The Pleasantville press. (Pleasantville, N.J.) 1912-1929, 1920-08-21
MISS BONNIE.
BY JOSEPHINE r. MARTIN.

e $500
eyes gloomy, his mind filed with be-
wildering thoughts. After climbing the
long hill from the town with the pros
pect of a delightful evening before him,
to be received in such a fashion was
beyond his belief. Even the box of
candy, daintily ribboned and wrapped,
had failed to emove the icy chill
from the atmosphere. or the austere
aloofness from Christabel.
ave something to tell you, Chris"
he had said. drawing on his gloves; "a
surprise for you"
You don't need to-" replied Christa-
bel. Jelly; Il saw 1t In the paper"
"Oh. did your" cried Richard eager
~. 81 wanted to surprise you. l am
going TO bring her up tomorrow night
and see how you like her"
"You needn't" said Christabel loftily.
~ don't care to see her, thank you,
even If | were to be home, and I am
not. Now If you will please go. l don't
care to stand in this draught any long
er. Good night" And Richard had
felt himself gently propelled out upon
the porch, the door closed forcibfy be-
hind him.
What could 1t all mean? Christabel
surely understood that he loved her, al
though there had been no formal an
nouncement of their engagement, and
he had been SURE she had loved him,
even though she was a flirt and a
lease, but what had happened to change
her from a loving little comrade into a
cold, dignifed woman?
Evidently she had changed her mind
or found someone she liked better. He
went on down Main street to. his bach
elor quarters. As his key turned In the
lock he was greeted by an eager whine,
and as he opened the door an ava
lanche in the shape of a small brown
and white dog launched itself upon
him.
Hello, Miss Bonnie, old girl" cried
Richard, sitting down in the Morris
chair and drawing the dog to his knee
Good old girl. Lonesome while mas
ter was away?"
The dog whined gently and slobbered
over Richards face with her warm, wet
tongue. Richard caressed the sleek
head. q was going TO take you up to
see the lady tomorrow. Miss Bonnie"
he said, after l got your new collar. l
thought she'd be crazy oyer you; she
always loves a dog; and | was going to
give you to her, and you would be our
house dog when We We're married; but
1t is all off, old girl. You've been so
much admired and talked about at the
shewI thought she'd be tickled to death
with you, but she says she don't want
to see YOU"
The dog answered with a mournful
whine, and looked up into her masters
face with wide, intelligent Y
Richard arose. and throwing aside
hat and coat, took up the local paper
and turned TO the account of the dog
show that had been held that week. In
one column he read the name of the
prize winners: Miss Bonnie, first prize.
in Glass b. Already winner of several
frsts. Mr.. Richard Morton has Just
purchased Miss Bonnie, who is consid-
cred II OF the finest Boston terriers
ever seen in this town."
So Christabel had read of his new &C.
QUESTION. but why should she be angry?
He turned TO the local column Our
popular young lawyer, Richard Morton
was seen on the street today with Miss
Bonnie. Congratulations, Dick, say
We"
A great light dawned upon Dicks
face. He sprang to the telephone and
hastily gave a number. After a mo-
ment a soft little voice came over the
wire: Hello Hello, Chris, this is
Dick. Now don't hang up your receiy-
er. I want to ask you a question. Did
you 90 to the dog show?"
81 did not came back promptly.
"Well, wait up a few minutes, will
you, ChrisY Il is important. I'm com
ing back. and If you don't let me in I'll
ring the bell off
Click went the receiver. and Dick
hung UP laughing.
Now, come on. Miss Bonnie" he
said, hastily DOMINIC his coat and hat.
you will have to make a call in your
old collar, but never mind"
Miss Bonnie whined eagerly at the
prospect Of a walk, and followed her
master sedately down the steps and
up the street. 1t was after 10, and few
pedestrians were abroad In the quiet
little town. Most of the houses we're
dark, but mp on Primrose hill Dick
could see the light from Christabel's
window.
As he ran up the steps the door
opened quickly. and ChristabeI ap-
peared, the same cold, icy Christabel.
What under the sun do You want p
she snapped. 81 had to let you In or
o the neighborhood. What is the
matterf'
Richard stopped and pulled Miss
Bonnie forward. u want TO make you
acquainted with Miss Bonnie" he said
dramatically, and taking the Daily
Standard from his pocket, he showed