Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1917-10-27
The ID ally
Short Story
SHE sPOKE FOR HERSELF.

ST. Marks church. received just
enough salary 20 keep the wolf from
the rectory door Born i'm England
lie had brought with aim to America
the traditions Of the Anglican church
as well as English social customs. His
oldest child, Lucy. 1& years Old did
most of the housework for the family
She could prepare a tea for her faith
er's Practitioners and appear at the
table as neat lin her appearance as
II she had been crocheting.
One morning she was finishing putt
ting TO rights the living room when
there was a ring at the door bell Her
father was in the hall and opened the
door before Lucy could beat retreat
She therefore eusconced herself be-
hind one of the double doors that
separated the living room from The
dining room, hoping that the visitor
was some vender Of wares and would
not De admitted but fearing a differ
emit result Sine heard the voice of q
young man VINO had paid her some
attention. which was very grateful %
her
Good morning. Doctor Febjger
Can I have a few words with YOU
Certainly, Mr.. Edgertoui step rAis
way, please.
The rector led the way into the live
ing room. thus cornering Lucy behind
the door She considered making a
dash TO get away. but decided other
wise. She was dressed for dirty work.
but she looked as pretty in such ap-
pareI as when I'm her only nice gown
Shame at being caught in such q po-
sitiou was what chiefly detained her
However, as soon as the conversation
between the men opened curiosity
overruled all else. Mr. Edgerton Who
spoke first was much iustered.
Mr. Ee1ig9r he said, you are arr
Englishman ?"
II am" was the prompt reply.
Il don't blame you, sir. England IS
q great country.
The greatest in the world"
Naturally you cling to the customs
Of the land Of your birth
Naturally
Especially in the matter OF court
ship and marriage 2"
Doctor .Febiger again assentsd. this
time with some apparent curiosity as
to the drift Of MIR. Edgert9Hs rc-
marks.
I'm England ] believe" continued
the caller. when gentleman desires
the hand OF q lady he proposes 20 her
father mean he asks his permits
sion 10 marry her-that is hs does ne
Wg0lug
MIR. Edgerton being quite tangled up
To his words stopped pressed his
handkerchief over his brow and ba-
gan again
"Mr. Febiger. I very much admire
your daughter Lucy ] will make
statement regarding nav family .r-
come and then ask your permission
TO win her.
Lacy eiaspad her hands iu del.gh.
her father looked somewhat crest
fallen at the mere suggestion Of los
jug any member 0f his family. espa-
cialiy Lucy ard remarked colby tina
The suiJor was pursuing a very hon
orable course Mr. Edsert0n went au
4 am OF good American stock SIS
ancestors were pioneers and pioneers
were men and women 10 accomplish
things ] have some property left me
bE nay grandmother. which paws me
$500 year But 7 don't need ro
trust 10 this income since nay salary
OF 1000 year is sufficient for twa
persons TO live on I can support II
wife and allow nay inheritance 30 ae-
cumulate, giving as / have always
done. ten per cent TO Charlts
Lucy expected 90 see her father
throw his arms about her sutton and
speak words something like the fol-
lowing Noble man. YOUR conduct Is
m the highest degree honorable
can only wonder that YOU care 10 wed
with one so unworthy Of SOU as my
daughter. What was her dissppotnt-
ment her horror fro hear her father
say. II very much regret. SIR Edgar.
ton, TO tell Won that 1T would ba sbs9
luteiz impossible for me to part uTla
Lucy ut Che present time There are
seven of us iu the family. and the
salary allowed me by the church s.
barely sufficient To supply our needs
Lucs rs The ma}nstay OF the house
dren would DE lacking mother fen