The San Francisco call., 1901-10-27


VI rush my stuff to No. - W ave-
nue. Trunks just in on Baltimore
ano Ohiot he crisd. tossing his burdens
10 transfer man and giving him the
checks so quickly that the fellows sleepy
eyes opened wider than they had been for
a month Relieved Of his ifaned.faenta. he
returned to the station
GOOD morning. Mr.. Lorry. Are you in
TOO much of hurry to see your friends?'
cited clear. musical voice and he
stopped as if shot. The anxious frown
-hew from E.s brow and was succeeded in
SPONTANEOUSLY by a glad smile. He
wheeled and bsheld her. with Aunt Yvon-
ne. standing near the main entrance to
the station. why. good morning. he
exclaimed. extending his hand gladly. To
his amazement she drew herself up
haughtily ard ignored the proffered hand.
Only for a brief second did this strange
and Cncalled-for hauteur obtain. A bright
smile crept over her face and her repent
art fingers sought his tmidly. even awk-
w2rdly. Something told him that she was
rot accustomed 10 hanoshaking; that
something impelled him TO bend low and
touch the gloved fingers with his lips. He
Strengthened. with face flushed. half fear
ful lest his act had been observed by
curious loungers. and he had taken a lib
erty in 2 public place which could not be
condoned. But she smiled sereney. ap-
proYineiy. There was not the fa!ntest
lovely face. Any other girl in the world,
he thought. woGld have jerked her hand
away and giggled furiously. Aunt
Yvonne inclined her head slightly. but did
not prefer her hand. He wisely refrained
from extending his Own. II thought you
had left the station" he said.
we are waiting for Uncle Caspar. who
IS giving He6Iick instructions. Hedrick.
YOU know. is 10 20 on TO New York with
our boxes. He WI have them aboard ship
when v-e arrive there. All that we have
with us is hand luggage. We leave Wash
fEgton tonight"
Il had hoped you might stay over for a
few days"
1t is urgent business that compels us
10 leave so hastily. Mr.. Lorry. OF all the
cities in the world, have most desired to
see the capital OF your country. Perhaps
may return some day. But do not let
lis detain you If you are in hurry"
He started. looked guilty, stammered
something about baggage. said he would
return in moment and rushed aimlessly
away. his ears fiery.
I'm all kinds of a fool" he muttered.
as he raced around the baggage-room
and then back to where he had left the
ladies. Mr.. Guggenslocker had Joined
them and they were preparing to depart.
Miss Guggenslccker's face expressed
pleasure al seeing him.
We thought you would never return.
50 long were you gone," she cried gayiy.
He had been gone just two minutes by the
watch. The old gentleman greeted him
warmly, and LOrry asked them to what
hotel they were going. On being informed
that they expected TO spend the day at the
Ebbitt he volunteered to accompany them.
saying that he intended to breakfast
there. Quicker than a fash a glance. un-
fathomable as it was brief passed be-
tween the three not quickly enough
81 at frlI
eyes on the alert since the beginning of
his ACQUAINTANCE with them. in coniunc-
tiOn with his ears. to catch something
that might satisfy. in q measure, his
burning curiosity. What was the mean
ing Of that glance? 1t half-angered him.
for in it he thought he could distinguish
annoyance apprehension. dis1ay or some
thing equally disquieting- Before he could
stiffen his long frame and give vent to the
dignifed reconsideration that few to his
mind the young lady dispelled all pain
and 1ispleasure, sending him into rap
lures. by saying:
How good Of yoU. We shall be so de-
lighted to have you breakfast with u.
Mr.. Lorry. if ii is convenient for you-
You can talk to US Of your wonderful
city. Now. say that you viii be good to
US: stay your hunger and neglect your
personal affairs long enough to give Us
these early morning hours I am sure
We cannot trouble you much longer.
He expostUlated gallantly and delight
edly and then hurried forth to call cab.
At eight o'clock he breakfasted with
them his infatuation growing deeper AMI
stronger as he sat for the hour beneath
the spell Of those eyes. the glorious face.
the sweet. imperial air that was a part
Of her strange and unaffected. As tney
were leaving the dining-room he asked
her if she would not drive with him.
His ardent gallantry met with a sur
lion
that moment had been bright and checry,
her face had been the constant reflector
of his own good spirits, and he had every
reason in the world to feel that his sug-
gestion would be received with pleasure.
It WAS a shock TO him. therefore, to see
the friendly smile fade from her eyes ard
q disdainfUl CLEAN succeed it. Her voice,
a moment ago sweet and affable changed
its tone instantly 10 one so proud and
rOGsnt that he could scarcely believe mis-
ears.
Il shall be engaged during the entire
day. Mr.. Lorry." she said. slowly. look
ing him fairly in the eyes with cruel post
tiveness. Those eyes of his were wide
with surprise and the glowing CLEAN CT
injured pride. His lips closed tightly; lit-
tie red spots few to his cheeks and then
dfsa Dpea red. leaving his face white and
cold his heart throbbed painfully with
the mingled emotions of shame and
anger For a moment he dared not
speak
4 have reason to feel thankful hat
you are TO be engaged" he said at last.
calmly. without taking his eyes from
hers Il am forced to believe, much 10
ny regret that I have offended when L
intended to please. You viii pardon my
tcmerity."
There was no mistaking the resentment
in his voice or the glitter in his eyes. I'm
pulls vely her little hand was stretched
eor+l, f.1Ispe sfnou his arm Ubila int
her eyes came again the soft glow aid
10 ner lips the most pathetic, appealing
smile the forerunner Of a pretty plea for
forgiveness. The change startled and
puzzled him more than ever. In mo-
nent she was unrea sonably rude and I'M
perious, in the next gracious and implor
ing.
.Iorcire me she cried the blue ewes