Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-08-14
THE CURIOUS QUEST
of MR.. ERNEST BLISS
by e. PHILLIFS UPPENHE
Copyright. The Frank A. Munsey Co.

although very unusual, two hours
Frances had improved with prosperit,
In the dainty furnished little room
and at tea while she ministered to hi
wants, she seemed very graceful an
very attractive to him.
| Her voice was low, her sense O
humor abundant. They laughed tc
gether many times at the memory O
those anxious weeks when Bliss wa
trying to sell stoves.
Only once he made q remark which
seemed to cause her some embarrass
ment.
Your room is almost like a con
servatory," he declared, glancing a
the great bowl Of violets in the middle
of the table.
She changed color little.
Mr.. Masters sends me all these
flowers" she explained Sometimes
l really wish he wouldn't"
"1s Mr.. Masters married." Bliss
asked quickly.
He is widower," she replied. "He
has been widower for ten years.
How old is he?"
Fifty next birthday. Sometimes l
think he looks older than that, and
sometimes younger. He has such won.
derful spirits, such boundless optim-
ism! He is opening up agencies now
for the Alpha Stove all over the
world"
Bliss was silent for little time.
Somehow or other his keen sense Of
enjoyment seemed to have gone. He
kept on reminding himself that he was
a light porter, earning thirty shillings
a week. Nevertheless, the question
pumped itself out.
Does Mr.. Masters want you to
marry him."
She looked at him gravely. They
were both standing now, for he had
been on the point Of saying goodbye.
Il think he does" she admitted
"Why do you ask"
Are you going to say Yes'?"
II do not know. Tell me, what
would you advise me to do?"
my advice he declared. a little
hoarsley. might not be quite disin-
terested."
Still, won't you give it,"
He set his teeth firmly together.
Gan 1, u0 Sdlu. lou nuS( Q0-
eide for yourself
She followed him to the door. No
other word passed between them till
their hands met, yet, somehow or
other, he fancied that she had under
stood
"Will you come and see me next
Sunday" she asked.
Thank you," he answered. "Of
course will"
He walked down the hill toward
where the myriad lights Of London
famed up to the sky. A crowd of
cur1os thoughts seemed to have taken
possession OF him He was conscious
OF new incomprehersible axhilara-
ton.
How was it that In the old life there
had never been time to think? Tha.
the stars and the lights and the wind
had meant SO little? That the world
had seemed so humdrum a place?
He laughed at himself as he felt in
his pockets to see whether he could
afford bus, and thought Of the bread
and cheese which would be spread out
On the table before him when he re-
,urned to his lodgings. They would
be dining at the Savoy and the Carl
on in an hour or so; crowds Of his
ate friends; little ladies of musical
comedy SO charmed to have him sit by
heir sides and whisper in their ears;
30 delighted to make up a party OTTER
ward at one Of their fats, and sing
'r dance or flirt.
There was his French chef idle: his
bathroom and wardrobe untouched;
lis motorcars; hundred expendients
II wealth waiting for a word from
lin.
Already he was beginning to find 1t
lard to realize that other life. The
riends Of whom he thought, who
would welcome him back tonight,
eemed to belong to such q banal |
UGH an artificial side of existence;
omething built up with false colors. |
lie discovered an extra penny in his
rousers pocket and whistled with joy |
s he clambered up to his seat on the .
op Of an omnibus.
The nexe morning things happened.
A caller presented himself at the
title Office In King street at about
AZ VA ~ SAoSh, blIbS IcCO6ulZ0u
With little start of surprise as a very
distinguished solicitor, and whom he
ad met more than once in the old !
avs.
He. too, had the same strained look
pom his face as he presented his card
nd asked to see Mr.. Cockerill.
Mr.. Cockeril is in, sir" Bliss ad-
lifted. Il will let him know that you
re here"
Bliss took in the card. which Cock
rill glanced at and sighed. 1t was
bvious that he did not contemplate
ny pleasure from the forthcoming in
srview.
"You can show the gentleman in.
Hiss he said resignedly. T am
cry busy this morning. though. II
an only give him a few minutes
The newcomer was already in the
pom. and Bliss had time, before he
eparted, to notice that greeting be-
veen the two men was strained.
Bliss closed the door and stood for
moment hesitating Then he cIench.
his fists and applied his ear to the
tile hole. /,
Pleased though am at any time
see you my dear Fenwick." Mr..
ockerill was saying, II look upon ]
Dur present visit 40 indilcreof ro ,