Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1900-11-21
= SLIGHT COMPLICATIONS
How Chicago Man Saved Girl From
an Unfortunate Marriage.



called to me that il was going to walk
home he would go with me. l was going
to walk, as always do on nice days, but
l was not anxious for his company.
could not think Of anything that would
turn him off, however. SO replied, with
what heartiness l could summon: "All
right. Come along"
The reason for my not wanting him or
any one else with me was an absurd one,
and l had the grace to be ashamed Of
MYSELF even while acknowledging its
weight. For the last month l had be-
come foolishly in love with girl l did
not know. and the only time I saw her
was in the afternoon on Michigan avenue,
when l was going back from town and
she was coming down. I did not always
meet her, but l always hoped to when
left the office, and l liked to be alone
when | passed her. Absurd as it may
seem. another person always seemed in
truding. Therefore Icursed Baxter in
wardly and talked business outwardly
as we left Jackson boulevard and turned
into Michigan avenue.
1T was beautiful autumn afternoon.
The grass in the park was still green. and
a fresh, exhilarating breeze blew in from
the lake. She could certainly not miss
such day for her walk. | argued. and
fixed my eyes on the stream of people
flowing steadily past me on the walk try
ing to catch glimpse of trim figure in
II gray walking suit.
| had often wondered where she went
every afternoon and even planned to fol.
low her. but l was positively timid for
once and afraid to make an advance
which would give me information about
my unknown. Possibly she went to meet
and walk back with lover, brother or
husband. l was rather inclined to the
brother idea. though l don't know why.
She did not look married. and why should
such girl care enough for any man to
meet him and walk home with him? No,
I was convinced that no such fortunate
| creature existed.
| She wore black hat. tilted over her
| forehead. and she always gave me a
! quick, comprehensive look from under it.,
| rs we passed. AS for me, l fixed my
| eyes on her. and never took them off I'M
til she had gone by; it was only by a su-
perhuman effort of will power that did
not turn and stare after her.
| We usually met near Twelfth street,
but today we had reached Sixteenth and
l had given up hope, when l saw her
| coming toward US. WIS lelliHS
me some troubles of his, for l believe he
mistook my silence for sympathy.
| We were nearly opposite to her before
| Baxter saw her, at the same moment
that she saw him. She bowed and smiled
Il had never seen her smile beforehand
just one little corner of that one belonged
to me and with it the swiftest Of glances
that set my heart beating idiotically.
| Suddenly l realized that my talkative
i companion had not spoken a word since
his muttered How do you do?" l look
| cd at him. His face was profoundly
| gloomy.
"What's the matter?" I asked. I felt
! good natured enough to talk to any one.
and l suddenly conceived a great interest
| in Baxter He could tell me who she was
| perhaps be the means in time of my
meeting her.
Did you see that girl bowed to just
now?" he said.
THE one in gray? Yes noticed her"
"Well. that's she. She's the one"
"What one? Whom are you talking
about?" l was at a loss to account for
his tone Of gloomy emphasis.
THE girl was telling you about. Fun
ny we should have met her just as fin.
ished. Well. you can see for yourself
| that she is pretty"
| looked ut jim Baxter in absolute
amaZement.
when did you tell me this history you
are abiding fo?" | spoke calmly. but
was agitated. There was something the
matter with one of us, and the effect of
| my question M Jim showed that there
was no question in his mind as to which
! of us it was.
"When did I tell you? For heavens
sake, Ray, do you mean to tell me that
| you haven't heard what I've been saying
for the last mile? You had better con-
suit specialist if you are subject to such
! attacks of mental alteration"
II didn't hear a word" said humbly.
''To tell the truth. l was thinking SO
hard on a certain subject that my mind
was incapable of taking anything else.
Tell me again. and l swear you'll have
my undivided attention"
Thanks, but l won't trouble you.
| That isn't the sort of story n man cares
| about dwelling on, you know. And, come
| to think of it,. it's better that no one
| should know about the business anyway"
| In vain l assured him of my interest in
| his affairs, Of my desire and ability to
| help him if he needed help. He would
| tell me nothing. What an unmitigated
| fool l had been! l had missed a chance
| to learn all about her, and might never
| get another.
"At least tell me her name," said
| finally in desperation.
miss Norwood-Ethel Norwood. Why
do you want to know her name?"
"Oh, nothing" said indifferently. II
suppose she goes down town to meet
somebody, doesn't she?'
"Yes."
"Her brother. suppose?"
"Hasn't any brother"
had gone too far to back out. "Who
does she go to meet, then?"
"She goes to walk home with her sis
ter, who studies at the Art institute.
And now l should like very much to
know if Miss Norwood has aroused your