The age-herald., 1900-06-03
MISS GROSVERE'S
 LOST TRANSFER
BY APPLETON BUTLER

At the crossing young woman laden with the burdens of a days shopping was waiting for her car.
 A tall gentleman who was passing rapid ly by stopped in surprise at seeing her there, then quietly took his place beside her unperceived, until sudden turn on her part revealed his intimate presence.
 The woman was the first to speak, ex- cited and smiling.
 MT. Baldwin! Why, what brings you so far from home? How strange that we two should meet in New York; of all places. l am staying here with aunt, you know I've been shopping all day, and am per fectly worn out and happy. I've spent my last penny and the transfer is the only thing that connects me with my distant home. Don't frown so Mir. Baldwin, and say something."
 I've been trying to think of lie to ex- cuse my presence in the city. | might in- vent one, but l won't. Emily, I heard you were here, and I have come to see you!''
 Wasn't it agreed that you were not to follow me? Didn't you promise to stay away until sent for you?"
 "Confound it, Emily, you're not playing fair"
 "FAir, MT. Baldwin? Everything is fair in'-
 'What?" he cried, eagerly. Why don't you go on and say the word I've been longing to hear?"
 wari" she concluded defiantly.
 "War?' he repeated, with dropping face.i "Yes, war to the last.' she cried, mer-s riy.
 War be it then!" he answered. You. won't forbid my taking the same car with you?'
 "No," she said Be good. and I'll let you talk to me-" They entered a car, which immediately became jammed with perspring shoppers
 You don't look cheerful she said, smil- ing.
 'I can't live on hope, thank you! I need something more substantial. Hope may be very good for the system, but it's deucedly tasteless. What are you looking for, may I ask?'
 My transfer ticket. l held it in my hand and I must have dropped it on the street. Dear me!'
 "Well, it's only matter of cents"
 Didn't I tell you l had spent my last penny? And there's the conductor com ing!' She looked at him imporingly.
 He remained silent.
 MT. Baldwin, it's a perfectly awful thing to do, but I must ask you to pay my fare"
 "I am very sorry" he answered, but it's against my principles to lend. I will, though, on the condition that you say yes to what I asked you before."
 "No, sir.''
 Very well, then; I'm sorry for you!"
 You are acting dishonorably, MT. Bald win.'
 'All's fair in war, Miss Grosvere.'
 But oh, he is coming up! For pity's sake, John!'
 "I can't pity you; I love you. Say 'yes,' and it's done!"
 "I'll never forgive you for taking advan- tage of my helpless situation, MT. Bald win"
 "I'd never forgive myself if I didn't avail myself of such splendid situation!'
 "Ill explain to the conductor" she said defiantly. "He must believe me-"
 He may. And the papers tomorrow morning will have an account of a beauti- full woman causing a poor man to lose his job by beating him out Of a nickel. They'll have your picture, too, with an explicit account of your past experiences and fu- ture aspirations "Fare!' called the conductor, inpatient ly.
 She looked up and saw many curious pairs of eyes watching her. She shrank back.
 "Yes," she whispered. "But just wait till-'
 I'm perfectly willing to wait till-' he responded. "Twor he said to the con- ductor.
 Then quietly one of her hands found his, while the other joyously fingered in her pocket a crumpled transfer slip.