Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1921-11-16


you don't take II you got to leave it,"
Florence was indignant, but she de-
cided TO take 1t. "AlI right" she said
coldly. II wouldn't pay another cent
II died for It,"
''Well, you haven't got another cent.
so that's all right" Mr.. ROoter re-
marked; and he honorably extended
an open palm. supporting the coins,
toward his partner. ''Here, Herbert /;
you can have the dime, or the two
nIckels, whichever you rather have.
II makes no difference to me; I'd as
soon have one as tire other"
Herbert took the two nickels, and
turned to Florence. ''See here Flor
ence," he said. in a tone of strong
complaint. "This business is all done
and paid for now. What you want TO
hang around here any more for2'
'Yes. Florence" his partner faith
fully seconded him. at once. "We
haven't got any more time 10 waste
around here today, and so what Won
want TO stand around In the way and
everything for? You ought to know
yourself we don't want you"
"Pm not in the way" said Florence
holly Whose way am in?"
"Well, anyhow. II you don't CO."
Herbert informed her. "werl carry
you downstairs and lock you ont"
"Pd Just like to see your she re-
turned. her eyes flashing "Just you
dare to lay a finger on me again.
And she added, Anyway, II you did,
those ole doors haven't got any lock
on 'em. I'll come right straight In and
walk right straight up the stairs
again 90
Herbert advanced toward her "Now
you pay attention TO me" he said
you've paid for your ole poem and
we got to have some peace around
here. I'm goin' straight over TO your
mother and ask her to come and get
you"
Florence gave up. "Wbat differ
enee would that make. Mister Taddle-
tale?" she inquired mocklngly. 81
wouldn't be here when she came.
would L? I'll thank you to notice
there's some value TO my time. myself;
and Til Just politely ask You TO ex-
cuse me, pray!"
with proud air, she crushlngly
departed; and returned to her own
home. far from dissatisfied with what
she had accomplished Moreover. she
began to expand with the realization
Of new Importance and she was
gratlfed with the effect upon her
parents ~ dinner that evening. when
she informed Thorn that she hal writ
ten poem which vas 10 ha pub
Ilshed In the prospective first number
NJ the North End Daily Orio'e.
written a poem?" said her father,
"well. declare Why. that's remark
able. Florence !"
"l'n glad the boys were nice about
IT," said her mother. II should have
feared they couldn't appreciate It,
| after being so cross to you about let
ting you have anything to do with the
printing press. They must have
thought IL was very good poem"
"Where Is the poem. Florence?" Mr.
Atwater asked. Lets read Il and
see what our little girl can do
Unfortunately Florence had not a
copy, and when she informed her fa-
Their OF this fact, he professed himself
greatly disappointed as well as
anxious for the drst appearance of the
Oriole, that he might felicitate hiio.
self upon the evidence OF his daugh-
ter's heretofore unsupported talent.
Florence was herself anxious for the
newspapers debut, and she made her
anxiety so clear to Atwater & Root
er, Owners X rropreltors." every
afternoon after school. during the fol-
lowing week, that by Thursday fur
Their argument and repartee on their
| part were felt to he indeed futile. and
In order to have a little peace around
4 there they carried her downstairs. At
least they defined their action as
/ carrying" and. having deposited her
! In the yard. they were obliged to
stand guard at the doors, which they
4 closed and contrived to hold against
/ her until her strength was worn out
/ for that day
/ Florence conSoled herself. During
/ the week she dropped in on all the
members of 'the famlly"-her grand
/ father, uncles and aunts and cousins,
/ her -uncles-and In each instance,
after no protracted formal prelim-
! inaries, lightly remarked that she
wrote poetry now: her first TO appear
| in the forthcoming oriole And when
Great-Aunt Carrie said. "Why. Flor
I ence. you're wonderful l couldn't
write poem to save my life. never
could see how they do IT." Florence
laughed made deprecatory little side
/ motion with her bead. and responded :
"why, Aunt Carrie, that's nothing II
Just kind Of comes to you."
This also served as her explanation
/ when some Of her school friends ex-
pressed their admiration. after being
told the news in confidence; though to
the teachers she said. smiling ruefully,
as In remembrance Of midnight oil,
ut does take work. OF course"
When opportunity offered. upon the
( street, she Joined people she knew
and even rather distant aeQuaint-
ances-and walked with them a little
way, and with unaffected directnesS
led the conversation to the subject of
poetry. including her own contribution
to that art. Altogether. IL Florence