The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1899-11-22
A PRISMATIC
COURTSHIP.

i. COURTSHIP. II
i; Nemesis Takes Hand In Vas II
sar Joke. &
SSCoH;:::=:=:a#'n;i; :: p':::::;::::: :: e<1SS
The Fuerst Bismarck was just lcav-
ing the dock at Hoboken. Up and
down the gangplank surged a moving
throng- stewards laden with hand
baggage, trucks piled with steamer
trunks, girls in seagoing costume, with
their arms filled with roses ind faces
bright with anticipation; older women
with sober cOuntenances, speaking Sc
riouSly to grown sons and daughters
who were to be left behind; business
men looking important and college
graduates still care free and intoXicat-
ed with their newly found liberty 1t
was a motley crowd pushing, chat
ting, laughing In the bright June sun
shine.
The gong sounded for the last time,
the stewards rushed about. shouting
"All ashore!" and the final messages
arose in chorus. Slowly the great ship
swung around, and the cable loosencd.
The faces on the dock were gradually
lost in confused sense of color.
''Wc are really Off, auntic," said n
girls voice gayly. Now, don't cry,
for you know you are delighted to 20.
Uncle Tom will be all right without
you. Indeed, I've no doubt he will en-
joy himself hugely" She laughed
mischievously and put her nrm around
her portly companion. who sniIfed
audibly behind her handkerchief.
John TOwner, who was standing by,
glanced at the pair as they disappear
ed in the cabin.
Pretty GIRL" he murmured as he
chose a cigarette. "If she were only
Priscilla, now, what q heavenly time
we would have" He sighed pensive-
ly. However, there's no use wasting
wishes over that, and I suppose I'd
better be getting my seat Mt the table" !"
AS he took his place in line in the
dining saloon the same pretty girl stood
hear him. She stood so near in fact,
that rs he gave the steward his card
her eye fell upon it as 1t lay on the
table. A look OF bewilderment and in
tense embarrassment crossed her face;
she flushed painfully and glanced in
voluntarily at him in evident distress.
Towner stared back ut her In aston
ishment. In an instant she recovered
her composure, drew herself up haugh-
tily and turned away.
What in the name of common sense
was the matter with herr" he mutteretl
ag, he sought his stnteroom. II never
laid eyes on her before, and why she
should be 30 awfully upset on seeing
me, or, rather, on seeing my. name,
passes me-" {. ;lIs II
He sat down on the edge of his berth
to think 1t over. He was perhaps un-
used to the ways>of the We Id, still. he
had had four years at cor .ge and fat
tered himself that he knew something
society. but this experience wee 3
new one. to him. He felt strangely nat
tered by the unknown's mysterious
lsi1dwledge Of his Eame.
"She will probably, sit near me-" he
thought, land I will find out what the
trouble is."
It was with undue haste that he
sought the table ut the first sound of
the gong, but his eye searched in vain
the faces Of those nearest him. Evil
IDENTIFY she had given the steward par
ticular instruction to put her seat as
far as possible from the one labeled
'Nfr. John Towner, Biloxi. Miss.," for
he finally discovered her at the ex-
treme limit Of the room.
The third morning was bright and
sunny, and the decks were crowded.
where shall put your chair?" said
a despairing voice at Towner's elbow.
'The steward has disappeared, and
there isn't an empty inch of ROOM"
"Allow me!' he exclaimed, inwardIy
rejoicing as he seized the steamer
chair. There's n nice sheltered place
just around the corner" And hn. led
the way.
"Thank you SO much" said the aunt,
signing. as she dropped heavily into
the comfortable seat as he settled 1t.
II still feel the effects of. yesterdays
illness. Priscilla, dear, can't you find
place too?"
The girl flushed again and turned ab-
ruptly away.
"Thank you. auntie, but am going
for book" she called back over her
shoulder.
Towner tucked the zig snugly
around the elder lady's feet.
might I bring my chair. too?" he
inquired. with becoming meekness. ut
is SO pleasant here"
BY all means" was the gracious
reply, and in moment the two were
engaged In conversation.
eThat's most charming young man
my DEAR" said Mrs. Hunter com
placently as she smoothed her hair 70,
luncheon. "His name Is Towner, and
he is from the south. He has grad
uated from Cornell and Is going abroad
on business trip. He is engaged tt
q vassar gir.. Priscilla somebody.
told him youswere at Vassar and mus
know her, as she is Junior too"
"Oh, you told him must known re
peated her niece.
Certainly i did, he is anxious t.
meet you. and az he is engaged o1
-.