Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1913-07-30

been farmers. His father was the only
professional man among the lot.
well, Dick. may / inquire why you
selected A:ss Fairlie from twenty 9TH
er girls? Was 1t because she is the
most incompetent or because she is
more gIoriousiy beautiful"
"well, dad, guess I'll have to con-
fess it was pure chance" he admitted
ruefuliy. You see, had interviewed
| nine, and couldn't stand any more.
They all looked alike aud sounded
alike. and got horribly mixed. So
simply chose the girl that sat in the
seventh chair from the door"
"what?" Mr.. Charming almost
bounced out of his chair with astonish.
ment.
Dick repeated his remarks and went
into detailed explanation of how from
a little lad he had decided many i'm
portant questions by resorting to the
lucky number seven.
I'm sorry it's failed. Really, it's
the first time the charm hasn't work.
ed" he said sheepishly.
Mr.. Cummings shoulders were shak'
ing With suppressed nerriment as he
replied:
you can go back to the farm. Dick,
but you still remain in the firm II you
care to come back to your Office now
and then. As for Miss Fairlle. have
discharged her"
"You have? Well, I'm sorry" muir
, INJURED Dick. conscious of a personal
loss somewhere. Somehow in this mo-
. ment of Miss Fairies dismissal the
prospect Of the Long Island farm was
} not so alluring. 81 wonder what she
; will do now. If she is incompetent sha
can't get another job, and she looked
poor"
she won't starve," retorted Mr.
Claiming grimly. She's going back Ia
the farm. too-so she says"
"Where?'
Long Island-oh, Sheercliffe, II you
must have It,"
Then she's near our place" Dich
was on his feet pacing the door. "a
wonder
Wondering If will object to hav.
ing stenographic daughter-in-lawT
asked Mr. Claiming dryly.
Something like that" was Dicks
cool retort.
''My dear boy, she isn't even a good
stenographer," said Mr.. Claiming
mildly. and Dick was surprised that he
said no more.
"I'ln not looking for stenographerI
want a WIFE," said Dick bluntly.
when did you make up your mind p
II don't know. I guess 1t was when
| hnr ond
there can't be any other for me-"
"You have my permission to try your
luck" laughed Mr.. Claiming. But
don't hail me as the disinterested ia.
Their, for. You see, I've known Alice
Fairlie ever since she was child-ir
fact, I've been her guardian since the
death of her parents. II you paid
more attention to business. Dick. you
! would know that the Fairlie estate is
our largest client. Alice happened in
to see me the other day and found 0
seat among your applicants far the OF
fee position, and you chose her. and
she was so proud of her smattering oi
commercial education, picked up
don't know where, that she accepted
the Job Poor Dickerman was nearly
Mortified to DEATH"
Mr.. Charming drew his breath and
grinned at his agitated son.
Dick was red and pale by turns, and
he turned furtive eye on the door oil
the little Office where Alice Fairlie sal
so demurely.
= Alice Fairlie. OF course ] remem
Q Der now" muttered Dick at last
"Why, when she was seven and / wal
nine we were engaged to be married
fused to call her Carrots" be ended
In an awed tone.
Z go in and call her Carrots now,
urged his father shes a lonely CIR
educated abroad and no time to max
friends yet and not relative in tn
o world. I'm very busy just now" Fl
waved his son away.
Z Dick pushed into the little office
where Alice Fairlie was pinning o.
y her hat. she glanced at him frou
, mischievous eyes. On the little 6nge
of one slender hand cleaned a littl
u ring Of twisted gold wire.
T. Hello, Carrots" grlnned Dick bar
! PLY.
: 'Hello, smarty" dimpled Alice SAT-
{ oily.
:, II see you're still wearing that rim
gave you" he said. with a Dol
:, glance at the CLINT Of gold on her littl
; finger.
She blushed redly. She DID not &c
. him that all through the lonely yeai
- she had cherished romantic fame
~ that some day her little playmate love
would como m claim har
1T won't come off," she 6bbed nov
% I've tried and tried"
W. Dick smiled tenderly down upon he
Don't try 10 remove t." be mu
INJURED. "It's no use. You see, yc
:. We're seven when / gave it to you. ar
- seven Is lucky number with me-"
ei "Why?" she asked.
"I'll tell you some other time" |
- promised. And somehow Alice appea
"a ed satisfied to wait for that geld.
Su time.