The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1902-05-08

wards his humble home. Bill was un-
usually quick and Sandy noticed it-lh
fact, he had noticed II several times dur
ing the day.
"Bin.r he said. whats up old man?
Tell me won't you? You amt In any
trouble be you-honest!
Trouble Sandy?" Bill answered.
"No, no. faint trouble 'xactly. but In
say Sandy. am l too old to think-to
think OF lvin' =?
What's that?" replied Sandy, why. goi
durn IL Bill you don't mean TO say you've
touched, "be" you? Haw! Haw! That's
pretty geed, Sandy continued, but the
look in Bills face caused him TO stop
laughing.
"Yes, old fellow. I've been touched II
that's what you call IL. You know her--
you've seen me watch her and Sandy I've
made up my mind-Tm goin TO ask her
tonight and want you TO go with me-to
keep me comp'ny you know. I'm kinder
backward y'see an can't talk like them
high toned folks, but i love her Sandy
yes an I'd die for her-this minnit-
honest / would
But then / amt nothin' but Bill, the
janitor and she-well she's fine lady
But Sandy she spoke 20 me-spoke to me-
do you hear-kindly. too, an there amt
no harm in offerin woman an honest
mans heart even though she says no
be there Sandy? An say I'm goin' to
take some mowers 10 neT iOo-liiht
what the swells do amt it?''
Sandy was silent. He hated to break in
on Bil's thoughts he knew they were
were pleasant TO him. They walked TO
the florist and Bill bought the flowers
beautiful ones, paying for them from the
contents of the canvas bag in which he
carried his earnings. Bits eyes were
shining with hope and pleasure and San
dy was watching him with an expression
OF awe upon his wrinkled face, yet saying
not a word TO his old friend and COM
rade Down the street they go TO her
home The bell is rung and both stand
with their hats In hand and Bill
holding the flowers tight in his grasp.
The door is opened by a white-capped
maid and both men wait for each other
to speak At length Bill manages TO find
his voice:
rs Miss Rodgers at homer" he asks.
Eyes, sir" answers the maid.
"Kin see--her. ase, Hev somethin'
to give her an
VERY well. Just step inside and I'll
see at once" The door is closed behind
them and Bill and Sandy are in the big
hall crowded close TO each other, neither
saying a word.
The maid returned.
Miss Rodgers will see you in the re-
coption room-this way please.
Sandy remains while BIZ follows the
he sees her. She rises from her chair and
comes forward.
How do you do, Mr. slatterly." she
said. but Bill stands stock still saying not
a word. his eyes on the floor and the
flowers In his hand. Finally he gains con-
fldence In himself and looks at her.
Miss Rodgers" he began, Il came 10
see you this evenn' to tell you-to bring
you these flowers an
"Oh yes, ! understand" she exclaims.
taking the flowers from Bill's hand. 'and
/ want 10 thank you for your kindness
in bringing them so soon-rather expect
ed THIN from him at the church this
evening but some delay, | reckon: and
now Let me reward you"
Bin stands like a statue with n blank
lock upon his face hardly comprehending
what she means. She takes up her purse
from the table. opens 1t and takes out
half dollar, putting it In his hand.
There, my good man, take this and now.
good night"
BIZ looks at her, then at the coin
tears gather in his eyes. but he manages
20 say. "th-thanks,, Miss Rodgers
good night"
The door closes after him and Bill is in
the hall again. Sandy Is watching him
and notices the look on Bilrs face. but
says nothing. lie knew IL would be that
way. They walk down the street to the
river front The river is there. Both
stand on the bank looking at the flicker
ing lights on the opposite shore. Bill
takes the half dollar and lays IL on the
m OF his hand, turning TO Sandy. he
says: "Old man this IL what | got-its
hard 20 think OF, ain't it? Then he drew
back his arm and sent the shining piece
OF money out over the water IL struck
with a Zip" Bll turned to Sandy again.
Sandy" he says, 81 can't go back To
the church again-you can have my job!
Good night, Sandy"
Bill turned and walked up the street
alone.