Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-07-31
Euening Story
HUSBAND HUNTING.
BY A. Maria Crawford.

"Of course" he protested holly, III
you are going husband hunting, nave
nothing more to say"
Hilda laughed, then looked soberly
down at the slim, ringless hands IN
her lap. "A big solitaire wouldn't look
bad on that left hand, would 1t, Jerry!
she challenged.
He stirred the Black Jack log that
burned on the old-fashioned andirons
until a shower OF sparks, bright as
Jewels. leaped up the chimney.
have wanted to put. one there Tor a
long time," he said quietly.
ooh, Jerry, do be sensible. ! want
a chance to meet all sorts OF people.
Then / will know love when 1t comes
to me. You and / have been good
friends, ever since you wore knee trou-
sers and / wore bingham aprons TO
Miss Prue's school"
"The memory of old times does not
keep me from worrying about the III.
ture. You have made up your mind
that when you go to visit your aunt
you will meet and marry great eaten.
Isn't that true?'
1T is horrid to catechise me so.
Every girl dreams of perfectly I'M
possible husband. I will not talk to
you any more If you are going to make
fun of me. OF course. to have good
time there must be men. They are
quite essential, but it does not neces-
sarily follow that am going to marry
one of them"
Hilda had been popular guest in
her aunt's home for two weeks wnen
the butler presented Jerry's card one
afternoon.
Its man from home. Aunt Agatha"
she cried delightedly. Come rlgnt
down and meet him, please"
Aunt Agatha frowned. The arrival
of man from the girls home town
did not argue we'll for her scheme to
marry Hilda to the Honorable Harold
Mcdonald, Scotchman well on 10
ward middle age, but considered the
most eligible bachelor in the city. He
had been charmed by Hilda.
Jerry, 1 am glad to see YOU" she
began enthusiastically. when she had
greeted him, II am having wonder
full time. Aunt Agatha wants me to
spend the whole season here. 1t would
be heavenly! Any home news?
Nothing much. / came up on Trip
for Dad. Can you take In a show with
me tonight?"
81 am sorry" said Aunt Agatha,
when the program was presented
for her approval. "Hilda has an ap-
pointment with Mr.. Mcdonald and she
would not care to break that, i am
sure"
"That's true. Jerry, but I'll see you
often when I go home"
That's all right" Jerry was think
ing rapidly Il ought to get back home
tonight. any way. Sister Mary Is nav.
ing house party now, great CROWD
and no end of fun going on. Lillian
Darcy is there, Hilda. She Is quite
a beauty. The fellows are all mad over
her, but so far, have been able TO
hold them off bit. because have 10
play host most of the time, my brother
in-law being too busy to take the siren
uous role of leading man."
ooh" said Hilda. in small voice.
"She is the girl your sister wants you
to marry. I have heard a great many
lovely things abe her"
"She deserves them all, too" Jerry
was warming to the subject. i wish
you could see her. Sis wants her TO
stay with us as long as she can
81 hope that she makes match De-
tween you," Hilda returned, almost
spitefully. "She has certainly tried
hard enough"
Jerry stood up, his hand out, his
handsome face glowing with youth
and strength. Good luck to you,
little girl" he said quite impersonaliy,
then turned to speak to the aristocra-
tic Miss Agatha.
lust when are you going home"
asked Hilda, conscious of little hurt
because this man could grow so indif-
ferent ITO her.
"Tonight, on the ten-forty, prob
ably" he answered, smiling IN a way
too friendly to suit Hilda. There was
no longer any indication OF the lover
in his attitude.
All that afternoon and evening the
gaiety pailed on Hilda. After rest
less night she sought Aunt Agatha. i
am i'll. I must go home" she explained.
"Illrr Aunt Agatha sat straight up
- Lac ~;Ohtnan q WPv hAr