that she lands Mr.. Weed, for she de-
serves good husband"
Il should say she does!" agreed
one Of the other women. Let's all
put in good word for her. and then
If she doesn't land him It won't be
our fault"
That evening after dinner Mrs.
Bennett was sitting on the front
porch Of the Brownstone alone when
young Weed made his appearance.
Good evening, Mr.. Weed" chirp-
ed the gopher eyed Mrs. Bennett.
How do you like the Brown
stone?"
Very much indeed, Mrs. Bennett.
The food is good and | find the peo-
pie pleasant"
I'm so glad to hear you say SO,
Mr.. Weed. I've lived here four years
and | am very fond of all the people
here, especially the young ladies'. We
have such lovely young ladies' here,
don't you think so?"
Yes, yes, indeed" young Weed re-
piled nervously. A bachelor can never
be too wary.
Il think Miss Peckham Is an espe-
cially fine girl" Mrs. Bennett went
on. She is perfectly splendid and
she makes the best things in chatting
dish you ever tasted"
Mrs. Bennett glanced out of the cor
ner of her alert brown eyes to see
the effect her speech was having upon
young Weed. He was plainly moved,
for he fingered his cane nervously and
hurried down the steps, murmuring
something about an engagement.
The next morning Mrs. Holmes met
young Weed In the hall on his way to
breakfast.
Good morning, Mr.. Weed. Lovely
morning, isn't it,"
Fine, fine agreed young Weed
standing politely aside for Mrs.
Holman to pass, but that designing
person moved not at all.
TOO bad this isn't a holiday. II
would be such lovely morning to
play golf. You know, Miss Peckham
is an expert golfer, and you should
challenge her to a game some fine
morning
"Yes?' spoke young Weed, inquir
ingly, reddening a triae. 81 am not
much of golfer myself"
Then you should have Miss Peck
ham take you in hand and teach you,
insisted Mrs. Holman. I'm sure she
would love to. She is so accommodate
ing! And she has such a perfect dis
position! Really, Mr.. Weed u should
know her better"
Young Weed succeeded in driving
Mrs. Holman before him to the break
fast room, where she beamed at hin
from her table across the room al
through the meal
As young Weed stopped at the mai
box in the hall Mrs. Adams saileC
down the front stairs, elbows waving
Looking for love letter, Mr.. Weed?'
she bantered gayly.
Not this morning, Mrs. Adams. M
such good luck for me. Haven't 60
a girl, you know" He smiled at be-
unsuspiciously.
well, now, that's too bad, Mr.
Weed. A man with your good look
should not have any trouble finding {
girl. If you want any help, just lie
me know. l know Of one not very IA
away. She is a dear, and I'm sure YOU
would like her very much if you knew
her better. There! I've let the ca
out of the bag, for you do know he
already. Really, Mr.. Weed" she wen
on confdentially, Miss Peckham Il
one of the most charming girls at tn,
Brownstone. And so versatile! Sh
can do anything cook, sew, sing, con
verse intelligently, do anything
Really, you should cultivate her &C
quaintance. I'm sure you two woul
be very congenial."
Young Weeds hair fairly stoo
up with alarm as he hurried away
Evidently there was a combination
to snare him.
The next afternoon Miss Peckhar
sat on the porch reading. She wa
entirely unconscious of the hayo
} that had been wrought by her We
meaning friends. She looked up i
surprise as young Weed came out o
the porch, suitcase in hand, his Ions
pointed nose stabbing the atmospher
before him. Having scented danger
he was making his retreat. He starte
slightly as he spied Miss Peckham an
took firmer grip upon his SUITCASE
| oXIyhr NJ Uaad ora vou lawn