The Bourbon news., 1913-04-08
MISS PECkHAM'S BEAU
BY BLANCHE HARPER.

to the women who were gathered
around the bridge table.
"You don't say SOL" exclaimed Mrs.
Holman. who Is her.
1.-The new boarder," replied Mrs.
Bennett. He's the tall young man
who sits at the middle table. He took
a great fancy to Miss Peckham the
very day he came. I'm 30 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 q beau!"
"Never!" repeated Mrs. Bennett,
impressively. "She admitted 1t 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"
II should say she does!" agreed
one of the other women. Lets all
put in a good word for her, and then
II 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
stonew
Very much indeed, Mrs. Bennett
The food is good and I find the peo-
pie pleasant"
I'm 80 glad to hear you say SO,
Mr.. Weed. I've lived here four years,
and l am very fond of all the people
here, especially the young ladies. We
have such lovely young ladies here,
don't you think SOP"
"Yes, yes, indeed" young Weed re-
piled nervously. A bachelor can never
be too wary.
II think Miss Peckham is an espe-
cially fine GIRL" Mrs. Bennett went
on. "She is perfectly splendid and
she makes the best things in a chafing
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 tt?"
Fine, f1ne," 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. 1t
| would be such a 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. Il 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 perfect dis
position! Really, Mr.. Weed you should
know her better"
Young Weed succeeded in driving
Mrs. Holman before him to the break
fast room, where she beamed at him
from her table across the room all
through the meal.
AS young Weed stopped at the mail
box in the hall Mrs. Adams sailed
down the front stairs, elbows waving.
Looking for love letter, Mr.. Weed?''
she bantered gayly.
mot this morning, Mrs. Adams. No
such good luck for me. Haven't got
girl, you know" He smiled at her
unsuspiciously.
well, now, that's too bad, Mr..
Weed. A man with your good looks
should not have any trouble finding a
girl. If you want any help, just let
me know. / know of one not very far
away. She is dear, and I'm sure you
would like her very much if you knew
her better. There! I've let the cat
out of the bag, for you do know her
already. Really, Mr. Weed" she went
on confidentially, Miss Peckham is
one of the most charming girls at the
Brownstone. And so versatile She
can do anything-cook, sew, sing, con-
verse intelligently, do anything.
Really, you should cultivate her ac-
quaintance. I'm sure you two would
be very congenial."
Young Weeds hair fairly stood
up with alarm as he hurried away.
Evidently there was a combination
to snare him.
The next afternoon Miss Peckham
sat on the porch reading. She was
entirely unconscious of the havoc
that had been wrought by her we'll
meaning friends. She looked up in
surprise as young Weed came out on
/ the porch; suitcase in hand, his long,
pointed nose stabbing the atmosphere
before him. Having scented danger,
he was making his retreat. He started
. cliobtlv &C he Sniod Miss Pockhouo opd