The Farmville herald. [volume] (Farmville, Va.) 1890-1934, 1902-05-30

Humph. I'll have m item of news for
Sis letter tomorrow when 7 write" ."
He strolled down 20 the stall where
the evening papers and magazines
were kept long with the drawn
work, Indian baskets. cigars and huge
red skins with heads Of fierce Indians
burned upon them.
please, sir, here's poppics! They'll
open in the morning"
The figure was little and the voice
+ full Of pleading. Jack bought what
were left in the basket
81 wonder" he thought. with a sud-
den inspiration. III Mrs. Barton has
had fresh ones to-day"
I lie held them up critically. The
shiny gold petals were locked tightly
together They'll open in the morn
ing. though" the piping little voice
had said. Il suppose Sis would want
me TO 20 half way-and more. I be-
heve I'll just csll with them"
He walked through the waiting
room and looked out into the clear
evening. The stars were shining.
some men from the hotel strolling
mp and down the paths Of the park,
and through the palm trees he could
see two ladies mufiied in their fur
capes. on the porch Of the Annex.
California dries her tears like a child.
II fascinated him. lie took his coat
and hat and started out.
4 half hour later Mrs. Barton,
lounging listlessly in the room her
aunt had assigned her, was handed
the card OF Mr.. John Denton. Her
face showed surprise and dismay.
Then instantly her lips curved in a
quick smile.
well. it's good Of him-at last"
she said under her breath. Tell him
I'll be down soon" She tilted her mir
ror and gave the picture it presented
a quick, critical glance. such as an
artist gives before he puts the finish
ing touches in.
Five years." she said. prettily
triumphant "Wel. Mr.. Jack. they
haven't hurt ns
Five years before Sarah Gordon
had quarreled with Jack Denton. who
people bad thought she would marry.
His sister had been involved in II. Il
was a foolish little affair. but since
that time there had been no word
between them. Not that any one of
them wholly wished IL so. but no one
was willing 20 take the first step.
Thus Sarah Gordon Barton. one year
a widow. was not only glad on gen.
eral principles 10 have one Of her long
evenings varied. but a bit relieved at
the prospect Of commonplace peace
again
81 thank you for the dinner invita-
ton" he said. "Fortunately Sunday
IS free. You said ar two. didn't you? 7
The telephone was unusually misty
tonight And I didn't make ont who
you said is coming also"
Mrs. Barton turned her head. hold .
ing the fre-scFeen she had toyed +
with where II shadowed her face
Pardon me, Jack" she said a mo- .
ment later. as IL startled. "What were .
you saying? Dinner Sunday? Why. .
OF course at two. And nobody's com
ing but you. That's what / said, aunt
md uncle and you and I. Just as 1t
used 10 be. Must you go so soon?'
This as she walked across the room
beside him. Then she held out her
hand again. tipping back her head so
that he looked straight in her face
and down into the depths Of her
great dark eyes. and she said. with a
little laugh: This is lots better
than the other way. isn't it7 I only
wish your sister were here, too"
And while he kept the hand he re-
Piled:
1T is better. Sarah; why didn't we
10 IL before?"
Sarah Barton came back 10 the fire
md sat there staring in II with her
lace between her hands.
"What in the world does Il mean2"
'he asked. 81 thought people said he
8 half in love with that girl-what
s her name? Ruth something or 9TH
.r-and the telephone"
She figured at the problem patient
V for nearly a minute. Then she
gathered her silken skirts about her
md went gaily upstairs. Il never
lid believe that Providence wanted
.nybody 10 be as bored as ! have
,een. And this proves II. Whoever
los lost and whatever is lost I'm de-
idedly the gamer. Now. 10 tell
unite that she's been getting up
Inner party for next Sunday at two
,'clock "