Kentucky Irish American. (Louisville, Ky.) 1898-1968, 1900-12-22
Married Eu6S, How
Sweet Tn6y Be.

wore dainty clothes from dawn until
dawn, a world where the chief function
of the women was to charm, that of the
men to serve with most exquisite court
esy. And the need of admiration she
received when her Western dresses had
new to her Very sweet it was, too. To
be sure, she had known what it was to
have young men besiege her for dances
and hang upon her words. But in one
case those who had given her tribute
were clumsy and rough handed country
boys. The men to whom her later en-
vironment introduced her possessed that
inde6nable air of breeding, of culture, of
distinction which can be neither bought
nor acquired. And she found the melody
of trained voices at the opera sweeter
than the triple note of the meadow lark,
the scent of hot-house roses more de-
licious than the perfume of wild clover.
And so, too, she discovered entrance
ment in the homage of Eldred Wier. Not
that in his case there was the possibility
of comparison. She had never been
touched by the attentions of her former &C.
quaintances. There had not been one who
attracted her. When she came East she
was quite heart whole and fancy free.
But missiles, the gentlest of missiles, well
directed, did theii deadly and delicious
work Perhaps these would not have
been so promptly effective even if hurled
by Dan Cupids unerring hand had De-
ronda realized that she was the bright
particular star of the season. Had any
one told her that her piquant. golden
brown beauty, her unconscious air of
aloofness, her repose begotten of prairie
life and placid daily duty, had won for
her higher need of appreciation than
was usually accorded newcomer in an
exclusive coterie she would have opened
her serene gray eyes wide in smiling in
credulity. All the girls had admirers.
Almost all the girls had lovers. But not
one of them had such lover as Eldred
Wier.
One month passed, two. three. And
always there were the same tributes, al
ways there was the same direct and
personal Difference. Tbeaters, dinners,
dances, flowers, bonbons, gloves, after
room visits, rides and drives. Always the
same low, intimate tones, the allurement
of impassioned eyes. Then, suddenly it
seemed, it was time to go home. Time
to go back to the dull little town, to the
rooms over the depot, to the horde of
clamorous children.
Eldred Wier was the last to leave the
Pullman. His worshipiug eyes devoured
the beauty of the shy, expectant face.
His hand held hers in close and tender
clasp. He bent his head. He spoke in
tone that thrilled her.
"You know, could have my way, l
would never let you CO."
Then the train began to move. He was
gone.
Five years later there was tremendous
rush of travel Westward. The Nebraska
town of Wymore was one of those caught
in the vortex of impetuous pleasure seek
ers, although there were many health
seekers, too, bound for the solacing
serenity of Colorado or the golden glory
Of California. A splendid summer day
was waning when a suorting train dis
gorged its myriads on the depot platform.
A young man. nervous and haggard of
aspect, helped an elderly woman to
alight. With scant show of patience he
hurried her into the waiting room.
II tell you, I've got to leave you
awhile" he declared testify. 'I've
letter to present to one of the Eastern
officials of the road. His private car is
due here now. I'll be back as soon as
can"
Needless of her whispered objections
he hurried off. A tall, beautiful young
woman, most charmingly gowned at
tracted the observation of the throng as
she came down the waiting room. She
noticed the woman sitting alone and evil
IDENTIFY in distress.
"can be Of servicel" she inquired,
pausing.
The traveller, in apparel too elaborate
and youthful for her years, looked up
into the gentle face of the speaker. Her
wrinkled checks were chalky under their
rouge. and her false curls and bonnet
were awry.
mol" she shrilled, needless Of hearers.
mo one can help me. brought il on
myself. Me. worth half million, to go
and marry that young whippersnaprer.
that leaves me here Ike bale Of goodsl
Not even drink Of water''--