Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1914-12-31
WHEN WOMAN DlSP0SES
BY GRANT OWEN.
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to the long leather lettercase. He
cleared his throat He seemed to find
what he was trying to say partica-
larry difficult.
Il have made It plain, have II" ne
asked of the girl beside him, who was
staring thoughtfully at the fire.
ooh, yes, Peter" said she. Il haven't
anything. That's it, isn't it,"
He nodded. rather wretchedly.
No one had any idea things were
so 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 were
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 hand. Don't worry l have my
two hands and a beautiful inclination
TO face the world and"
"Oh, you mustn't think of that" he
demurred
'Of what" she asked
"Of facing the world alone"
He was a big young man, heavy OF
frame, slow of speech, and one judged
from his rather heavy features-and
! judged rightly-somewha 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, what's the sense OF talking
that way after what you've just told
me? I'll have to face the world alone
Anyway, I'm not a bit afraid"
you won't" said Peter. Look,
Rose, I've got heaps and heaps of
money. Harry me-"
ooh, Feter. please-not that" said
she.
She fancied Peter looked very much
relieved. Peter was thinking he didn't
blame her
You couldn't think OF IT, them
said he a little wistfully
Why, of course not, Peter" said
she. You're awfully good and dear"
Well, don't tell me you'll be a sis
ter to me, anyway said he with
forced grin, striving to make the best
of bad matter. Then maybe some
time in the future I'll have a show
So they talked a 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 to 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 az Rose was crossing
a little park-like enclosure in the CEN
ter of square, she caught sight of
Peter on one OF the benches-a shah
by, rather tattered looking Peter.
With a little cry she sped to that par
ticular bench
Peter looked very much embar-
raised
"Oh. Peter'" cried Rose. I'm so
glad to see you! Where on earth have
you been?"
Hiding from creditors mostly" said
Peter with a sickly grin, and trying
to get job between times. Rose, how
lovely you look!"
You poor, soft-hearted boy" said
she. sitting down beside him.
Peter looked at her, still worship
fully.
You prosper, don't your" 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 joyfully. AREN'T
you the bowling rage just now.
thought
ooh, I've done pretty we'll" she said
modestly. I've got quite a bit put
by for rainy day, Peter" she broke
out impetuously, you must let me
help you. Let me stake you-isn'e
that what they cali it?-untl you get
on your feet again"
Il am pretty much OF a mess. that's
fact, said he. But I'm not that
far gone yet, Rose Why, I couldn't
possibly"
There are no strings to It." she
laughed Il won't ask you to marry
me"
Good heavensl l didn't think You
would said he. And speaking OF
that, aren't you the lucky little girE
that you didn't let my wealth blind
your better judgment when I did ask
you to marry me?"
NO" she said very firmly II
wasn't a bit lucky. I'VE been lone
some. Peter; horribly Ionesome-for
you"
Then why-that time asked
you"
"oh. Feter Peter. I thought YOU did
It lust out Of pity, because I'd got to
face the world alone. l didn't realize
oh, anything-till you looked at me
today the way you did. I've missed
you 50 dreadfullyl ! dare YOU to ASK
IN r. e~pfF e.