The Cordova daily times., 1919-11-08

ROSIE SMITH
By JACK LAYTON.
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hhne SlSleT wrote ulll, anu you Hdu better come out here at once. You know that you must make a money-marriage, Bert, if you hope to succeed in your profession. Doctors cannot begin practice on nothing year; and I feel that l have done my share in giving you a start.
 Frankly, it was with your interest at heart, as we'll as my own, that I married Carleton Page, and the union has been happy one-not from a financial viewpoint alone.
 You are aware of your own powers of charming when women are con- cerned, there your lexicon knows no such word as fail
 "The Ocean Breeze hotel Is a costly establishment. None but the fortunate may make their habitation here for any length of time, and the Austin Smiths intend to remain the summer. But then we know in Chicago what that name stands for. Upon the hotel register, the noted guests are in- scribed as Mrs. Austin Lee Smith, Mss Adele Smith and Miss Rosie Smith. You are to take notice of the latter; Mrs. and Miss Smith are quite unap- proachable, no refgning sovereign could be more determinedly exclusive than they None of us have been fa- vOred with more than a lowing &C., quaintance. It Is therefore Rosie Smith, upon whom I found my hope. A sweet, appealing little creature.
 'When she is not accompanying Mrs. Smith upon some pleasure jaunt, she Is seated in a quiet nook of the veranda, where she exchanges pleas ant words with us all But fancy, Bert, the enormous wealth these two girls will inherit, and hasten yourself and your winning way in this direction"
 Light of anticipation shone in the handsome brothers eyes as he finished reading his sisters letter. Genevieve always had his interest at heart. She was right, a marriage for money was his only road to success, and he would bid Phoebe good-by and start imme- diately for Ocean Breeze. Phoebe need not know his proposed adventure; the shock would be hard enough when it came. He must let her down easy.
 When he arrived at the ocean re- sort, his sister met him, jubilantly.
 "Just in time for presentation to Miss Rosie" she said. "That quaint name suits her demure pinkness. The Austin Smiths are driving"
 Gilbert looked admiringly down at the dainty girlish figure before which his sister paused. It seemed too good to be true, that an heiress so desirable should also be the possessor of love- liness and charms.
 Miss Rosie smiled in acknowledg- ment of the introduction, and though her gaze, during the hour which fol- lowed, was upon her embroidery, she glanced up at the irresistible Gilbert occasionally while responding to his conversation.
 When Mrs. Austin Smith and the stately Adele returned Miss Rosie mur- mured his name to them, before follow ing through the entrance.
 Gilbert was entranced. Moreover, he was delighted with his own overwhelm- ing good fortune. "Genevieve was cer- tainly winner in selection"
 Thereafter he assiduously devoted himself to Miss Rosie Smith at every opportunity. And as he frequently heard her refusing to accompany the envied family upon their drives or out ings, he complimented himself upon the fact of her enjoyment of his so- ciety. For 1t had become habit for Gilbert to Join the girl after their de- parture, In inviting hooks to which she carried books or sewing.
 Her friendliness toward himself could not be doubted; the lucky cir constance of being brother to Mrs. Carleton Page had helped him here he was sure. But with all her friend liness and companionship Rosie Smith lost none of her reserve. Personal- ties seemed not to interest her. Gil bert, speaking of his professional am- bition and his life heretofore, hoped for a return of confidence It was not forthcoming.
 Then upon one mOonllt evening, eager for his triumph, he told of his love for her, and because there was so very much at stake, Gilbert wait ed for the first time impatiently-a response.
 q have never thought that you really cared" Rosie Smith said at last slow ly, "even though Adele kept telling me that you did. Mrs. Smith was of the same opinion, but"
 Mrs. Smith!' Gilbert interrupted, "you mean your mother?"
 Mrs. Austin Smith is not my moth er," Rosie exclaimed, "she is just a friend, so Is Adele. That our names happen to be the same is not unusual" She smiled. "There Is no relationship between us. I came with them to this place upon their really charitable In. vitatlon."