The Prescott daily news., 1920-04-02
A LOVE FICTION By OTILLIA F. PFEIFFER

kSopyrixnk. lszs, western NcWspapcr Chioht
 There was always a pleasant, inter ested smile on the face of Drury Law renee whenever his fellow clerks chatted about home, wives, sweet hearts or love. He was a quiet, unas- suming young man, and Eric Dawes, his one close friend. had often noticed the sympathetic glow in his honest. earnest eyes. and wondered why it grew so intense, on the occasions noted.
 Drury was closing his desk late one afternoon and he and Eric were the only occupants of the room. A bright hearted young fellow. new clerk. had just left after showing an engagement ring to Drury he intended presenting to his fiancee. Drury listened to his eulogies of its intended recipient with pleased attention.
 You must be happy man in your own love affairs to be so ready to ap- preciate that of others" suggested Eric.
 peculiar expression crossed the face of Drury. It was serious, yet tender and expressive A dreamy, far away look came into his eyes as he said:
 There has been only one so-called love affair in my life, Eric, and there will never be another. Do you know who that is?" and he produced pho tograph from a drawer in the desk.
 'Why, it is Miss Ina Vernon P ex- claimed Eric in unmitigated surprise. ss.You don't mean to say that you are interested in that direction?"
 "Eminently SO" replied Drury, and his tones were fairly reverential. T have loved her devotedly for over two years. You are my only confidant, so respect my secret. Seer' and he pro- duced a packet of letters tied with bit of ribbon "Each month I have written to her, unfolding my heart, be- ginning with Dear Miss Vernon and now addressing her as My Souls Treasure
 Eric was fairly astounded. This quiet, unpretentious friend had out stripped them all Miss Ina Vernon, the daughter of the wealthy manufac- turerl In correspondence with her for two years-she, the proud beauty of leading family! The "sours only treasure" of a plain, humble office clerk.
 ''Then-then you are engagedf" in- sinuated Eric.
 "In my letters" replied Drury in puzzling accents of sadness; "in let ters never sent. have carried on a love fiction for my own hopeless con solation only. Miss Vernon unknow- ingly took possession of my heart. l realized my yearnings were as those of a rushlight craving for the star. I was content to love her in secret. l have never spoken to her. She has never read a line of my letters"
 "And you are never going to tell her." spoke Eric. with genuine feel ing; "you. man worthy of the consid- eration of any womanl"
 Tt would be presumptuous. I have  DO right to aspire, to hope" replied Drury sorrowfully. Let my dream ing suffice. She is of another world than mine."
 Drury reclted how, when Miss Yer non had lost pet spaniel, he had re- stored 1t through the home servants, refusing to accept the reward ten dered or to disclose his identity.
 Again, 1t was he who had been near at hand when Mr. Yernon. at yarfance wff6 Some Of his mill employees, was assailed by a mob. Drury saved the magnate from shower of dangerous missiles and then vanished.
 Then, too, in seeking an office friend who was off on spell of dissipation in shielding him from group of gam blers. Drury had as well run across --~->- ------~