Wausau pilot. [volume] (Wausau, Wis.) 1896-1940, 1902-11-25

met. And once or txice she remembered
thst but for BIN sLe would not be sitting
there talking to aim
Her father was unaccountably delayed,
she said, but the time sped very fast, sDd
it was very agreeable to sit and talk to
young man who did not use superhuous
words. or laugh at his own duh jokes, or
weary one with commonplace remarks.
1t was surprise to him when he learn
ed, incidentally, that she was going to the
concert that evening. lie was jealous in
an instant. Who could he be? What
sort of fellow did he lok like? Some
rough. coarse fellow, possibly, not at ell
fit to wait on girl who displayed such
taste as Miss Anterior revealed. He
was consumed with curiosity. And be
was very careful to conceal the fact that
he was going to the concert.
The simple truth was that Atherton
was very fond Of music He was devot-
ed to music in his youth, and even row
was a member of the church choir, in
which his daughters voice was accounted
the finest. Anterior and his daughter
rarely missed fine concert or new opera.
But how could Mayberry know this?
Il fear l may interfere with your ar
engagements if / remain longer" said
Mayberry, rising.
IF you refer to the concert"-she smil-
ed don't think | ever required more
than fifteen or twenty minutes, at most,
TO get ready to sc anywhere"
| Mayberry thought of the long ii.alf-
hours he had sat in sundry parlors, Wait
| ing the appearance of his lady friends.
| They were getting on famolsly, these two
yet not a word had been uttered that
could possibly indicate their estimate or
appreciation of each other, when suddenly
| the door opened and Atherton entered.
AS his eyes III upon Mayberry, his man
ner underwent a change. Instead Of well
coming him, instead OF holding out his
hand. he said in a constrained manner:
I'VE meet once again"
Mayberry, scarcely knowing what to at
| tribute the change to, answered at ram
dom:
Yes, twice in the same day
Then he remembered how much was ar
stake. and plunged into the hart of the
matter.
''Mr. Anterior. l have made an appoint
ment for tomorrow, when we will call on
Mr. Mead"
Tomorrow. Atherton's eye was on
his daughter.
If you cannot go tomorrow, make the
time to suit yolr own convenience. Your
presence vii. be absolutely necessary
and the sooner the better"
Anterior, who was standing, still avert
ed his gaze as he replied: Il don't think
| can 90 tomorrow"
/ e. h 20 n
day. but Anterior continued silent, Cntil
his daughter interposed.
Can you not fix day, father, that will
suit you both? Mr.. Mayberry has been
waiting some time to see you.'
Il don't know-I can't say
The puddler stopped suddenly, and laid
his hat aside Mayberry's pride was
touched Possibly something had caused
the puddler to change his mind. Perhaps
he regretted the terms he had made with
Mayberry. Perhaps he could do better,
and wished he had not been so precipi-
tate. Or possibly other causes were at
work. Mayberry with his usual decision,
cut the knot at once.
IF you have changed your mind since
we have talked it over, l will return the
paper you gave me-"
mo, no! | did not ask you TO return
the paper" said Atherton, in visible dis
| treSS now.
THAT is the very reason / feel | must
return it now, Mr.. Atherton," said May
berry as he produced the paper and hand
ed it to Anterior.
| Then, as the puddler took it reluctant
~, Mayberry added coldly, III at any
time / can serve you in this matter, you
may command me"
20. very well. just as you please
I just as you please" answered Atherton.
II wanted time to think, but since you've
returned it-why that's an end of it"
He spoke in cold tone also. May
berry, whose hand was on the door knob,
bowed to Miss Anterior, said good even
| ing' to her father, and was gone.
When he was outside, he felt like enc
who was stunned. 1t seemed as though
the world had no longer anything to in
terest him. What had happened to Ather-
ton? What did it mean, anyhow? And
Irene! Was this the end of his dream!
Did all love dreams end as abruptly as
this one?
When they were alone, Irene Atherton
turned to her father.
ITO be continued)