Santa Fe daily New Mexican. [volume] (Santa Fe, N.M.) 1885-1897, 1897-01-07
A CHANCE MEETING.

There was 'sound of revelry by
night, " and Flo Arden was one of the
gayest revelers Out on the balcony of the
Ocean House she stopped short, however,
"Let us rest u minute, Herbert Though
Strauss music is delightful, it tires one.
Why so grum?'
81 was only thinking, Flo. What a hap
by night this has been to me- thanks to
you! II we could only live in this way
foreverp'
~ should hope not II is all very we'll
for you men, you restless portion Of hui
mainly. ! wouldn't be 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 to have
''his little say"
"Those are my sentiments exactly, Flo.
Why can't we make it mutual arrange
ment through life? I know this isn't a
very elegant proposal, but then this ism t
the place to get on ones knees. Forget
that I'm SO practical, dear"
Flo stood amazed. 1t vas all done SO
coolly that she didn't half like it. Why
wasn't he more like loverp 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 SO muchl Still, she was not to
be addressed in that manner, and with
such an object! Not she
"You mistake my meaning, Mr. Ross
" Mr.. Rossp How formal you are get
ting! 1t was Herbert but minute ago.
But proceed.
tYou interrupted me. But, bark
There's the sound of a waltz Life Let Us
Cherish. How delightful it sounds!'
They were off, 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 minute
later. Herbert was not thinking of the
beautiful scene that met his view as the
gayly dressed assemblage revolyed around
him. He felt sulky and mean as he held
his diminished head. AS for Flo, she
had feeling of resentment 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 ii second ago l hopo you haven t
forgotten that my name is down for this
dance with YOU"
Flo had forgotten, but she resolved not
to let Herbert think herself so absorbed in
his society.
1--we been waiting for you, Mr.. Stan
hope
They were off before Flo could speak
further. She had the satisfaction of seeing
Herbert glowering at Frank Stanhope
with "malice aforethought.
Later, on in the evening Flo and Herbert
met again, Herbert was in the worst of
humors, Us you might suppose. Flo, ap-
parently was very happy. The result was
love quarrel, and so they parted.
"Hello! If l can believe my eyes, you
are Herbert Ross How are you, old fell
low? 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, am he, Frank. How's every
thing9"
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 wife,
Allow me to congratulate you for the
first time. Eve 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"
Eyes And you mustn't fail to call on
us. Now promise me that yon will"
Herbert could not get out of it, so he
promised to be on hand that night, and 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 Frank 8 house. noticing how
cozy 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, and as Herbert
Ross advanced to claim her recognition
she advanced smilingly AS for Herbert,
he simply looked on, as If for an explana-
ton. There was glow Of happiness on
his brow as he shook hands with Flos
sister Ida! Neither Frank nor his wife
guessed what 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 rs he heard
Flo say DIS she shook hands with Mr..
Ross:
"Why, this indeed is surprise. l
didn't expect ever to SEQ you again.
OF course she had taken no notice of the
hint that Frank had dropped that day on
visiting her house MS 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 1T.
After short time there came wedding
from this meeting, AS If by chance. p
New York World.
On Matchmaker.
r.. H. e.. Ia