Middletown transcript., 1898-03-12
The Eleventh Commandment.
By MARGARET LEE.
rcopyright. 1esa. bx the Author. ]

copyright, 1898, by the Author.1
On bright morning in early fall
Mr. John Storer left his home in his
usual frame of mind and proceeded to
his Office. He was one of those charm
ing individuals who carry with them
an atmosphere OF mingled health,
wealth and happiness aad unconsciously
communicate it to all who come in con-
tact with them. The ticket master at
his station enjoyed seeing him lightly
mounting the steep stairs and always
put out Storef's slip and change with a
fresh sense Of interest and pleasure in
his own monotonous occupation. The
elevator boy in his close cage anticipated
Storer's smile and kind "Good morn
ing, Bill, " to say nothing of holiday
souvenirs. In the Office he was simply
adored by the clerks, and on this day,
as usual, found his mail ready to his
hands. One letter was attractive by rea-
son of certain peculiarities. His name
was written in black ink. The address
was in blue, as if the sender had looked
iii directory and added it with strange
pen and ink. The word Personal" was
in the corner of the small envelope, and
the handwriting was unfamiliar and
evidently that of very nervous woman.
Storer read it eagerly with utter
amazement:
DEAR Mr.. SToRER-I am in great trouble. I
know Of no one to help me. Will you come and
see me? / am with friends at No. - West
Eighteenth street. I used to meet you every
summer in Centerville.
GERTRUDE BALDWIN.
Mr.. Storer read and reread the note.
Then he recalled his vacations spent in
Centerville during his old college days.
Baldwin," he repeated over and
over again. Visions of summer scenes
rose before him. Picnics, boating par
ties, games Of croquet played on lawns
gay with youthful figures. drives,
walks, mountain strolls, moonlight
wanderings, he reviewed them all. Ger
tainly he personally had no intimacy
with any one named Baldwin. Yet the
name grew in his memory and gradual
ly attached itself to an old, rambling
house with spacious grounds and farm
lands stretching up the hillside. Yes,
he remembered the place and great
barn upon it, in which one stormy day
the jolly party improvised dance to
the music of a violin. He saw the grace
full figures in motion. The sounds of the
merry laughter within and of the rag
ing storm without came back to him
with the perfume of the hay that filled
one corner. But of Miss Gertrude Bald
win he could form no idea whatever.
But stay! Seated ON the hay were sew
eral girls, children in his estimation.
They formed a pleased audience, and
one Of those girls, slender creature,
with eyes like violets and wealth of
tawny hair, had enacted the part OF
hostess. Yes, Gertie was what they all
called her.
Gertie had given him a brimmine
goblet of delicious cider from hugs
pitcher and offered him apples from al
apron full of choice specimens selected
by herself.
Yes, he had often been attracted by
this pretty, half grown girl. He used
to see her on Sundays. in her muslin
gown and floating ribbons, saunterine
to or from church. Her shy glance and
bow, her flush when he doffed his car
and returned it, came vividly before
him. The last time he left Centerville
for home she had been in the stage
coach with several Of her companions
and occupied the seat next to his. They
had chatted all the way, discussing ev-
erything that excited their attention
along the road, and how they had
laughed He again inspected the note.
That was seven years ago And now
this childish girl was in trouble. Some
thing rose in his throat. He made a
note Of the address, put the envelope in
an inside pocket and rapidly read his
business letters. Then he pressed a. but
ton, and tall young fellow appeared
in the little room.
Dawson, I'll be here after lunch if
anybody wants me particularly.
"Yes, sir.'
Then Mr.. Storer pu on his overcoat
and bat and started for West Eighteenth
street. AS he went he easily explained
to himself why this girl might think of
him and send him this simple appeal.
He was associated in her mind with all
the light heartedness of happy youth.
We are apt to contrast extremes of con-
ditions.
The house was an unpretentious one,
and he was admitted and ushered into
the parlor by an elderly woman of at
tractive appearance. She took his card
and left him to his meditations
He waited some time-long enough
to become familiar with the photo
graphs on the walls, the pattern of the
carpet and the general effect of the well
cared, old fashioned pieces of furniture.
One or two Of them he coveted. He was
thoroughly absorbed in a tall, carved
bookcase when a slight noise warned
him, and be turned to meet Miss Bald
win as she closed the door and stood be-
fore him.
She was struggling with emotion, the
violet eyes downcast, the beautiful hair
prettily twisted around her head A
dark woolen dress. with linen cuffs and
collar, defined the 1.-THE, girlish figure as
be recalled it. For the first time in his
life John Storer felt completely at a
loss for words. Then the girl raised her
eyes as if to assure herself of his identi-
ty, and he found his tongue. Her eyes