Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1916-11-07
CHAPTER XVII.

4
1t took a long time for Carol to re-
cover from the effect. of Lark's disloy.
atty. as she persisted in calling it. For
several weeks she didn't twinkle at
all. But when at last the smiles came
easy again. she wrote to Mr. Duke, her
pfessor no longer. but now. full
fledged young minister. She apolog1z-
ed sweetly for her long delay.
But you will forgive me when you
have read this" she wrote. Cupid is
, working havoc in our family. VI
course. no one outside the home circle
knows vet. but l insisted on telling
YOU because you have been such a
grand good friend to us for so long.
We may seem young to you. because
YOU can't forget when we were fresh
men, but we are really very grown up
We act quite mature now and never
think Of playing jokes. But | didn't
finish my news. did l!
at is Jim Forrest-he was in high
school when we were. Remember
him? Larkie and were out to spend
a week and--but / needn't go into par
ticulars. knew you would be inter
ested. The whole family is very happy
about 1t. he is a great favorite with
every one. But how our family is go
ing to pieces, Still. since it Is jim!
He is nice, isn't he? But you wouldn't
dare say no..
Carols eyes glittered wickedly as
she sealed this letter, which she had
penned with greatest care. And
few days later when the answer came
she danced gleefully up the stairs
not at all mature" in manner, and
locked the door behind her while she
read:
Dear Carol:
Indeed | am very Interested and
wish you all the Joy in the world. Tell
Jim for me how very much think he
is to be congratulated He seems
fine fellow, and I know you will be
happy. 1t was surprise. ! admit
knew he was doing the very devoted
but YOU have seemed SO young to
me. always. / can't imagine you too
grown up for jokes, though you do
sound more mature in this letter than
yau have before. Lark will be lonely.
am afraid.
az am very busy with my work. so
YOU will understand II my letters come
less frequently, won't you? And you
will be too busy with your own hap
piness to bother with An old professor
any more anyhow. have enjoyed our
friendship very much-more than you
will ever know-and want once more
to hope you may be the happiest wom-
an in the world You deserve to be.
Very sincerely your friend,
David A. Duke
Carol Law down on the bed and
crushed the letter ecstatically be-
tween her hands. Then she burst out
laughing. Then she cried little, ner-
vously, and laughed again. Then she
smoothed the letter affectionately and
curled up on the bed with pad OF pa
per and her fathers fountain pen to
answer the letter.
NV dear Mr.. Duke; However in
the world could you make such a mis-
take. I've been laughing ever since
got your letter, but I'm vexed too.
He's nice. all right; he's just fine, but
don't want him, And think how an
noyed Lark would be If she could see
it. | am not engaged to Jim Forrest
nor to any one It's Lark. ! GER
tainly didn't say it was |, did |? We're
all so fond of Jim that il really is
pleasure to the whole family to count
him one of us, and Lark grows more
deliriously joyful all the time. But |!
know you're awfully busy. of course,
and I hate to intrude. but you must
write one little postal card to apollo
cize for your error. and I'll understand
how hard you are working when you