Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1916-05-06
she treated her suitors much the same

She treated ner su1tOrS much the Same
way. 4."a ...
Much happened in that week. For
few mornings the first violin came
always to ask for suggestions, and
each time I named some favorite solecs
ton Of my own, for Gwendoline could
never think of word to say. Then
Busoni himself came down between
the numbers. 1t was dreadfuIly con-
spicuous and everyone at once knew
why, for Gwendoline was 30 irresist-
ible never knew girl who appear
ed so well In the glazing light of the
morning sun at the seashore.
Then Busoni asked to call and l
consented. No, I didn't forget Gwen
dolines mothers injunctions. sim
ply decided that could take matters
in my own hands. Busoni was no
ordinary admirer and clearly Gwendo-
line did not want to have me refuse
for her. He called more than once
and then one evening we went driv-
ing, we three, in the twilight through
the grove Of pine trees just northwest
Of the beach OF course these things
were observed, for Busoni was more
or less of an idol among the summer
people and watching the goings and
comings of other people was a large
part of every days occupations among
the guests at our hotel. Busoni never
seemed to become personal in his con-
versation and Gwendoline, for her part
assumed that strange childlike reserve
of hers that seemed to me irresistible.
If had been man would have low
ed her to distraction in that mood.
Meanwhile several letters had come
from the men at home. Then one
from Tom Lowther, who was to be
worth millions, saying he was coming
down for the final answer that week
end, and the next mail brought one
from Gwendoline's mother, who had
heard of Toms Intentions, saying that
she was coming too. No doubt she
felt that was not adequate to the sit
uation. Perhaps she feared I would
be too severe a chaperon. For really
Mrs. Penfield was in great hopes of the
success of the Lowther affair. 1T
Then Busoni telephoned to the hotel.
Gwendoline was mapping indolently,
the window where she could watch the
SO answered the call on the room
ton when I told her who it was she
did not show it. Mr.. Busoni said he
wished to call that evening. He had
something important to say. He must
come. When I tried to make excuses
he would not listen He would come
anyway.
OF course, knew exactly what to
do as chaperon. In view of, the COM
ing of Gwendoline's mother the next
day and Of young Lowther, too, Gwen
doline ought not to have to face the
decision of proposal from Busoni.
I knew that was his object 1t would
be enough to accept him-for how
could she do otherwise when she
had disposed Of the other sutton.
Gwendoline seemed to understand
me perfectly when told her my decis-
ion. She laughed a queer little whim-
steal laugh when I told her that I
would see, Busoni and make her
apologies, and then she went of to
bed. She said she might not 60 to
sleep, but she would lie with her bed
near the window where she could hear
the ocean. And went down to Busoni
And then Busoni told me. Can you
imagine what? Busoni the genius,
the recluse-Busoni whom every WON.
an at the beach would have adored-
Busoni there and then, in the little
private reception room of our hotel,
actually went down on his knees and
proposed to me-poor little middle
aged, blue eyed me. -~-. =.
J Gwendoline did accept Tom Low
Their and suppose in her way she is
happy. But I sometimes WONDERFUL
no! How absurd! 1t is only because
I love him so myself that I fancied
every other woman at the beach made
an idol of Busoni. ...