Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1920-08-18
A Fair Penitent
By SAIDEE E. BALLOON

he goes" spoke Amos Purvin heartily
"Alas! too many" silently decided
Rita Dwight. his niece.
Newspaper writer and author, vii
fred Dayton had done some brilliant
things in a literary way. Socially he
was recognized as the life of grouI
where young spirits needed an inspi-
ration and a leader. Rita had met
him half dozen times and on each
occasion experienced growing pref
erence for him. That he was attracted
by her his words and activities plainly
showed. The demand upon his time
and attention by other fair damsels,
however, was viewed disconsOlately by
pretty Rita.
There was a lawn party at her
uncle's home, where two young ladies
who were relatives of leading mem
Der Of the set were particularly singled
out by Dayton for marked attentions.
His assiduity in giving them good
time had quite made Rita uncomfort-
able. almost cross, and she had drawn
aside from the merry laughing group
to secluded garden covert. Dayton
passed by with gentleman friend
II say Dayton" observed the latter,
(which of the two new beauties has
made an impression on you. for both
seemed to positively charm YOU"
Mistake" retorted Dayton lightly.
ut was my part to see that, being
strangers, they must never chide US
for inhospitalhy. My interest in the
direction Of real attachment was
conferred weeks ago."
!. Suddenly the sun seemed to shine
its brightest and Rita's clouded face
grew serene. Weeks ago? That tai
lied with their acquaintance. Gould
he be abiding to her?
After that, Rita returned TO the 9th
ers and scattered her bright smiles
pro,Aiscuously, but awarded the fond
ess ones to Dayton, who basked In
the sunlight Of her favor and was glad.
His handclasp was trifie more intense
than usual when he babe her good.
night Going into the house Rita
found her brother Herbert. aged ten,
curled up in chair in the library en-
crossed in devoAring some typewrit-
ten pages. BY his side On the fOOs
was portfolio, open.
"Why, Herbert! what are yoa ever
aboutT she challenged him.
"Oh. having jolly fun p4pei the
agreeable little fellow. "Mr. Dayton
left his portfolio. and Tn just enjoy
ing myself reading the outline Of one
of his stories"
'But Mr.. Dayton may not like that
reprimanded Rita. "You do not wish
to be bold and intrusive, do Your /.
Reluctantly the lad surrendered the
screed he had appropriated and went
grumblingly from the room. In repiac-
ing the papers Rita dropped the port
folio and its contents poured forth.
Four photographs caused her eyes to
dilate. They were counterfeit present
ments of as many especially lovely
young ladies. She seemed to cease
breathing as packet Of perfumed
notes met her gaze. They were adj
dressed to my Darling Boy" or
"Sweet Honey" or "My Beloved" and
signed 'Your Kitten, Fay" only One,
Dolly "Your Truest and Fondest Ma
bel" Each note was -gushingiy ira
tional mixture Of love terms.
Like all Of them. but who can blame
him. he is so attractive and handsome"
half sobbed Rita. "A confirmed flirt.
oh, bow I have overestimated him,
but"
The dainty pink fingers tore at a
ribbon as If their owner was lace.at-
ing the susceptible hearts Of Fay, and
Dolly, and Mabel. Then a sense of
womanly power influenced Rita to de-
eide upon desperate course Of action
so far as Wilfred Dayton was con-
cerned. He should suffer, indeed, for
causing her this heart-wreck!
For week after that her close
friends were amazed at new reck-
less holiness that Rita displayed. She
turned fun and frolic into an apparent
quest for human hearts to fascinate-
She fiirted outrageously always when
Dayton was present, and he began to
look hurt and serious, and then failed
to put in an appearance at functions
where Rita was present.
She sent the portfolio to his address
by a messenger, unaccompanied by
any note of explanation. She herself
retired. from social festivities. She
had lost the only man she loved and
was wretched and heartbroken.
One day she had visitor whose ap-
pearance. for she was the sister Of
Dayton, reopened the wound that had
caused Rita so much pain.
"Wilfred is ILL.," said Miss Dayton
soberly, land I think your coldness
towards him has something to do with
It. Have you had any misunderstood
ingw
Rita was ready for tears and they
came. She could not help but unbur-
den her heart. She was shocked, in
dignant when, after she had recited
the unfaithfulness Of the culprit in
having half a dozen loves, Myrtle
Dayton burst into laugh that seemed
cruel mockery.
"Oh, you little simpleton !" she cried.
4Why, those pictures and notes were
given by the police to Wilfred to write
a story on. They were found on an
who cut wide swath In
society in another city. I shall send
Wilfred to you at once, and be will
want to come"
A fair penitent, Rita Dwight re-
ceived him with downcast eyes and