Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1915-08-12

that" cried the girl in dismay. I'm
always doing things on the spur Of
the moment-things regret after
ward"
'I know. You explained that to me
once. But you can also do things on
the spur Of the moment that you're
glad about all your life. Oh-good
morning, Barney Oldf1eld."
Good morning. replied the rustic
chauffeur with gleeful recognition
where's It to this time, mister!"
Jacksonville. And no hurry at ALL u
Minot held open the door and the girl
stepped into the car
1.-THE gentleman 10 quite mistaken,
she said to tho chauffeur. There ia
very great hurry"
Ages Of time until luncheon" re-
piled Minot blithely, also getting In
IF you were thinking Of announcing
something-then."
| II shall have nothing to announce,
I'm sure. But must be in Jackson.
Vile before that train. Father will be
furious"
Trust me, lady, said the chauffeur,
grinding again at his hooded music
box. i've been doing stunts with this
car since saw you last Been over
hundred miles from Sunbeam. Be.
gins to look as though Florida wasn't
going to be big enough. alter all"
He leaped to the wheel, and again
that ancient automobile carried Gym.
thia Meyrick and the representative
Of Lloyds out Of the town Of Sunbeam.
, But the exit was not laughing one
The girls eyes were serious, cold and
| with real concern in his voice Minot
spoke:
Wont you forgive me-can't you?
I was only trying to be faithful to the
man who sent me down here-faith-
full through everything-as I should
be faithful to you II you gave me the
chance. Is it too late-Cynthia--"
There was time" said the girl,
her eyes wide, when it was not too
late. Have you forgotten? That night
on the balcony, when threw myself
at your feet, and you turned away. DO
you think that was happy moment
for me?'
WAS it happy for me, for that mat.
teri"
"Oh, I was Inundated, ashamed.
Then your silly rescue Of my gown
your advice to me to marry Harrow
by"
would you have had me throw
over the men who trusted me-
IL don't know. I only know that
I can't forgive what has happened
in minute"
What was that last?"
Nothing"
"YOu said In a minute"
"Your ears are deceiving you"
"Cynthia-you're not going to pun
ish me because was faithful Don't
you suppose tried to get some one in
my placer"
Ibid you?"
THE day first rode in this car
with you. And them stopped try
ing"
"Why?'
Because realized that II some one
came in my place I'd have to 60 away
and never see you again--and l
couldn't do that I had to be near
you, dear girl-don't worry, he can't
hear, the motors too noisy--I had to
be where I could see that little curl
making a question mark round your
ear-where l could hear your voice
I had to be near you even If to do it
I must break my heart by marrying
you to a$other. man. loved you.
love you now"
A terrific crash interrupted. Dole.
fully the chauffeur descended from
the car to make an examination
Dolefully he announced the result.
Busted right off," he remarked.
"Say, I'm sorry. I'll have to walk
back to the garage at Sunbeam and
and I'm afraid you'll have to jest sit
here until I come back"
He went slowly down the road and
the two sat in that ancient car in the
midst Of sandy desolation.
Cynthia Minot cried. II worship
you. Won't you--'
The girl gave strange little cry.
~ wanted to be cross with you a
little longer" she said almost tear.
fully "But I can't. wonder why I
can't. I cried all night at the thought
of never seeing you again. I wonder
why I cried. I guess-it's because
for the first time-I'm really--in love-"
Cynthia"
ooh, Dick--don't let me change my
mind again--ever-ever!"
only over my dead body"
With one accord they turned and
looked at that quaint southern chauf.
feur plodding along through the dust
and the sunshine. It did not seem to
either that there was any danger OF
his looking back.
And, happily. he didn't
(The end.)