Missouri Valley times. [volume] (Missouri Valley, Iowa) 1874-1931, 1920-12-02
A Man of System
By RALPH HAMILTON



"Matter-of-fact Phillip Walters" his
friends called him, and he was worthy
of the designation. He was precise,
systematic young man and had ma
tured early as to the practical issues
of life. His selection of Doria Mercer
IS a social companion showed lean
ing toward the more serious things
of life. for he might have had his
choice of anyone OF a score of young
ladies' for he dressed we'll, his habits
were irreproachable and he was say.
ing and thrifty.
Miss Doria Mercer was termed an
old maid, although under twenty-five.
Her sister, Agatha was few years
older Ii happened that tor time
great friend of Walters named Ran
dali petIy seemed to have decided
prediction for Miss Agatha and II
looked as though tie two young men
would eventually marry the sisters.
However, Petry went away from
Brompton and Walters to new city
position. and hope faded in the hearts
of the good ladies' If they ever enter
tanned 1t IL the way of love.
Very decorous and almost straight
laced la her ideas was Miss Doria,
and Walters respected her for her
prejudices and opinions, for they were
sincere. She grew to like his ways,
which were always definite, sensible
and trustworthy, and got used to his
terse manner of speech and action.
He never limited at such a thing as
sentiment. but the day he left Bromp-
ton. he said: Miss Mercer, am go
ing away to earn my place in the
world, When l have done so l am
coming back to ask you to marry me,
for consider you the most estimable
lady I know. Think it over. II you
will. and hope you will be ready with
favorable answer"
Doria blusled like rose and flut-
tered and was nearly overcome. She
knew the ways of Walters. however
who had spoken as calmly and I'm.
emotionally as though they had mere
ly discussed the weather
Ell shall certainly think of what
you say" her heart prompted her II
murmur. and thus they parted.
Now by a series of circumstance.
Walters and Petry drifted together II
the city and became roommates and
friends.
1t was at the end of two years tina
Walters returned to his home town
He put UP at the one hotel of tn
place and lesurely proceeded to cal
upon Doria in the old regular way
One day this queer makeup of hu
mainly stopped squarely in fcgnt o
jewelry store while he was walkin
with Doria
ait Just occurred to me to ask yo
question" he said in his ordinar
calm way. Miss Mercer, will you be
come my wife?"
He had waited two years to ask tn
question. The answer came from qui,
ering lips and Doria was dreadful
embarrassed. OF course it was "yes.
''Then let rs go in and buy an er
gagement ring" proceeded this maj
vel of composure. which they did.
"a month from today quietly. will
out ostentaton or publicity I woul
like to take another walk with you
resumed Walters Better brin
Agatha and ! will have gentlema
friend with me / have sent for. W
will get married then and proceed Q
our honeymoon at once"
Eyes, Phillip" spoke Doria meekl.
modestly, unable to oppose the mai
datory though gentle ways of this b.
ing Of clearness and system.
"What strange. strange man
commented Agatha Mercer when h,
sister had told her of the episode.
81 don't know about that" reptile
Doria. "He certainly says what |
means"
'sBut no regular wedding. or at lea
information as to its details"
The day was named by Walters
month after that and upon its auspi
ious morning he appeared at the Me
Ger home. A gentleman accompanit
him. Agatha's heart futtered as 81
recognized Randall Petry.
''You know Mr.. Petry," said Ws
tiers to her. "As old friends you W
probably be glad to see that Dor
and ] go through the ceremony &C
rectly."
"Ah, delighted" nodded Petry wi
assurance, and remarked how well Al
attractive his old love looked.
They walked on until they neared
church. Walters led the way up to
open front doorway.
LET US 90 in" he said, and tn
went.
"All ready for us, 1t seems"
added, as it was patent to all tn
everything had been arranged for t
ceremony.
1t was gone through with, and tn
came out as quietly as they had {
tered.
1--WE have to catch a train" {
served Walters, consulting his wat
81 will see you in the city when l
turn"
petry waved his hand and the hi
py welded pair were gone.
Agatha and Peh'y stood, e1chal
ing glances. Then Irrepressibly
grave hunor of the situation ov
came them They laughed in unis
"a strange wedding" obser,
Agatha.
But a good husband and mo
wife" said Petry. Shall see )
home? And perhaps little Ct
&