Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1891-08-20

l.
tells. as she irresolutely paused, and
started to open the gate for her. his rub
Der overshoes pompously pattering on
the stone walk.
sYou ind me having good time,
like a schoolboy," he exclaimed, his tone
implying how gravely apology might be
demanded when man of his dignity
was discovered bending himself to any
thing so small as the sprinkling of
lawn. If nature had meant to put the
stamp of insignihcance upon him, he had
never acquiesced in her caprice, and he
could not have done more to Danish such
Thought from other minds than by his
complacent air of rating himself a giant
among men. The world in its hurry IS
generally disposed to accept man at
his own valuation, particularly If his
opinion is blessed with rich financial
backing Mrs. Bartels might have count
ed the little holes pierced in the crown
of his felt hat, as he opened the gate for
her, but, even had she been less preoccu-
pied. it would not have entered her mind
to feel otherwise than small beside him.
.sHave you observed how men never
outgrow the weakness for playing with
fire and watery' he went on; chow we
all enjoy fire, and what fun we can
have out of a garden hose? But surely you
are coming in| surprised as she stood
still. 'Mrs. ingalls, will be delighted
to see your
sNot tonight, thanks. i came to see
YOU, Mr.. Ingalls, with dazzling smile.
Anita's face had the Mexican quality OF
alternating between an apathetic repose
that was almost dull and lifeless and an
excessive animation the more brilliantly
dazzling by contrast, when excitement
reused the slumbering fire of her eyes
and called out the soft rose flush on her
creamy cheeks. Mr.. ingalls, found him
self marveling that he had never before
observed what beautiful woman Mrs.
Bartels was, but he was none the less
= warily mindful that ladies who called to
see him generally carried subscription
| papers in their pockets, and his admlra-
| ton did not prevent certain stiffening
| of his features, a subtle hint of his ca
| pacitv to say mo" while he waited to
/ hear her errand. "But won't you come
in. Just the same?' he courteously sug-
gested.
s.No-thanks. l merely wanted to
know if you could possibly cash check
for me tonight"
The banker, relieved of his first APP
prehension, smiled benignantly, lifting
his eyebrows with a slightly quizzical
expression. He regarded women as
properly classified with children and
idiots in matters Of business. ITO
night? Why, Mrs. Bartels, it would be
a pleasure to oblige you, but you know
that banking hours ended at three
o'clock. and the cash was in the safe and
the time lock on before five"
.sOf course / knew that this was not
the proper time for business" sweetly
apologize, her smile seductively win
ming; ''hut thought perhaps You might
manage it for me some way, and felt
sure you would if you could"
"Why, certainly, of course" cried the
little man, with an eagerness that sur
prised himself. While beautiful eyes
/, were beaming with such tender conf
dence upon him, it was not in human ma
ture to willfully spoil good impression.
And if fifteen or twenty dollars viii do
|
money about me; pay all my bills with
cheeks: most sensible way in the world,
for then you always have your voucher
for receipt if you happen to lose the
other-but if so much will answer your
purpose can let you have it with pleas
ure. Otherwise / am afraid you will
have to wait until the bank opens in the
morning
! sBut | wanted to take the early
train" deiectedly turning away.
.sAnd twenty dollars won't do?'
Il am afraid not-thanks. You will
excuse my troubling you, Mr.. ingalls,;
and-good night" Her great disap-
pointment was very evident.
.'Why, now think of it, exclaimed
the other, OBTAINING her, "a man just
down from the mountains came into the
bank with a deposit after we were about
closed up tonight, and
"And banking hours only end at three
for those who would take money away
} and not for those who have it to leave, =
! playfully interrupting, her smile daz-
zling, her eyes Frightening again. Mr.. In
gals keeneyed wife would have detect
ed at glance that all Mrs. Bartel's I'M
usual sprightliness and charm of manner
was but acting, Historically strained and
overdone; but Mr. ingalls, had never as
sumed to understand women since he
was married.
. Precisely" accepting her little rail-
q lery with utmost seriousness. His was
! that order of mind that generally works
!, at cross purposes in matters of humor.
4 He habitually missed the point of other
y peoples jokes. and when he essayed to
i be funny himself it was like small boy
. struggling to whistle-nobody could ever
# comprehend that the result attained was
q at all commensurate to tn effort in
y volved. '.And that money saving loose
+ in the vault-something like $500, be-
i lieve wonder did not thin. Of it BE-
fore. But now, if you would not mind
xr.a1Lin0 do,vn 10 fha hank I Pould cash