The Meeker herald., 1919-08-23
Copyright, 1913. b. the Mcclure Newspa-
per Syndlonte)


With thoughtful eye he glanced
about the cosy sitting room and Won
dcrcd how Mrs. Rollins, his faithful
housckeepcr. would accept the change.
Young women were not rs precise
ubout house MS settled folks. Or
course FlosSie Jane would bring that
bull pup. And. of course. the bull pup
would tear the lace curtains. And. of
course. Mrs. Rollins would have thou.
sand fits.
The distance from his house 10 hers
was not great.
The trim maid answered his sum
mons. No, Miss FlossIe was not at
home.
Crcstfallen. Mr.. Pccvcr started down
the steps which he had assembled with
such high hopes.
His meanderngs led him back TO the
park.
Suddenly he started md glanced
cautiously over his shoulder.
SAY" came voice from the gloom.
"w!iu's that fellow that hangs around
your place."
Hes II 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
II was wished on me when | was too
little to object" continued the ilippnnt
voice.
ais he rich?" queried the masculine
speaker.
"You Just bet he is laughed the
girl. But, oh. you bald spot a duet
Of filters followed this sally.
Followed more talk Of n personal ma
: ture, Slch conversation AS Mr.. Pcevcr
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 innocently mt the starry
heavens. He held himself so well In
hand that in answer to Flossie's
breathless "Goodevcning he man
aged to give quite natural start of
surprise.
The couple passed on.
'DO you suppose he heard usy"
whispered the girl In II clear voice that
carried straight to Mr.. Pccver's bench.
"What do you care II he didi" was
the louder, unconcerned response of
her escort.
Alone In the comforting circle of
lamplight, Mr.. Pccver clasped and I'M
clasped his hands, clasped them ngnin
and unclasped them.
The light from his OWE sitting room
tricliicd cntIcingly through the lilac
branches that shaded the window. Mrs
Rollins WAS In thcrc--he could see her
bowed head. She was sewing on but
tons and durning holes. he thought
with thrill Of quiet satisfaction. with
n sudden spring In his step, Mr.. Peever
entered his own door.
On the threshold of the sitting room
he halted. Mrs. Rollins glanced up and
nodded greeting AS If he had not
seen her, Mr.. Peevcr stood sOlemnly
gazing over her head. After n moment:
Mrs. Rollins, this IL a strange
world" he commenced impressirely.
Mrs. Rollins dropped her sewing and
looked anxiously into his face.
"Why-what-?" she circulated.
"Strange things happen In it," con-
tinued Mr.. Peevcr. still riveting his
gaze on the wall.
"Yes-ycs-l" brenthed the widow.
an expression OF alarm oversprcadins
her round face.
II knew your. late husband very
WE'LL" Mr.. Peevcr's tones were fu-
ncreal.
Yes" She leaned forward. breath
less with suspense.
Mr.. Peever inhaled deeply, prepared
for the plunge, lost courage and flop
ped brondside. "IIe was good man"
$50 he was. Mr.. Peever. SO he was"
Mrs. Rollins shifted mournfully In
memory of the long-departed.
There was deep silence. Suddenly
Mr.. Peevcr flung his arms despairingly
In the air and commenced frantically
to pace the room.
Mrs. Rollins! he doomed. striving
to pluck courage from the sturdy vigor
you that want to marry you-but you
don't seem to understand
Back flew the color into Mrs. Roll
Inns cheeks. "Why--why- Peev-
err" she twittcred in II pretty flutter
of relieved confusion. II thought
why-I hought-somebody was deadw
do you mean yes?' persisted Mr..
Peever, courage Towering joyously
within him.
The widow dropped her head bit
and nodded, just us he reached her
side.
There IL always something to be
thankful for" quoth Mr.. Peever. with
beamIng countenance, but-he did not
say 1t aloud.