Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1917-11-01
CHAPTER VII.

CHAPTER VII.
-
The FIRST few minutes that John spent
IN Loulse's little house were full OF
acute and vivid interest. The room
that he was SO eagerly studying con-
tlrmed his cloudy impressions Of Its
owner. There was, for n woman's
apartment, a curious absence OF orna-
mentation and kn%lckknacks. The walls
were black and white; the carpet vas
white: the furniture graceful In Its
outline, rather heavy in build, and Gov
cred with old-rose colOred cflnts.
There were water-cOlors upon the wall,
some small black-and-white fantasies,
puzzling to John, who had never even
heard the term futurist. A table, drawn
up to the side Of one of the easy chairs
was covered with books and magazines,
some Italian, q few English, the great
er part French; and upon a smaller
one. close nj hand, stood Il white bowl
full Of pink roses. Their odor was
somehow reminiscent of Louise, Curl
ously sweet and wholesome--an odor
which suddenly took him back to the
morning when she had come to him
from under the canopy OF npple-b!os-
SON. His heart began to beat with
pleasure even before the opening of
the door announced her presence. She
cnmerin with Sophy, who ut once seat
ed herself by his side,
1--WE have been making plans" Lou
Use declared. "for disposing OF you for
the rest Of the day"
John smiled happily,
you're not sending nle away, then?
You're not acting this eseningY
Not until three weeks next Mon
day" she replied. Then, it you are
good, and the production is not post
poned. you may seat Yourself in a box
and make all the noise you like after
the fall Of the curtain. These are real
holidays for tue, except for the nui'
Snnce of rchearsnls. You couldn't have
come nj II DeitHF Dluc.
Sophy glanced at the clock.
well" she said, II must show my
respect to that most ancient Of ndages
by taking my departure. feel
"You will do nothing OF the sort,
child" Louise interrupted. II want to
snterest you In the evolution Of Mr..
Strangewey. We must remember that
1t Is bis first night In London. What
aspect of 1t shall we attempt to show
him? Don't say n word, Sophy. 1t Is
not for us to choose
"Im afraid there isn't any choice"
John declared, his face falling. u
haven't any clothes except what you
see me In"
"Hooray!" Sophy exclaimed. ION
with your smart gown, Louise! Wei
he splendldly Bohemian. You shall pu'
on your black frock and II black hat
and powder your nose, and We'll all g
to Guido's first and drink vcrmuth.
can't look the part, but l can act It"
"But tell me-" Louise asked him
s'dld you lose your luggage"
II brought none" he answered.
They both looked Mt hlm--Sophy pc
sltc,y curious, Louise more deeply In
tercsted.
"You mean" Louise demanded, 'tha
after waiting all these months 20
started away upon impulse like that
without even letting your brother kno'
or bringing any l%uggngeT"
"That's exactly what I did," job
agreed, smiling. II hnd a sovereign l
my pocket when I had bought IN
ticket, The joke Of 1t wns," no wer
on. Joining In the girls laughter. "thl
Mr.. Appleton has been worrying m
for months to come up and talk ovt
Refreshments, and take control Of II
money my uncle left me; ind when
came Mt last, I arrived like n paupe
lie went out himself aud bought N
shirt"
"And a very nice shirt, too" Sopf
declared, glancing at the pattern. "
kcll Us what else happened"
well, not much MORE" John r
n,,ed, .Mr. Appleton stuffed me II
Of money and made me take a lit
suite OF rooms at what he called
more fashionable. hotel. He stayed
lunch With me, md I have promised
Gee him on business tomorrow NOR
Ing"
The two girls sat up aud wiped tn,
eyes.
.Oh, this II q wonderful advcntu
you have embarked upon" Louise {
claimed. "You have ON quite In I
eight spirit. Il II your first night he
MI. Strangewey. 50 I warn you tn
Gophy 10 tho most irresponsible u
capric1ous OF all my friends"
vophy made q grimace.
!. "NE. etrangewey," she begged .,
osstiy, ssyou won't believe q word I
an, VIII youf All my life I Ia
ossn looking, for q single and ste,
tast attachment. OF course, II Lou
wants 10 monopslise you, I shall 1
lnto ~ background, a. I usually
out ~ you think that I am going to
cspt hints and, lot you 20 out to dini
aloaN yea are very much mistak
Teotgtt q any tsts, ! Insist upon q
slagts
tSuiss shook her head.
;2N. w. hall have v psl % WITH N
eNa4 1pAn WITH NH, Hjiqaea
q " 25tSS VIZ