The Portland daily press., 1894-02-16

ments at a single glance He was about
to ask what her GRAND was, but instead
pointed with his pencil toward the door OF
the reportorial room. He watched her as
she started in and noticed an air of hest
fancy about her. He first though he would
call Sumner, but as he was reaching a de-
cision in his mind she entered.
4 Il
Eleven o'clock it was when Robert Sum-
ner finished his last piece of copy and sent
it in to the city editor. Then he had put
on his coat, took his UNI brella and hat and
was about to leave. The rain poured down
in such torrents that he decided to wait a
few minutes and resumed his seat. Again
he sat thinking, but this time his thoughts
appeared to realize, and instead of review
ing past events he was castle building into
the future
He imagined that he caught the rustic
of dress near him, and it accorded with
his castles. Some one seemed to call his
name in a timid manner and soft. He
closed his eyes in the hope that he might
hear it again. Again he did hear it, but
it was so lifelike, so actual that he refused
to open his eyes and destroy the chain of
thought that stretched in golden links into
years to come. His name was repeated,
not any louder, but accompanied by
touch With start he turned in his chair.
Mildred he cried, "what are you do
ing here?'
9tOh. Robert, . she half sobbed, s'haven't
you heard about it? Don't you know all
about it? Won't you keep it out of the pa
per? It's all ask of you. Please keep it
out
''What is it?" demanded Sumner almost
fiercely, hardly knowing what to suspect
in his bewilderment and despairing OF
what to say when he should know.
The woman, very white, but upright and
dignified, said, 'My father is an e1nbez-
zlerl' And she told him all she knew.
Certainly, of course I'll keep it out.
That's all right" said Sumner, Mortified.
"But, he added, as though it were merely
an afterthought and did not enter into any
very great consideration-thoug he knew
better himself and trusted to her Ignorance
-"we'll see the city editor"
Together they went, and Sumner spoke
to him. He told the city editor the story
as he had it from the woman, and the city
editor throughout it all was mentally map
ping out the space he could give it and
where he should put it. Sumner read his
thoughts, for he concluded quickly, sharp
ly, and said Immediately:
"But you are not going to use tit is
not to be printed It's only known among
the directors of the bank"
The city editor leaned back in his chair
and let the points of his fingers fall to-
gether. He could appreciate the position
of Sumner perhaps, but much more thor
oughly did he appreciate the news value
of the story.
''Not go in?'' he said in surprised tone.
ssWhy, that's the best story we've got to-
night. Well use it, of course. want
column. You re my best man handy. Go
work it. 1t means $40 on space"
Summer flushed wildly. The woman
stepped forward, and the city editor saw
her presence for the first time. His dark
face duplicated the blush that had suf-
fused Summers countenance. He began to
see.
cit is not to be used, said Sumner dog
gedly.
With the city editor the young space
writer had always been favorite, so he
was willing to do all he could for him.
He sat thinking. Miss Nelson crept tim
idly up to Summers side and stood look
ing first at one man and then at the other
almost imploringly.
"I !on't you want it to go in, Sum-
ner! -ied the city editor finally. Cant
you I've me some reason?"
'tNo,'' said Sumner, 'but it's not going
in.''
Its it, - asked the city editor, ignoring
Summers mandatory tone, ''on any per-
sonal grounds If it is, why''-and the
city editor made gesture of uncondition-
al surrender. Sumner looked sideways at
Miss Nelson She laid hand on his arm
and stood, all expectant. A happy light
came into the young mans eyes.
"Well, sir, began Sumner stammering-
ly, "you see, sir-that is, you understand"
he could feel Miss Nelson watching him
che, the gentleman under discussion a
consideration, is to be my father-in-law
ooh, Robert" exclaimed Miss Nelson,
but she did not remove her hand. The
city editor stood up and congratulated
both. Confused and embarrassed, Sumner
led the young lady to the elevator, and
while that affair was slowly hosting itself
explained himself.
81 had to, you see," said he. "and of
course''-he became more confused still
"why, of course''--
"This was the reason" she said, stop
ping him with kiss, modest and shy.
The Office boy, who had come out to file
a telegram. reversed his decision, jabbed
both hands into his pockets and veered
about. The message could go later.-Ju-
liam Harris in Atlanta Constitution.