The pioneer-review. [volume] (Philip, Haakon County, S.D.) 1920-current, 1920-12-09
A Man of System
BY RALPH HAMILTON
q. 1920. Western Newspaper Union. J

'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
as social companion showed leaii-
ing toward the more. serious things
of life, for he might have had his
choice of anyone of score of young
ladies, for he dressed well, his habits
We're irreproachable and he was saw
ing and thrifty.
Miss Doria Mercer was termed an
old maid, although under twenty-five.
Her sister, Agatha, was few years
older. 1t happened that for a time
great friend of Walters named Ran.
dali Petry seemed to have decided
prediction for Miss Agatha, and II
would eventually marry the sisters.
However. Petry went away from
Brompton and Walters to a new city
position, and hope faded in the hearts
of the good ladies, If they ever enter
tanned it in the way of love.
Very decorous and almost straight
laced in 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 or speech and action.
He never hinted at such a thing as
sentiment, but the day he left Bromp-
ton, he said: Miss Mercer, l am go
ing away to earn my place in the
world. When / have done SO l am
coming back to ask you to marry me.
for | consider you the most estimable
lady / know. Think it over, If you
will, and hope you will be ready with
a favorable answer"
Doria blushed like rose and fiut-
tered and was nearly overcome She
knew the ways of Walters, however,
who had spoken as calmly and IN
emotionally as though they had mere
ly discussed the weather,
'T--I shall certainly think of what
you say" her heart prompted her to
murmur, and thus they parted.
Now by a series of circumstances
Walters and Petry drifted together In
the city and became roommates and
friends.
1t was at the end of two years that
Walters returned to his home town.
He put up at the one hotel of the
place and leisurely proceeded to call
upon Doria in the old regular way.
One day this queer makeup of hui
manity stopped squarely in front of
a jewelry store willie he was walking
with Doria.
"It just occurred TO me to ask YOU
a question" he said In his ordinary
calm way Miss Mercer, will you be-
come my wife?"
He had waited two years to ask the
question. The answer came from quiy-
ering lips and Doria was dreadfuily
embarrassed. OF course 1t was Eyes"
"Then let us go in and buy an en-
gagement ring" proceeded this mar
vel of composure, which they did.
"a month from today quietly. with
out ostentation or publicity ] would
like to take another walk with you"
resumed Walters. Better bring
Agatha and l will have gentleman
friend with me / have sent for We
will get married then and proceed on
our honeymoon at once"
Eyes, Phillip" spoke Doria meekly,
modestly, unable to oppose the man
datory though gentle ways of this be-
ing of clearness and system.
What a strange, strange man"
commented Agatha Mercer when her
sister had told her of the episode.
Il don't know about that" replied
Doria. He certainly says what he
means"
"But no regular wedding, or at least
information as to its Details"
The day was named by Walters
month after that and upon its auspic-
iolis morning he appeared at the Mer-
GER home. gentleman accompanied
him. Agatha's heart fiuttered as she
recognized Randall Petry.
"You know Mf. Petry." said Wal
yers to her. "As old friends yon will
probably be glad to see that Doria
and go through the ceremony COR
rect1y."
"Ah, delighted" nodded Petry with
assurance. and remarked how well and
attractive his old love looked.
They walked on until they neared
church. Walters led the way up to its
open front doorway.
Let US go In" he said, and they
went.
"All ready for us, 1t seems" he
added, as 1t was patent to all that
everything had been arranged for the
ceremony.
1t was gone through with, and they
came out as quietly as they had en-
tered.
sWe have to catch train" OH
served Walters, consulting his watch.
II will see you in the city when re-
turn"
Petry waved his hand and the ham