Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1902-05-24

1T isn't an article" said. the girl.
do l look like person who would
write an article?''
She seemed to challenge his scru-
tiny. Jasper couldn't resist the
temptation. He leaned little farther
back.
1T isn't always possible to Judge by
the appearance" he said.
But I fancied article writer's were
always old. and-and fussy, and-and
lcranky. said the girl.
"There are exceptions" said Jasper.
There must be exceptions"
81 suppose you know" said the girl.
But it isn't an article"
You arouse my worst fears said
Jasper as the girl spread out the
manuscript.
Il think I understand what you
mean" she said
Pm glad you do said Jasper
And I'm afraid your worst fears
are confirmed" she said.
! Jasper sighed.
Then it is verses" he said
Il supposed it was poetry" said the
girl.
"They always do" said Jasper.
The girl looked up at him with q
pretty grimace.
You are not bit encouraging, she
said.
Its the better way" said Jasper.
And yet you write verses yourself"
said the girl. And get them printed,
too"
Perhaps II is because I haven't a
friend honest enough to dissuade me-"
said Jasper. Il have had no time for
that sort of nonsense lately, how
ever"
That's n pity" said the girl
Don't think to soften me in that
way" said Jasper.
81 like those lines beginning she
came upon me unawares.'" said the
girl. 81 know them by heart she
came upon me unawares. l turned and
she was there"
II beg your pardon" cried Jasper.
1T is your lines that are under consid-
GRAFTON. Pray produce them"
The girl gave him sidelong glance.
Did She come upon you unawares ~
Mr.. Dance"
| Jasper caught the glance and slightly
flushed. His look grew troubled again.
~ live in hopes" he said.
! That's enigmatical." laughed the
girl. 1T shows you are. not sure"
/ II must object to your manifest in
tentiou TO throw me into sentimental
mood" said Jasper. 1T will not help
4 You"
The girl laughed and passed the
manuscript 10 him.
81 know you viii like il" she said.
why are you so certain?" Jasper
asked.
| Because / haven't written on both
sides OF the paper" said the girl
/ Jasper bent over the manuscript TO
hide his smile. Then his look changed.
The smile faded. He read the lines
with great care. Presently he looked
up.
The girl had been regar riding him in
tentiy. She met his eyes with an in
quiring glance.
"You want me 10 be frank2" he said.
"Of course"
The lines are quite too sentimental.
4 They are of the old school where SEN
timent reigued. Nowadays we bluntly
call it gush."
but it's not all bad, is it?" queried
the girl.
by no means" replied Jasper. This
execution is good. If the fripperies
and Alterations were dropped ii would
be very passable. If you would heed
my advice-they never dol might be
tempted TO ask you 10 try again"
4 I. I.
ed il 10 her.
4 ''Thank you" said the girl.
! 81 am sorry if my judgment seem.
harsh" said Jasper.
1T doesR't." said the girl
81 have tried TO treat YOU as an hon
est friend should said Jasper
Thank You again" said the girl. 80
will admit that hope TO see my verses
in your paper"
TRY again" said Jasper.
The girl arose and put out her dainty
hand
| ~ am glad TO know you, Mr.
: Dane" she said. 81 have very dea,
friend who has sung your praises unit
am quite Jealous. Twas reallyEnxioui
= TO meet You. Good-by." Then sh,
swiftly added with charming smile
= Il am sure we shall meet again"
The smile and the words quite over
came Jasper.
! IL hope So" he fairly stammeret
SIS he arose 20 his feet and watched he
fiutter from the room
As he resumed his seat card upoi
the floor drew his attention. The cir
had dropped it. He picked it up
: caught sight of his name, and at one
recognized the angular handwriting
Then he read IL aloud:
Dear Dane-This is my daughter Leonit
Just come home from abroad, What sh
v writes goes, Of course Yours,
"LINAS LAMSON."
,, Dane softly whiStled.
So this was Lamson's little girl, thi
: splendid young woman! How charm
v ing she was, and how friendly. Had h
hurt her feelings? What a brute h