Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1900-04-05

4
ne mad seen on the car came into the
room. Somehow her appearances called
back Rupert's oozing courage. He
paused and faced her with bow.
WIN you kindly listen while ex-
plain this intrusiong" he asked. Then
ne hurriedly added: ~ sat next to you
on the car this afternoon. Iu handing
the conductor my fare inadvert ently
gave him a nickel that [ value very
highly. 1t was the GIFT of a dear
friend now far away. This nickel the
conductor gave you 10 change. saw
and recognized it as II dropped into
your hand. have come here to beg Of
you 10 permit me to redeem it,, He
paused, and the ladies looked at each
other.
1T is quite an extraordinary story,
SAID the young woman, and Rupert
heard her voice for the first time, and
a charming voice ii was.
just what | remarked" said the
aunt.
''Just what en- prepared to admit"
said Rupert.
1t might, of course. be ttue," said
the young woman.
1T might" said the elderly lady
douhtfulIy. ft. ..;
''It u.s." said Rupert. fle gathered
himself up again. "If you will take
the trouble to look in your purse, you
will find the proof"
II will look, said the young woman.
1T will necesstate my going up
stairs She turned in the doorway.
Did you say your name was on the
coin?u
No, I said Rupert; there is only a
cabalistic sign on it's
She turned again.
"Will you be seated, MIR. -" She
paused expectantly.
"Pratt-Rupert Pratt" replied the
young man. "Thipk you" And he
sat down. As he did 30 lightning
2 ance passed between the ladies. And
then the younger lady disappeared.
There was one thing in your favor"
said the elderly lady, with friendly
smile. Lena, our maid, never admits
suspicious looking strangers. The fact
that she let you IN is greatly to your
credit"
Rupert laughed.
at may be to my credit" he snid,
land yet | hayo never been prepared to
admit that there was the slightest
suggestion Of a suspicious character 10
my general appearance. At the same
time 1 will acknowledge that | have
felt during the last quarter OF an hour
rs much like confidence man as it is
possible for an innocent youth to feel. !"
And then the young woman re-
appeared.
ut Is too Ead," she snid, "but Just
as l was entering my room my purse
dropped to the floor and scattered tie
coins In every direction. Your nickel
must have hidden itself with great care,
because failed to find it.
Rupert hastily arose.
I'm very sorry to have put you to
all this annoyance. he said, land I'm
especially sorry that have been unable
to prove the honesty OF my purpose in
intruding upon you. Cord afternoon. I"
"One moment.'' cried the young
woman II haven't given it up yet. /
will make more thorough seacrh, and
you must call again."
Come tomorrow evening il you are
not engaged" said the elderly lady.
Rupert stammered that 1T would be
q pleasure and IA moment later was
hurrying down the street to catch q
car. He felt strangely exhilarated. She
certainly WAS remarkably pretty girl.
And somehow the remembrance OF her
looks softened the thought Of the ordeal
through which he had just passed. 49,.
He called the next evening and found
that the precious nickel was still un-
discovered. Miss Leslie had been too
busy to make the promised search.
And yet Rupert staid on through the
evening there had never been an
evening in all his recollection that
could compare with ii. When he started
to go, the elderly lady suggested that
he might like to come up Sunday even
ing and accompany them tc church.
And the bashful Rupert accepted the
suggestion without murmur.
On the way home from church on one
never to be forgotten evening the elderly
lady had suddenly startled Rupert by
inviting him to dine with Miss Leslie
and herself,
And SO Rupert enjoyed the most de-
lightful meal that ever was eaten-but
the nickel did not turn up.
Pretty soon he began to call without
being specially iuvited-and after a
little while he FEVER alluded to the
nickel Sometimes he felt quite dazed
by his good fortune and by the ie.
markable assurance he displayed In
accepting it. Yet he was shy lover
still. He asked no questions, he took
everything for granted-much as If he
were living through delightful dream
and feared he would awaken it he
moved. Why, it was fact that he
didn't even know the lovely girls full
name. She was Miss Leslie to him as
to the household, and he could invent
many delightful names to call her when
he was not at her side.
One evening, it might have been six
weeks since the memorable day he lost
the nickel, he was with Miss Leslie In
the little reception room at Mrs Nor.
gan's, for that was the elderly lady's
name.
Suddenly the sweet gray eyes looked
~ have found the Nickel" said the
gentlest Of voices. ~,
"Haye you?n cried Rupert. Then
his voice changed Really" he went
on, II don't believe I'm half glad
over its recovery. II brought me such
wonderful luck, you know, the day it
disappeared. !,
'Then you do not want its" she softly
questioned with blush.
II am not as anxious about 1t as /
was," replied Rupert. ..,.
"Then." said the gentle voice, why
not give it to me?'p
Rupert started.
III dared, " no muttered.
"Dared what?" asked the young
woman.
To Rupert's ears 1t sounded like
defiance.
This is madness'' he murmured.
He caught Leslie's hand, "Will you