The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1897-03-01

reluctant wheels of her bicycle. She
dismounted, deciding that it had been
a mistake to force her mother-in-law
into an approval of this mad jaunt.
Il could cry" she declared, as she
shook herself and felt the spray from
her clothes flying round her.
In dogged obstinacy she began to
walk >llp a long, steep hill, dragging
the bicycle with her. She seemed to
get no nearer the top; the bicycle ap-
peared to engage itself in a persistent
effort to roll down to the bottom. She
remembered with vain regret the days
when she considered bicycling an un-
ladylike pursuit. Prejudices are no
doubt properly condemned, but they
save many a disenchantment.
Thank heaven" said Marcia,
there's a house! I don't suppose it's
an inn, but if they're Christians they'll
dry me and send something to pick up
Fred"
The house to which she referred stood
a little way back from the road. At
the very first glance it had an air of
comfort, of warmth, of thing even
more precious at the moment--absolute
dryness. Marcia pushed on at
quicker pace and turned in through the
gate. No dog barked inhospitably.
she felt as though she would be well
come.
After ALL" she reflected, Tim rather
a nice person to turn up out OF the
night like this!" But a revulsion of
feeling followed quickly What
fright / must look! l hope there won't
be a party"
Leaning her bicycle against the door
post, she rang the bell. The pause
that followed plunged her into ner-
yous and apologetic condition; the con-
viction of frightfulness grew stronger;
her fringe hung in damp strings, her
skirt clung round her in an anectlonate
and unbecoming manner; she felt sure
that her face was streaky. And it
would undoubtedly look queer that she
should arrive alone These circum-
stances reduced her to state of in
tense embarrassment, which was not
lessened when the door opened and re-
vealed a young and good-looking man
in evening dress.
rs your master at home?" she blurt-
ed out.
For a time I am my own master
was the answer, given in smooth pol
lshed and pleasant tones. May /
ask"
"Oh, I'm so sorry. II thought
oh, WELL | mean, one of our bicycles
has broken down and-Im Mrs. Nettle-
ton, you know, and I've lost my way;
and Fred's somewhere back ON the
road. and-oh, dear, I'm so Wet"
The young man smiled very pleasant
| ly.
IT understand perfectly" said he.
| "Believe me, l shall be delighted to as
sist YOU. You must come in and get
| dry
And you'll send for-?'
I'm send for your husband as soon
as l can"
| Marcia smiled; 1t was very amusing
| that Fred should be taken for her nus
band, a boy like Fred! But she did
not undeceive her host. Perhaps it was
as we'll as it was. She would tell him
later on, when Fred came. Meanwhile
the little deception was rather fun.
This is yours?" the young man
asked, laying his hand on the bicycle
"Id better bring it in, hadn't l?' he
brought it into the hall, and after ar
examination of it, looked up smiling as
he observed: This one seems right
enough, Mrs.-er-Nettleton.
He seemed pleased to see her. Not
surprise which she had anticipated
| not amusement which she hac
dreamed, but simple qualification in
spired the smile which lit up his hand
some features as he ushered her into
the hall. The house was delightfully."-
warm and dry. Marcia sighed witt
| contentment.
TITS kind of you" she murmureC
gratefully with glance at his face
I'm delighted" said he. THE traI
shall go and fetch Mr.. Nettleton az
soon as possible" He smiled pleas
antly, repeating, las soon as possible
Then he added: Meanwhile you mus
change your things"
"Oh, but I've no luggage"
That's all right" he assured her
There's everything you want here"