Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1889-12-27
OVER THE WIRES.
A Christmas Story.

came in directly.
"There's lady wanting to speak to
you, Mr.. White"
"Ask her name," said John, not
looking up from his work.
The clerk went to the telephone
and returned.
"Miss White" he said.
"Oh! my sister! All right. I'll be
there in minute" The young man
hastily finished his page, then went to
the telephone.
Hello Annie, is that your" An
indistinct murmur of reply caused
him to repeat his question, and add:
"Is there anything wrong at
home"
"Oh, no, not at ALL" came the reply.
"But we wanted to know if you are
going to be at home this EVENING""
NO." answered John, shall stay
in the city until the last train. I'm
going to the theatre"
"Oh! to the theatre" murmured
the wire. "What are you going to
seeT
John named the play, adding with a
sudden impulse Of brotherly affection
Wouldn't you like to come in and
60 with mew
"Why, yes, I should, thank you."
"All right. Come in ON the 6
O'Clock train, and we'll dine at Young's
and 60 together"
"Shall invite mother?
"Oh, bother motherw said John,
"or bless her heart, just as you please.
No, I don't want her."
q" Suppose she won't let me GOMEZ"
I" / guess you're old enough to do as
you please. Goodbye. I've got to
get back to my desk. Remember!
Young's at 6 O'Clock. Goodbye"
Goodbye"
Business pressed ON Mr.. White and
kept him in his office until ten min
utes to 6. Az the last man who must
have two minutes with him left him,
he;dashed into his hat and overcoat and
rushed, unshaven and unkempt, and
with dusty shoes, up to the hotel
where he was to meet his sister. In
the door of the hotel psrlor he halted,
for there in the middle OF the room ON
q low chair near her brother, with
whom she was chatting, sat the one
girl on earth that the ardent bachelor
had hoped never to see again. 1t was
Miss Grace Wilde, to whom he had
been engaged last yoar and with
whom he had parted in anger at
Christmas time. Her home was in a
city more than 100 miles distant.
There was no reason in the world Why
she should not be in Boston, and at a
hotel, but John White felt return of
his impatience, at her inconsequence
during their quarrel. He was about
to retreat from the room doorway,
where, Of course, he had scarcely
halted for an instant, when he saw his
sister Annie come down the parlor from
the ladies' dressing room. She sat
down beside Grace.
"Is my hair all right now?" she
asked and receiving an admiring affirm
alive, turned to Nr. Wilde. "John
is late, isn't he," she said. Then,
glancing up, she saw her brother and
rose.
"Oh, there he is, now"
Grace Wilde and her brother rose
too, and John found himself enveloped
in an atmosphere of welcome. He
was actually shaking hands with
Grace and telling her how we'll she
looked before he knew what he was
sbout.
"Thank you" said Grace. II can't
see that you have changed q Bit" and
with that she looked at him as if she
wanted to laugh, but refrained. John,
conscious that his own conduct had
been high above ridicule, returned her
gaze with coolpatronage.
"This is fortunate meeting" said
he. "Annie andI are going to the
theatre, and we'd like to have you and
your brother 70 join u.s."
"The deuce Annie and you are
going to the theatre" said Charlie
Wilde. "Annie and 1 are going, and
we'd like you and Grace TO join us if
you please"
"Just as you like to call it," said
John. "And now, dear, if you will
excuse me (turning to Annie), I'll 60
and be made presentable before we 90
to dinner"
II think you might have taken the
trouble before" SAID his sister, looking
critically at his rough face, then at
his dusty shoes.
John colored a little, for Grace
Wilde was staring at the carpet with a
studious inattention that was more
exasperating than an open, critical
stare like Annie's.
"Well," he stammered, "a fellow
expects to be let off when he doesn't
know he's going to happen upon any
body but his sister. Shall we meet
you here after dinner, Miss Wilde!
Have you and Charlie dined"
He was surprised to see Grace sud-
denly look very angry.
1t isn't worth while to carry this
any further, Mr.. White" she said. II
nno as no trouble at all to excuse you
Goodbye"
Tears glittered in her eyes. She
turned abruptly and walked up the
parlor.
"The dickensw said John, staring
after her.