The citizen., 1901-02-22
BVE@-V-C-G-0o- -O-0 CGS 4
|, A SLIGHT COMPLICATION; ;
How Chicago Man Saved Girl From
an Unfortunate Marriage. i.
go e-ea Seo-e-c

home lie would so with me. | 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 could summon: "All
right. Come along"
Ihe reason for my not wanting him or
any one else with me was an absurd one,
ana | had the grace to be ashamed of
myself even while acknowledging its
weight. For the last month | had be-
come foolishly in love with girl | did
not know, and the only time | saw her
was in the afternoon on Michigan avenue,
when | was going back from town and
she was coming down. | did not always
meet her, but | always hoped to when
left the office, and | liked to be alone
when | passed her. Absurd as it may
seem. another person always seemed in
truding. Therefore | cursed Baxter in
wardly and talked business outwardly
as we left jackson boulevard and turned
into Michigan avenue
1t was Il beautiful autumn afternoon
The grass in the park was still green. and
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 a glimpse of Il trim figure in
gray walking suit.
| had often wondered where she went
every afternoon and even planned to fol.
low her, but | 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, a brother or
a husband. | was rather inclined to the
brother idea, though | don't know why.
She did not look married. and why should
such a girl care enough for any man to
meet him and walk home with him? No,
| was convinced that no such fortunate
creature existed.
She wore a black hat tilted over her
forehead, and she always gave me a
quick, comprehensive lock from under it.
as we passed. As for me, | 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
| had given up hope, when | saw her
coming toward us. Baxter was telling
me some troubles of his. for | 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
I 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 | realized that my talkative
companion had not spoken n word since
his muttered "How do you do?" | look
ed at him. His face was profoundly
gloomy.
I "What's the matter?" | asked. | 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
aboutE | 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"
l looked at Jim Baxter in absolute
amazement
When did you tell me this history you
are alluding to" | spoke calmly. but |
was agitated. There was something the
matter with one of us, and the effect of
my question on Jim showed that there
was no question in his mind as to which
of us it was
when did | 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"
Il didn't hear word" | said humbly.
ITO tell the truth, | was thinking so
hard on a certain subject that my mind
was Incapable of taking anything else
Tell me again, and | swear you'll have
my undivided attention.
Thanks, but | 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 | 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 unmitgated
fool | had been! | had missed a chance
20 learn all about her, and | might never
get another
"At least tell me her name" | said
finally in desperation.
Miss Norwood Norwood. Why
NO you want to know her nameY
"Oh, nothing" | said ndiffercntly. 81
suppose she goes down town to meet
somebody, doesn't she?"
Eyes"
"IIer brother, suppose?"
Hasn't any brother"
| had gone too far to back out. "Who
does she go to meet, them"
"She goes to walk home with her sis
ter, who studies at the Art institute
And now | should like very much to
know il Miss Norwood has aroused your
interest merely through her being an ac-
quaintance of mine. That conclusion is
fattering. but doubtful"
To walk home with her sister? In
sudden burst of joyful confidence told
him wnat had been going on inside of me
for the last month. | used extravagant
language to describe my state of mind.
| colored every trivial incident to produce
the rose colored effect of romance.
We had reached Twentieth street and
stopped on the corner where our ways
divided. looked at Baxter and saw that
he was amazed, as had been q few mo-