The Meeker herald. [volume] (Meeker, Colo.) 1885-current, 1919-05-24
PEEvER's ROMANCE
Nv PEARL sRAoo MEYER.
,Copyriyht, 1918. by the Mcclure Newspe-
per Syndicate)

~
U.opyrlxht 1913. by the Mcclure Newspe-
per syndicate)
.Ahem. ahem!" Mr.. Peever, posing
before the sitting room mirror. cleared
his throat vigorously.
"Aiy dear Flossie Jane. may nave
the honor Of Offering" Tint sounded
nil wrong. Mr.. Peever sighed. II ne
made such mess Of the rehearsais
how would he carry through the pro-
posui itself! This was the worst 1oo
he Ind ever tackled. he thought dis
mally, Still, It hud to be done.
At this juncture. II Mr.. Peever had
been like some men. he would have
cheered himself by turning his thoughts
10 his hank account. AZ It was, how
ever, he commenced meditating on his
build spot. Even here he found con-
ISOLATION. He noted with satisfaction
!. that 1t did not show-when his hut
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
Lered how Mrs. Rollins, his faithful
housekeeper, would accept the change.
Young women were not as precise
about q house as settled folks. VI
course FiOssIe Jane would bring that
bull pup. And. Of course. the bull pup
would tenr the lace curtains. And. OF
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 Ffossie was not ut
home.
CrestfnIlen. Mr.. Peever started down
the steps which he had ascended with
such high hopes.
His meanderings led him back to the
park.
Suddenly he started and glanced
cautiously over his shoulder.
SAY" came a voice from the gloom.
.whO's that fellow that hangs around
your placer"
Hes a friend Of dads. What do
you suppose he calls mel 'Flossie
Jane" She drawled the words with
comic emphasize. mo one else ever
calls me that. can't help the jane
1t was wished ON me when l was too
little to object" continued the dippant
voice.
us he rich1" queried the masculine
speaker.
"You just bet he is." laughed the
girl. "But, oh, you bald spots" A duet
Of filters followed this sally.
Followed more talk Of a personal ma
ture, such conversation as Mr.. Peever
himself had hoped to share with Flos-
ale 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 30 well In
hand that In answer to Flossie's
breathless "GOOd-evenIng he man
aged to give quite a natural start Of
surprise.
The couple passed on.
"Do you suppose he heard usf'
whispered the girl in clear voice that
carried straight to Mr.. Peever's bench.
''What do you care II he didr' was
the louder, unconcerned response of
her escort.
Alone in the comforting circle Of
lamplight. Mr.. Peever c7asped and I'M
clasped his hands, clasped them again
and unclasped them.
The light from his own sitting room
trickled enticingiy through the lilac
branches that shaded the window. Mrs,
Rollins was In there-he could see her
bowed head. She was sewing on but
tons and darning holes. he thought
with thrill of quiet satisfaction. With
n sudden spring In his step, Mr.. Peeves
entered his own door.
On the threshold Of the sitting room
he halted. Mrs. Rollins glanced up and
nodded a greeting. As II he had not
seen her, Nr. Peever stood solemnly
| gazing over her head. After moment
"Mrs. Rollins. this Is a strange
world" he commenced impressively.
Mrs. Rollins dropped her sewing and
looked anxIously into his face.
"Why-what-?" she CALCULATED.
"Strange things happen In It," con
tinued Mr.. Peever. still riveting his
gaze on the wall.
"Yes-yes-" breathed the widow
an expression Of alarm overspreadina
her round face.
Fl knew your late husband very
WELL" Mr.. Peever's tones were fu
nereal.
4 eyes" She leaned forward. breath
less with suspense.
Mr.. Peever inhaled deeply, prepared
for the plunge. lost courage and flop
ped brOadsIde. "He was good man.
$50 he was, Mfr. Peever. 80 he was
Mrs. Rollins shifted mournfully IL
memory Of the long-departed.
There was a deep silence. Suddenly
Mr.. Peever flung his arms despairlngly
| IT. linn IL