Lewiston teller. [volume] (Lewiston, North Idaho) 1878-1900, 1897-06-25
ing into the gardens? was ius, ho-

''' 40 ner eyes came TO rest upon Els
worth's face, which was still bent On
the knee Of his flannels.
well, l couldn't help it. Won know
But you did know, didn't youT
did not" said Mrs. Romer. 81
hadn't the least idea. And can, nm.
derstand-"
I'm awfully sorry-really," said Els
worth.
Mrs. Romer watched him in silence
lor Few moments as he plucked at
the knee Of his flannels. Then her
brow wrinkled little. why are YOU
so sorry?" she asked.
Because I'm sure you are angry;
now aren't you?"
Mrs. Romer reflected, rubbing the
handle of her parasol gently against
her cheek.
well. you see," she said, after a
pause. after all. didn't know.
But supposing you had known"
said Ellsworth, looking suddenly up at
her
1T would never have happened"
said Mrs. Romer. firmly.
Ihere was silence for a few moments.
Ellsworth looking moodily across the
river to the towing path, where the
townsfolk stood to view the races. and
undergraduates were hurrying down
to run with the boats. Mrs. Romer
looked refiectively at Ellsworth.
II don't think 1t was very nice of
you. Mr.. Ellsworth" she said, ito do
to do that sort Of thing without my
knowing it. Why did you do it,"
There didn't seem to be any-any
other way" replied Ellsworth. Then,
meeting Mrs. Romer's eyes, he said:
But you needn't laugh at man. It's
rough"
I'm not laughing" said Mrs. Romer.
I'm very much annoyed"
But you said you weren't angry"
said Ellsworth.
You haven't told me why you did
1t" said Mrs. Romer. "And there's an.
other gun. That's the start, isn't it,"
Il couldn't help It," said Ellsworth.
Don't you see, when a man sees you
every day-talks to you-and-and all
l may call you Violet?"
Certainly not" said Mrs. Romer;
"why, I'm old enough to be your moth.
er-very nearly"
20, rot" said Ellsworth, you look
awfully young and-and jolly"
Mrs. ROmer shook her head.
Il put my complexion on every morn
ing" she said.
II don't believe it," said Ellsworth.
"And dye my hair" continued Mrs
Romer.
Il don't care" said Ellsworth.
"And I'm married." said Mrs. Ro-
mer
Ellsworth returned to the obdurate BIT
Of fluff on his knee.
Il suppose" he said, slowly, that
does matter" Ellsworth looked no
straight into Mrs. Romer's eyes. you
are laughing" he protested. IFS
beastly rough on chap"
The shouts of the spectators on the
banks, on the barges, and in the boats
grew in volume; bell clanged-the
signal from the bank that boat was
within humping distance of another.
Excited men tore along the tOwing-path
with rattles, and shouted the names Of
their colleges in encouragement as the
Fights came up the course. But Els
worth heard none Of these things. Tie
heard only the laughter that dubbed
from the lips of Mrs. Romer.
80, you absurd boy!" she said.
There! Exeter has made bump, and
you haven't even cheered"
II wasn't thinking Of the races sail
Ellsworth. "A man doesn't think OF
things like that when he's"
I'VE ought to be getting back" said
Mrs. Romer, as she watched the eishts
padding back from the winning post
to their respective barges.
Ellsworth unmoored the punt and be-
gan punting upstream. After stroke
or two he stopped, and trailing the pole
in the water behind him, said, II sup
pose l mustn't come and see you
now"
"Why .not?" said Mrs Romer. II
was hoping to see lot Of you when
you came up to town-or down. you
call 1t, don't you?"
.-"You mean it," said Ellsworth. "Be-
cause, Of course, l should be-only the
thought perhaps-after what has hap
pened-"
What has happened"
II mean-after last night. and and
what I've said to-day-but l couldn't
help it, you know. but thought you
might find 1t little awkward my meet
ing"
20! there's Dick on the barge" said
Mrs. Romer. She waved a welcoming
parasol, and lifted straw hat on tie
Exeter barge identified Mr.. Romer. Els
worth punted alongside, and was forth
with introduced to Mr. Romer.
Mrs. Romer held Elsworth's hand
moment at parting.
"You mustn't" she said, take 1t too
seriously-what l said"
"YOu NATURALIZATION minding"
NO." laughed Mrs. Romer. about
my hair, and SO on. Good-by. We