Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1916-10-17

silent, her eyes upon the hands in hel
lap Once or twice she lifted them
swiftly to his face, and lowered them
instantly again! Only he noticed
when they were raised, that they
were unusually deep, and that some
thing lay within shining brightly, like
the reflection of star in clear dark
pool of water.
II must go now" he said, must
have a little visit with my uncle, | just
wanted to see you, and tell you about
it. knew you would like it."
| Carols hand was the first placed IN
his, and she murmured an inaudible
word of farewell, her eyes downcast,
and turned quickly away. Don't lei
them wait for me-" she whispered 10
Lark, and then she disappeared.
The professor turned away from the
hospitable door very much depressed:
He shook his head impatiently and
thrust his hands deep into his pockets
like troubled boy. Half way down
the board walk he stopped, and smiled.
Carol was standing among the rose
bushes, tall and slim in the cloudy
moonlight, waiting for him. She held
out her hand with a friendly smile.
81 came to take you piece II you
want me- she said. Its so hard TO
talk when there's a roomful, isn't ~:
/ thought maybe you wouldn't mind.
Mind? 1t was dear of you to think
of it." he said gratefully, drawing her
hand into the curve Of his arm. Il
was wishing could talk with you
alone. You won't be cold?'
ooh, no, like to be out in the night
air. OH she protested, when he
turned north from the parsonage In
stead of south, as he should have gone,
II only came for piece, you know.
And you want to visit with your
uncle" The long lashes hid the
twinkle the professor knew was there,
though he could not see it.
Yes, all right But We'll walk
little way first. I'll visit him later on.
Or can write him letter II neces-
sary." He felt at peace with all the
world. His resentment toward Car
oil had vanished at the f1rst glimpse
of her friendly smile.
II want to talk to you about being
preacher, you know. | think 1t is the
most wonderful thing in the world, !
certainly do Her eyes were upon his
face now seriously. Il didn't say
much. ! was surprised, and ! was
ashamed, too, Professor, for never
could do it in the world. Never! 1t
always makes me feel cheap and ex-
|asperated when see how much nicer
other folks are than l. But do think
lit is wonderful. Really sometimes,
have thought you ought to be preach
er because you're so nice. So many
preachers aren't, and that's the kind,
we need"
The professor put his other hand
over Carols, which was restlessly I'm
gering the crease in his sleeve. He
did not speak Her girlish, impulsive
words touched him very deeply.
IN wouldn't want the girls to know
it, they'd think it was so funny, but
-" She paused uncertainty and looked
questioningly into his face. Maybe
you won't understand what l mean,
but sometimes I'd like to be good my
self. Awfully good, mean" She
smiled whimsically Wouldn't Con,
ME scream if she could hear that?
Now you won't give me away, will
you? But mean It, l don't think OF it
very often, but sometimes, why, Pro.
lessor, honestly, / wouldn't care II
were as good as Prudence!" She paus-
ed dramatically and the professor
pressed the slender hand more closely
in his.
"Oh, don't worry about it. sup
pose one hasn't any business to ex-
pect good complexion and just ma
tural goodness, both at once, but"
She smiled again. Five thousand
dollars" she added dreamily. Five
thousand dollars! What shall / call
you now? P'fessor Ia not appropriate
any more, is it?'
Carol gasped. ooh, mercy! What
would Prudence say?' She giggled
meryily. "Oh, mercy" She was silent
a moment then. I'll have to be con-
tented with plain Mr.. Duke, suppose,
until you get d. D. Duckie, D. d."
she added, laughing. But in an instant
she was sober again. 81 do love our
job. If were man I'd be minis
ter myself Reverend Carol Starr"
she said loftily, then laughed. Carols
laughter always followed fast upon
her earnest words. Reverend Carol
Starr. Wouldn't ! be a peach?'
He laughed, too, recovering his
equanimity as her customary buoyant
brightness returned to her.
.'You are" he said, and Carol an
swered:
Thanks" very dryly. I'VE must go
back now she added presently. And
they turned at once, walking slowly
back toward the parsonage.
Cant you write to me little often
er, Carol? | hate to be bother, but
my uncle never writes letters, and
like to know how my friends here are
getting along. marriages, and deaths,
and just plain gossip. I'll like it very
much if you can. / do enjoy a good
correspondence with"
do your she asked sweeuy. How
you have changed! When was a