The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1896-11-07
A CHANCE MEETING.

There was a sound Of revslry by
night, p and Flo Arden was one Of the
gayest reyelers- Out on the balcony Of the
Ocean House she stopped short however.
Let us rest a minute, Herbert Though
Strauss music Is delightful, it tires one.
Why SO grumfs
II was only thinking, Flo. What a hap
py night this has been u me- thanks to
you'll If We could only live in this way
foreverf'
II should hope not It's all very vel
for you men, you restless portion Of hu-
manity- wouldnst be a man for any
thing. Give me life Of quietness and a.
that
Herbert Ross watched the little belle as
she waxed eloquent. In an instant he had
made a resolution. There was nobody in
sight, and though he dreaded the ordeal
he mustered up courage enough 20 have
8 his little say.
Those are my sentiments exactly. Flo
Why can't we make it a mutual arrange
very elegant proposal. but then this isn't
the place to get on ones knees Forget
that m 80 practical, dear. =
Flo stood amazed It was all done so
cc~lly that she didn't half like is Why
WASH t he more like lover? The idea Of
not getting on his knees, etc He looked
askance at her. She could see him plainly
in the mellow moonlight And she did
like him 50 muchi Still, she was not to
be addressed in that manner, and with
such an objectl Not sheI
You mistake my meaning, Mr.. Ross
Mr.. RossP How formal you are get
tingl 1t was Herbert but a minute ago.
But proceed
You interrupted me. But, harki
There's the sound Of a waltz Life Let Us
Cherish. How delightful it soundspi
They we're OF. Flo taking Herbert's arm
with an impulsiveness all her own. He
would have resented this, playing the part
Of the disappointed lover. but she acted too
quickly for him
They reached the ballroom a minute
later. Herbert was not thinking of the
beautiful scene that met his view as the
gayly dressed assem- blags revolved around
him. He felt sulky and mean as he held
his diminished head. As for Flo, she
had feeling Of resentneAbe Meanwhile
they spoke not word. 1t was growing
Irksome when Frank Stanhope made his
appearance.
$50 sorry to have kept you waiting.
Miss Arden, but then could not find you
until a second ago. I hope you haven't
forgotten that my name is down for this
dance with you
Flo had forgotten, bat she resolved not
to let Herbert think herself SO absorbed in
his society
I've been waiting for you, Mr.. Stan
hope"
They were of before Flo could speak
further She had the satisfaction Of seeing
Herbert glowering at Frank Stanh0pe
with malice aforethought. p
Later On in the evening Flo and Herbert
met again Herbert was in the worst of
humors, as you might suppose. Flo, APP
parently, was very happy. The result was
a love quarrel, and 50 they parted
"Hsllol If I can believe my eyes, you
are Herbert Rossi How are you, old fell
lowS Where have you been these Last three
years.
Frank Stanhope stopped short in his
journey through the street to speak to the
man who would have passed on
Eyes, I am he, Frank. How's every
thing
II don't know what you mean By
everything but my wife is everything to
me Perhaps you mean her. She is well,
thank you
Herbert WINGED. What If Frank knew
his secret-and Flo his wifeg
Allow mo TO congratulate you for the
first time I've been away for some time
been out in the mines. Went for adven-
ture. and got more than bargained for.
Miss Arden is your wife, understand r
Yes. And you mustn't fail to call on
Us. Now promise me that you will =
Herbert could not get out Of it, 50 he
babe Frank good day. After all, he was
glad that he had done so, for why should
he be afraid Of Flo Arden? She had
wrought this with her own hands, and he
must needs let her know that he was per
fectly careless as to the result He went
promptly to Franks house, noticing how
coy the place was Franks wife was
ready to greet them as they made their
appearance in the drawing room She held
little Frank in her arms, azd as Herbert
Ross advanced to claim her recognition
she advanced snilngly. AS for Herbert,
he simply looked on, as Il for an explana-
ton There was a glow Of happiness on
his brow as he shook hands with Flo's
sister Ida Neither Frank nor bis wife
guessed whas was going on in his mind,
much to Herbert's relief Knowing this,
he could afford to caress little Frank and
talk baby nonsense to him.
Before many minutes had passed there
was new arrival, and thus Herbert and
Flo met again. Frank smiled as he heard
Flo say as she shook hands with Mr.
Ross:
sWhy, this indeed Is q surprise. I
didn't expect ever to see yOu again. 4"
OF course she had taken no notice Of the
hint that Frank had dropped that day on
visiting her house as to expecting Herbert
that evening Oh, mol
Frank and his wife managed to let the
lovers severely alone. Under such circum-
stances it is not to be wondered at that
they came very quickly to an understand
ing. Though Herbert did not get on his
knees Flo did not seem to mind it.
After a short time there came a wedding
from this meeting as if BY chance. p
New York World