Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-06-21

of the consciousness of being really well
dressed. She had on all her best c!othes'
and they were nearly new. Her jacket was
last years certainly. and if it had not been
for her mothers stringent representations
she would have managed" without 1t, III
spite Of the fact that it was a chilly Octo-
Der evening. However, worn open to DIS
play her lace tie ard pearl necklace, it did
not interfere so very much with the gen.
eraI effect. and her hat, in Gladys opinion
made amends for everything. 1t was quite
the most fashionable shape. and it suited
her remarkably web.
She had succeeded in putting it on at just
the right angle, and every woman knows
that this is a feat not always to be accom-
plished. And the arrangement of her veil
left nothing to be desired.
1t was pretty little face behind the veil,
a little powdery at this moment, but that
in Gladys eyes was quite the thing The
outline was very soft and girlish. There
was not much depth in the big brown eyes,
though they were quick and bright, as are
the eyes of most of the girls who work for
their bread day after day. Her whole ex-
preston indeed was chiefly remarkable for
certain simple elation.
1t was about o'clock on Saturday even
ing. the omnibus was nearly empty. and it
procee ded on its way with an unhurrylng
rumble Gladys took not the faintest in
terest in the route-had she not already
trdversed it twice that day. and did she
not traverse il twice every day of her life
on her way to the city office where she
worked tyDewritipg clerk? She was
gazing placidly into vacancy: her mind en-
gagged in a series Of mild meanderings which
she would have characterized as thinking
when halt on the part of the omnibus
followed by the entrance of stout woman
who sat down heavily beside her.
'Ior', Gladys" observed the newcomer,
how are you my dear? Where are you off
to at this time in the EVENING""
Two pretty dimples made their appear
ance in Gladys cheeks.
why. Mrs. Masters" she said, who'd
have thought of seeing YOU, on, me? I'm
going down To Drury-lane Theater."
The older woman nodded knowingly. and
her eyes took in all the details of Gladys
appearance.
My, Aren't you smart. too. Going to
meet Mr.. Loftie. l suppose
Gladys nodded and simpered a little girl
ishly and innocently.
He likes to go TO the theater now and
tn n Of a Saturday evening she said And
it quite obvious that in Gladys eyes
while he" entertained such sentiments to-
waGd the drama the drama might safely
hold up its head. The elder woman nodded
again. respectfully.
He's doing very well I'm told. is Mr.
Lofie. she said. You're a very lucky
girl. Gladys nv dear
NE-dIES StSSiti. she Qld this because the
vocabulary at her command did not allow
her any adequate expression of her feelings
His FIRMS in the tea trade. same as
yours. isn't it?'' inquired Mrs. Masters ge-
nilIy That seems funny. now. don't it?''
well. l don't know about that" Gladys
said 1T was through him coming in and
ont to US that We got acquainted, don't you
See?'
And when's the wedding likely to be-"
Mr.. LofJie-wel. you see, he says he's
got enOUgh''-its touch Of tender pride made
even the little high-ptched voice pretty to
hear-'and he doesn't see why we should
wait. And-and l shouldn't wonder if it
was TO he somewhere about the spring"
Mrs. Masters patted the girls arm ap-
provinCly.
And I'm sure I'm glad to hear it. my
dear She said. Your motherH miss you,
though. Gladys. that she will"
The bright brown eyes softened for a mo-
ment. but Gladys was an eminenty practi-
cal little person.
''She's got the dodgers to think Of" said
the girl. and | shall be in and out good
bit We don't mean to settle more than
five minutes walk away. Getting out here
are You. Mrs. Masters? Good evening"
Mrs. Masters parting benedctions were
ruthlessly cut short by the conductors in
junction to her to come along mum
please" and Gladys rclapsed into that state
Of unconditional satisfaction from which
Mrs Masters had reused her. She stopped
the omnibus with a business-like briskness
when she reached her destination and got
Out feeling her hat and Veil anxiously to
make sure that all was still as it should
be Then she turned and went up side
street. hUrrying her quick. short steps as
she became aware Of a mans figure wait
ing IT the farther corner.
oh. ALI" she said breathlessly, you're
never going 70 tell me I'm late?'
M. Alfred Loftie lifted his hat with an
air which he considered equal 10 anything
which could be seen at the most fashionable
hour in the park. In doing he displayed
very curly head of light hair and a fair
Frf1rt I.sy- mo- f4pA 10 had hoe dor
for himSelf'-and in the opinion of his
friends and relatives doing remarkably well
for himself-ever since he was fifteen. And
now at two and twenty he had the keen
eyes Of a man Of business in curious con-
junction with cheeks which had not yet
lost the roundneSs and fulness of youth.
He was dressed according to his lights as
carefully as was Gladys Mr. Alfred Loftie
had risen by force of shrewd intelligence
and indomitable energy and push to be
head clerk in a firm of tea shippers. and he
had no small opinion of himself. The in
terests Of the business were his own inter-
ests. since he meant to be a partner therein
before ne was many years older
Having replaced his hat he extended two
fingers to Gladys with air of the highest
fashion and a cheerful grin.
well. If You say so l suppose I'm not
he said with a Righteousness of tone which
IN the society in which l-Oftie was shining
hight made up for any lack ot verbal
hCmor. Its not for me to contradict a
lady. is t?''
Il
ly. / can't be! 1 started ever SO pune
tually,"
Lofties boyish cOuntenaIfce. which had
assumed expression OF injured indigna-
ton, relaxed into a broad smile, and he
laughed triumphantly
Il gave You turn. though; didn't I?''
he said.
Gone on he added. slipping his hand
through her arm and turning in the Girec-
ton of the theater. II want to get good
place. They say this is a frSt-ra;u show
The play was melOdrama of the most
thrilling description and in the short in
teTval between the first and second acts
Gladys, pink-cheeked and brignt-eyed with
excitement. was Yolubie on the subject of
the hero's wrongs and the herOues frock
and demanded full explanation from Loft
tc-whO was more than willing 10 lay down
the law-as to all the possibilities connected
with the Vaccinations set on foot by the
villain Perhaps the second act was not
quite so deeply interesting; at any rate
Ioftie let the discussion of its merits drop
before the curtain rose again. and sat for
a moment meditatively studying the pro-
gram. Then he said, casually:
Busy at your place just now, Gladys?''