Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1913-01-24
The Argus Daily Story
The MARYLAND Company-By F. A. Mitchell
Copyrighted 1913. by Associated Literary Bureau

what he had said about the MARYLAND
company to Miss Osgood and let him
know If she had any further message
for him.
Miss Leland was gone some time
and when she returned had dotted the
simple morning costume she had worn
and appeared in a more becoming II
not more elaborate toilet. She said
that Miss Osgood had been much inn
pressed with his suggestions with ref
erence to a settlement of the Mark
land company problem and hoped that
If he would call again she might be
able to add to them herself. She de-
sired that he would remain to lunch
con and would consent to be entertain
ed by Miss Leland as her representa-
tive
MARYLAND was much pleased at the
way the affair was progressing. The
luncheon proved enjoyable. and While
at table MARYLAND took occasion to d.
rect the conversation upon Miss os-
good. Her representative was quite
willing to talk about her and gave her
the highest praise. But when Mark
land questioned her in detail she did
not respond favorably.
us Miss Osgood beautiful he asked.
''Oh, no; should not call her that"
Intelligent"
81 fear she is rather inclined to COM
mon sense"
That's the highest kind of intelli-
gence. to my thinking. She's some-
thing of business woman. isn't eheT
What makes you think SOP"
why. she seemed to understand my
suggestions with regard to the Mark
land company"
Yes; l think Miss Osgood knows
enough about business to take care OF
her own interests"
"HowT'
Miss Leland thought for a few mo-
ments. then said, "She has told me-but
/ l suppose l shouldn't speak of that"
| MARYLAND urged her to do so. and
/ she continued. There Is a movement
on foot to unite the separate interesta
by a marriage with your friend Mr.
I MARYLAND"
The visitor pricked up his ears
Together they would hold a major
ity of the stock and the control. I may
as well confess that have mentioned
the matter TO you by Miss Osgood's
order. because she wishes me to learn
from you something about Mr.. Mark
land"
81 shall be very happy to inform
her" replied MARYLAND. with a sup
pressed chuckle. Proceed to question
me-"
us he handsome"
ION the contrary, he is very plain"
! us he considerate and deferential
toward women?"
las for that, l can only say that he
would make an excellent husband"
Miss Leland ceased her questions
and after some thought said:
II can assure you that Miss Osgood,
whatever her delinquencies. would
make a good wife You have assured
me that Mr.. MARYLAND would make a
good husband. 1t seems to me, there
fore, that it only remains for them to
meet and see if they are agreeable to
each other"
Exactly"
Would you say as much to your
friend?"
81 will be most happy to do so.
am going to his house from here and
will tell him at once"
And give him an invitation, please,
to call on Miss Osgood tomorrow morn
ing at the same hour you called today"
BE assured that will"
MARYLAND went away chuckfing.
How admirably he bad played his
game! And what simple. confding,
lovely creature was the governess!
What surprise there would be tomor-
row when he announced himself an
Vinton Markland.
The next morning he read his news
paper. thinking the while of his new
found charmer, the governess, and in
tending to keep his appointment mere
~ for the purpose OF continuing his ac-
quaintance with her At the appointed
hour he went over to the Osgood place.
rang the doorbell and. being admitted
bY maid, sent up his card and was
. ushered into the same room as before.
In few moments Miss Leland enter
ed. holding his card in her hand. 49,
, But instead of saying anything more
in words she said a great deal by a
blush. which spread over her features
Miss Leland" MARYLAND stammered
She interrupted hiEs
, Pardon me for having deceived you
| am Miss Osgood."
Miss Osgood! And you knew me?"
II did"
How
D "Mr. Tanning. when he spoke to me
3 about the-the MARYLAND problem
: showed me your photograph"
Within a couple Of weeks a meeting
e of the stockholders Of the MARYLAND
company was held, and Vinton Mark
e land voted a majority Of the stock. and
0 not long after a wedding occurred be-
n tween him and Miss Osgood