The daily morning Alaskan., 1902-05-01
IN SWEEPING
 l .COSTUME
rorlglnal.l

pinned back, sleeves rolled aDoVe tne elbows, towel over her head to keer the dust from her hair. she heard Q ring at the doorbell. Before she could escape she heard the maid open the door and the familiar voice of Mir. Al. exander Hathaway, newly appointed officer in the United States army, ask. ing for her father. Fearing that the maid might be stupid enough to show him Into the parlor. and not caring to be caught in sweeping costume. she stepped between a portiere and folding doors. intending to open the doors and leave by the dining room. The doors were oft the slide. and she could not open them. Meanwhile Mir. Hathaway entered the parlor and took a seat.
 "wonder what he wants with papar r queried Miss Abbott. eying him through an opening in the portiere.
 Mir. Abbott. a dlgnihed gentleman. came in. eyed the conner curiously. bade him good morning and waited for him to tell what he had come for.
 My regiment Is ordered to Manila, began the young man haltingly.
 "IndeedF' said Mir. Abbott. What in- terest could this have for him1
 "of course that takes me, you know."
 Mir. Abbott did not know and did not care. He repeated the word "In- deedF which is valuable from not meaning anything.
 "rhe men are on the train now. It Is to start at 12 noon. secured leave to come hero and speak with you a moment" The lieutenant looked at his watch. "It is half past IL have fifteen minutes here and fifteen min utes to make the train. What came for Is to ask you if you have any ob lection to my asking Edith to Do my wife. I would like her to join me at San Francisco. be married there and go out to Manila"
 Edith's heart jumped into her throat Alex Hathaway, rich. handsome. In every way attractivel She had never dreamed that ne would ask for such a commonplace person as she regarded herself.
 Mir. Abbott took out his own watch. You haven't a surplus of time" he said. "so I will come to the point at once. I will gladly welcome you for e son-in-law if my daughter is herself willing. Have you asked herr"
 'No. I thought that it you should object 1t would be better not to speak to her now"
 "I'll call her. Edithl Edithl Where are you? You're wanted at onceT'
 Now, if there is anything . woman Is punctillous about 1t Is the accept ance of q proposal or the ceremony of marriage. To Edith Abbott the Idea of being wooed and won in sweeping costume was abhorrent Besides, she dreaded lest the arlstocratic young of acer. seelng her In such dress. should repent hls choice. She stood stock stlll.
 Nancy" shouted Mir Abbott. find Miss Edith immediately. She must be somewhere in the house."
 "Yes. sir"
 Mir. Abbott sat down and waited. Mir. Hathaway paced the floor impa- tiently. Edith looked at them both from behind the portlere and wished that some kind fairy would suddenly transform her costume to a more be- coming one. Presently the maid came in and reported that Miss Edith was not up stairs and must have gone out Edith herself. looking at her lover, made up her mind that he was not too gentlemanlike occasionally to say bad words. Both men looked at their watches.
 "Well." said tho sultor. disappointed, q fear for the present the matter must be given up. After l reach Manila will, with your permission, write to her. Perhaps 1t Is better. after all. for me to investigate the climate and ac- commodations. Meanwhile l think you will agree with me that for you to tell her of this visit would place her fin an unpleasant position. Better wait un she gets 1t from me by letter."
 Miss Abbott was by no means dis posed to give the young man 90 good an opportunity to change his mind- Nevertheless 1t was not til the two men were shaking hands prior to sepa' rating that she threw aside the DOT tleres ana stood. red as a peony, be- fore them. Hathaway caught her In bis arms.
 sweetheart. you have heard allr
 Edith was mute.
 1.-TWO mlnutesP said Mir. Abbott. watch in hand.
 "will youi" pleaded the lieutenant
 "Neyer. in thIs horrid toggery."
 "There Is nS greater test of beauty than the costume you wear. You are prettler In 1t than ever saw you"
 "Do you really mean itr'
 Certainly. swear itI'
 T don't believe you"
 "Your answerT'
 Thirty secondsP' called the father.
 Answer to what-going to Manila or''-
 "Both."
 "which HrstT
 sTen secondsf' from the timekeeper.