Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1916-08-05

~sQ4&lAlSlt941 IVY
For the first time in her life, Pru
dence distinctly triumphed over hel
father. She flashed him the glance
of a conqueror and he nodded under
standingly. He liked Jerrold Harmer
as much as he could like any man
who stepped seriously into the life OF
Prudence. He was glad that things
were we'll. But-they would excuse
him, he must look after his Sunday s
sermons.
A little later the twins and Connie
grew restless and finally Connie blurt.
ed out, Say, Prue, don't you think
we've upheld the parsonage long
enough? want to get some fresh air. .
The twins would never have been
guilty of social indiscretion as this,
but they gladly awaited themselves of
Comics break" and followed her
out-of-doors. Then Fairy got up,
laughing. ~ have done my share, too.
I think we'll leave the parsonage in
your hands now, Prue. want to write
to Aunt Grace. I'll be just at the head
of the stairs and II Prudence wants
me, you will call, won't you, Mr.. Harm
er? And won't you stay for dinner
with us? I'm sure to disgrace the par
sonage again, for am no cook, but you
can get along for once, surely. We
spend more time laughing when the
food is bad, and laughter is very
healthful You vii stay, won't your"
and yet he looked somewhat doubtful
ly at Prudence. Her eyes were elo-
Quent' with entreaties. Finally he
laughed and said, II should certainly
like to stay, but you see I want to
come back tomorrow. Now, will dare
to come back tomorrow If 1 stay for
dinner tonight? Wouldn't Connie say
that was disgracing the parsonage?"
Fairy laughed delightedly. THAT is
very good,'' she said. Then you will
stay. I'll try to fix it up with Connie
to save the reputation of the house.
Now, do not talk too much, Prue, and
what shall we have for dinner? We
only say dinner when we have com.
pany, Mr.. Harmer. What we have Is
supper.
the earnest endeavor to compose a
menu suitable for this occasion.
Mashed potatoes, and-use cream,
Fairy. You'd better let Lark do the
MASKING for you always leave Jumps.
And Dreaded veal outlet with sig
nificant glance, "and creamed peas
and radishes and fruit. Will that be
enough for you, Mr.. Harmer?"
Oceans" he said contentedly.
well, I'll collect the twins and Con-
ME and we will try to think up few
additions. Where's the money!"
I'm the dungeon, and the key is on
the nail above the door. And the sill
verware is there, too," with another
significant glance.
After that, Prudence lay back hap
PLY on the pillows and smoothed the
lace on her mothers silk dressing
gown.
Talk to me-" she said, tell me
about where you live. and what you
do-your work, you know, and how
you amuse yourself. want you to
amuse me now, Mr.. Harmer."
"You called me Jerry this morn
ing"
Eyes, know. Do you want me to
call you Jerry still?'
Yes, Prudence, l do. Do you mind
if I move my chair little closer"
mo, put it right here. Now, l am
ready"
But there's nothing interesting
about me. Let's talk Of"
TITS interesting TO me. Tell me
about your business"
"You, don't care anything about
business, I am sure"
Il care about your business"
DO you, Prudence?-You look so
sweet this afternoon. l nearly blurted
it out before the whole family.
Wouldn't the twins have laughed? 1t
would have disgraced the parsonage.
I think Mr.. Starr is awfully lucky to
have five girls and all Of them pretty.
But isn't 1t strange that the prettiest
and dearest one Of them all should be
the oldest daughter?'
oh but I'm not really" Prudence
began earnestly. Then she stopped
and added honestly, But I am glad
you think So"
No. they did not quote poetry, they
cacies Of spontaneous attraction, they
did not say anything deep, or wise, or
learned But they smiled at each 9th.
er, with pleased Investigating eyes.
He put his hand on the coverlet, just
near enough to touch the lace on the
sleeve of her silk dressing gown. And
together they found Paradise in the
shabby sitting room Of the old Metho-
dist parsonage that afternoon.
Must you prepare meat for bread
ing half an hour before cooking, or
when?" demanded Fairy, from the din
ing room door.
".What?-Oh!-F1fteen minutes be-