The Chickasha daily express. (Chickasha, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1899-current, 1914-05-01
: WHEN WOMAN DIsPOsEs
BY GRANT OWEN.

ana the memoranda ana returned them
to the long leather lettercase. He
cleared his throat He seemed to find
what he was trying to say particu-
larly difficult
4 have made it plain. have ~ he
asked Of the girl beside him, who was
staring thoughtfully at the fire.
"Oh, yes. Peter said she. Il haven't
anything. That's It, isn't it?"
He nodded, rather wretchedly.
mo one had any idea things were
30 badly involved" said he. Il knew
your father was rather troubled for
some time before his death, but l
hadn't the least idea that things we're
as bad as they are. II you could only
keep the house here
She smiled up at him bravely.
Good old Peter" said she, patting
his band. Don't worry. have my
two hands and beautiful inclination
to face the world and"
"oh. you mustn't think or that" he
demurred
"Of what?" she asked
vi idcinE the WOTlu hiOne.
He was big young man. heavy Of
frame. slow OF speech. and one Judged
from his rather heavy features-and
judged rightly somewhat slow Of
mind you know at a glance Peter
Knox was one OF those rare souls
whom 1t is eminently safe to trust i'm
plicitly.
why, Peter" Rose Clavering de-
INJURED. whats the sense OF talking
that way after what you've just told
me7 III have to face the world alone.
Anyway. I'm not bit afraid"
You won't" said Peter. Look,
Rose. I've got heaps and heaps OF
money. Marry me-"
"Oh. Peter. please-not that!" said
she.
She fancied Peter looked very much
relieved. Peter 3 thinking he didn't
blame her.
You couldn't think Of 1t, them"
said he little wistfully.
Why, OF course not, Peter" said
she. You're awfully good and dear
Wen. don't tell me you'll be sis.
ter 10 me, anyway said he with a
forced grin. striving TO make the best
OF bad matter. "Then maybe some
time In the futurs I'll have show"
So they talked little more about
the matter OF Roses fathers depleted
estate and then Peter took his de-
parture.
Two full years drifted past before
she realized It. and Rose was begin,
ming 20 look thoughtfully in the mir
ror now and then and wonder what
those deepening lines about her mouth
foreboded
Then came the word that Peter had
lost all his money His big, foolish,
soft heart had. of course. been re
sponsible. No one seemed to know
where Peter was. He had disap
peared.
Then one day as Rose was crossing
a little parkIike enclosure In the cen
ter OK square. she caught sight Of
Peter on one OF the benches-a shah
by. rather tattered looking Peter.
With little cry she sped to that par
ticular bench.
Peter looked very much embar
rassed.
"Oh. Peterl" cried Rose I'm so
glad TO see you! Where on earth have
you been?"
Hiding from creditors mostly" said
Peter with sickly grin. and trying
10 get job between times Rose. how
lovely you lookl"
You poor. soft-hearted boy" said
she. sitting down beside him.
Peter looked at her. still worship
fully.
You prosper, don't you?" said he.
That's what comes OF having brains.
I've. heard all about you and what
you're doing. I've followed your work
and your success very joyfiIly Aren't
you the bowling rage just now,
thought"
''Oh. I've done pretty we'll" she said
modestly. I've got quite bit put
BY for q rainy day, Peter" she broke
out impetuougly. you must let me
help you Let me stake you-isn't
that what they call it?--until you get
on your feet again"
Il am pretty much of a mess. that's
a fact" said he. But I'm not that
far gone yet. Rose. Why. / couldn't
possibly"
"Tkare are no strings to it, she
laughed. Il won't ask you to marry
me-"
Good heavensl I didn't think you
would" said he '.And speaking of
that, aren't you the lucky little girl
that you didn't let my wealth blind
your better judgment, when did ask
you to marry me?"
no" she said very firmly. Il
wasn't bit lucky I've been lone
some. Peter; horribly lonesome-for
you"
Then why-that time asked
you"
"Oh. Peter, Peter. thought you did
II just out of pity. because I'd got TO
face the world alone. | didn't realize
oh. anything--till you looked at mo
today the way you did, Eve missed
you so dreadfullyi I dare you to ask
me again to marry you,''