Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1916-09-14

music fioated across the floor DICK
and Dorothy danced silently, the
girls eyes half closing, her left hand
resting, with hint of caress on her
partners arm. The weirdly sad music
seemed like living thing, SO suhtly
did it fit in with the mood OF the two
dancers. But finally the strains died
away. and Dick, stepping back, looked
searchingly into the girls eyes In
their depths he discovered light
which set his heart to beating wildly.
Without word, he led her to the
Swallowed terrace. =.
Are you still sure?", he asked soft
ly. For a moment Dorothy hesitated.
The charm of the music had not yet
been lost, the swaying rhythm OF the
dance half intoxicated her. Her glance
wandered to the clubhouse porch,
lighted by the mellow glow Of many
lanterns. AS she looked gray haired
man framed himself In the doorway,
his thin face silhouettedf against tbs
brilliant background. The light died
from her eyes.
I'm sure, Dick" she answered. '"As
long as he lives, my father will al
ways be first" .".52-s sat ID
The deep lines played swiftly about
the mans mouth He spoke softly.
but with world Of resolution In his
voice. .... -,.s ..~a...s /
I'm not going to ask you again." he
said slowly, because I believe that
you know your own mind. But / love
you have loved you ever since l met
you Ave years ago. I had hoped"
His voice broke and he shook his head
half angrily at the display Of emotion.
But I'm not going to say anything
about that Tomorrow I'm going to
accept that position In Panama. A
boat sails In, the afternoon and I'll be
on It," r.,. .~.. " e.. Ss -s a.,
He paused and the girl caught her
breath sharply. Aloha Oe Means
farewell to thee, in English" he con-
tinued THAT dance was probably
the last one we'll ever have together.
But I'll always remember it, and when
ever I hear the music I'll think Of this
one night with you" He held out his
hand. $50 l guess it's goodbye
For long time after he had gone
Dorothy stared with unseeing eyes in
to the darkness surrounding the Coun.
try club. The music was waited out
OF the open windows. but she did-not
move. From the direction of the YER
anda, gay laughter tloated out to her
but she gave no heed. .'',
She reviewed her friendship with
Dick Garrett It seemed only yester.
day that he had moved to Westwood,
blond haired, blue eyed college boy
They had gone to the college dances
: together; had played tennis and golf
through the long summer vacations:
had grown up with each other until
Dick had become more brother than
a friend. She remembered his little
acts of kindness to her father, his
consideration, his unfailing loyalty.
Suddenly she realized that he meant
more to her than any one else In the
world.
A shadow fell across the porch and
figure stood before her She looked
} up half hopefully. 1t was her father.
} where's Dick?" he asked.
Hes gone" Her voice was dull.
"He-he leaves for Panama tomor-
row."
For long two minutes the old man
was silent.
"Why?" he questioned finally.
Because I wouldn't marry him, y
/ She tried to speak bravely. but sob
, caught in her throat.
Don't you love him.!
/ 81 thought I didn't, but I do. Oh,
.. daddy. daddy" Suddenly she buried
her face In his shoulder and sobbed
quietly. He waited until the sobbing
had spent itself and then he spoke
softly. .,
would you like to 90 homer
Yes, any place where I can be by
myself"
Her father smiled, light OF remin
iscence in his eyes.
you'll have to wait for ten minutes
or So" he said. 81 must see man
on business. But I'll be back just as
soon as possible.
"Ill wait here for you"
The music began again, but this
time it was a TO-. trot, appeallngly
alive. But Dorothy did not hear; she
was thinking Of other things. She real
. lied vaguely that an automobile had
drawn up before the club entrance. A
man doomed out of the darkness and
stood before her.
"Dorothy." he said.
Her heart leaped wildly. She sprang
to her feet 's ,s~.
Dick
, A strange mixture Of wonder, unbe-
lief and happiness was IN her voice.
} The man smiled into her eyes.
!, "Your father phoned to me-" he-ex-
plained. He said that you wanted
me-
ooh" She seemed unable to find
/ voice for the varied emotions which
!, surged within her. II
/ do your" he, persisted gently.
She placed /one hand on his arm,
timidly.
eyes" she answered softly "More
| than all the world.
The music had ceased. but suddenly
lit began again. Evidently some one