The Belding banner-news., 1919-09-17
PEEvER'S ROMANCE
BY PEARL BRAGG MEYER.
,Copyrignt. 1913. by lne McClure Newspa-
per Syndicate.)


his throat vigorously.
my dear Flossie Jane, may ! have
the honor of Offering" That sounded
all wrong. Mr.. Peever sighed. If he
made such a, moss of the rehearsals
how would he carry through the pro-
posal itself? This was the worst job
he had ever tackled, he thought dis
mally Still, II had to be done.
AT this juncture. IL Mr.. Peever had
been like some men, he would have
cheered himself by turning his thoughts
to his bank account. AS 1t was, how
ever, he commenced meditating on his
bald spot. Even here he found con-
ISOLATION. He noted with satisfaction
that 1t did not show--when his hat
was on. "There is always something
to be thankful for" quoth Mr.. Peever.
with thoughtful eye he glanced
about the cosy sitting room and won
dered how Mrs. Rollins, his faithful
housekeeper, would accept the change.
Young women were not as precise
about house as settled folks. OF
course Flossie Jane would bring that
bull pup. And, of course, the bull pup
would tear the lace curtains. And. or
course, Mrs. Rollins would have thou
sand fits.
The distance from his house to hers
was not great.
The trim maid answered his sum-
mons. No, Miss Flossie was not at
home.
Crestfallen, Mr.. Peever started down
the steps which he had assembled with
such high hopes.
J His meanderings led him back to the
park.
: Suddenly he started and glanced
cautiously over his shoulder.
SAY came voice from the gloom,
"who's that fellow that hangs around
your placer
b Hes a friend Of dads. What do
you suppose he calls me? 'Flossie
Jane" She drawled the words with
comic emphasis. mo one else ever
calls me that, / can't help the Jane
1t was wished on me when / was too
little to object" continued the fippant
voice.
.Is he rich?" queried the masculine
speaker.
"You just bet he is," laughed the
girl. "But, oh. you bald spotr A duet
of filters followed this sally.
Followed more talk of personal ma
ture, such conversation as Mr.. Peever
himself had hoped to share with Flos-
sic Jane. Finally the two arose to de-
part. AS the sound of their footsteps
came nearer, Mr.. Peever sat bolt up.
right, gazing lnnocently at the starry
heavens. He held himself so well In
hand that i'm answer TO Flossie's
breathless "Good-evening he man
aged to give quite natural start OF
surprise.
The couple passed on.
do you suppose he heard us?'
whispered the girl in clear voice that
carried straight to Mr.. Peever's bench
"What do you care If he did?" was
the louder. unconcerned response ol
her escort.
Alone In the comforting circle oi
lamplight, Mr.. Peeyer clssped and un
clasped his hands, clasped them AGAR
and unclasped them.
The light from his own sitting room
trickled enticingly through the lilac
branches that shaded the window. Mrs
Rollins was in there--he could see hel
bowed head. She was sewing on but
tons and darning holes, he though
with thrill of quiet satisfaction. Witt
sudden spring in his step, Mr.. Peevel
entered his own door.
On the threshold of the sitting room
he halted. Mrs. Rollins glanced up ant
nodded greeting. AS IL he had no
seen her, Mr.. Peever stood soiemnl,
gazing over her head. After moment
'Mrs. Rollins, this is a strang
world" he commenced impresJvely.
Mrs. Rollins dropped her sewing an'
looked anxiously into his face.
"Why--what--? she calculated.
Strange things happen in it." con
tinued Mr.. Peever, still riveting hi
gaze on the wall.
"Yes-yes--" breathed the widow
an expression Of alarm overspreadin
her round face.
Il knew your late husband yer
WELL" Mr.. Peever's tones were fu
nereal.
Eyes" She leaned forward. breath
less with suspense.
Mr.. Peever inhaled deeply, prepare
for the plunge, lost courage and flor
ped broadside. "He was good man.
$50 he was, Mr.. Peever, so he was,
Mrs. Rollins shifted mournfully L
memory of the long-departed.
There was deep silence. Suddenl
Mr.. Peever flung his arms despairingl
in the air and commenced franticall
to pace the room.
MRS. Rollinsl" he doomed, strivin
to pluck courage from the sturdy vigo
Of his own voice. IL am trying to te'
you that want to marry you-but 20
don't seem to understand"
Back few the color into Mrs. Ro
lins' cheeks. "Why-why-Mr. Pee,
er." she twittered In a pretty flute