The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1900-06-09

tense of ofiishness. Why should she
not be glad to learn something of the
ways of this spirited young fellow,
who had looked at her perhaps ra-
ther vigorously, but not in way to
call for any other defence than she al
ways had about her?
When things are managed in this
mastery way, the malice of onlookers
is stitled at birth. 1t is weakness
that invites troublesome comment.
The strong may lead their affairs
through the crowd without molesta-
tion. The smiles that followed this
progressive pair were rather of ap-
proval than of derision. There may
have been jokes, but the mean and
bitter ones are saved for feebler vic
Tins.
Some days later the new girl hap
pened TO reach the packing house a
few minutes earlier than the general
arrival. The doors were all open and
the place was freshly swept, but no one
was in sight as she reached the door
way. Then she heard quick steps, and
the graderman stood before her.
He was ready for his opportunity, for
signs had been in his favor in the days
just past.
Your clock fast?" he said, sweep
ing his eyes over the several approach
es, and finding that the nearest COM
ers were some minutes distant.
Il don't know--I didn't look at it,
just came when l felt ready. Maybe
twas the splendid morning that hur-
ried me-"
1T is a splendid morning, isn't it?"
said he; and there was something in
his smile that seemed somehow less
careless than usual. Il feel a little in
a hurry myself" he went on, noting the
freshness of the morning light on he.
inquiring face, and astonished q little
at his own audacity. How much can
| say before those girls get here?"
Il don't know" laughed the girl, but
her cheeks flushed a little; II have
never heard you try"
Il can say this anyway want you
to say you like me and that l can walk
home with you sometimes, and that
you'll go to church with me next Sun
day"
She looked none the worse to him as
consciousness took unwonted possession
of her face, and he saw that she
| wanted to look away but would not.
Not far was she tipped off her poise.
She answered proudly, still laughingly,
and a stray lock, escaped from her hat,
danced at him on the edge of her fore
/ head, as a light breze whisked by.
! you can say a good deal in a min
/ ute, but l think you are too much in
hurry, If you should walk home
! with me this evening, you would have
more time. Isn't it a splendid morn
I ing?" she shouted to four girls who
! We're coming up the walk, and who
wondered at her exhilaration as she
whirled toward them. The graderman
/ climbed to his perch, and watched a
| few angels among the rafters as he
waited in sublime patience for the
materials of his industry.
! A week or two after this the Missouri
| girl came late and without her lunch
! pail. Jim saw that her face was sad
and weary. He had never seen 1t so,
and II sank deep into his heart She
| glanced at him, but walked right past
| and spoke to the manager, who looked
regretful but consenting, and they went
to the pay desk together. Then she
| walked to the door. There she hesi-
tated a moment.
Get on here" said Jim quickly TO
one of the bumpers, climbing down
] from his seat and not stopping to see
his order obeyed. They walked slowly