Smyrna times., 1902-01-15

ry pulled himself together
HAS your uncle told you how good
he's been to me? No; of course not
He's not that sort of man. But I've a
berth in the c., r. and ~ office. I've
been there two weeks. and the fellows
are jolly, clever lot"
Edith smiled, and the tired look fad
ed from her eyes. During the remain
der of the dinner she chatted brightly
with Larry and those nearest them.
but young CrestOn was not deceived.
When they returned to the par!Or he
secured for her Il dim corner near a
window overlooking the garden. The
moist OdOr of spring rose from the
ground the sky was placid aud star
lit. He did not bore her with idle talk.
and the girl was grateful.
Mr.. HarlOwe was very kind to this
niece whose independence tried his
soul, and his carriage was ordered to
take her home.
Mr.. CrestOn was closing the carriage
door when Edith, with sudden COM
| junction for her languor, exclaimed:
Cant drop you at your rooms, Mr..
Creston?"
The young man laughed lightly.
I'm afraid it would be rather out of
your way. but if l may I'll ride as far
as yOIr fiat"
So he knew she had fiat. When
they turned into the dim. quiet side
street. an odd whim seized the girl.
"You've never seen our little den.
Mr.. Creston? l know it's rather late
and utterly unconventional, but won't
you stop bit? Somehow l dread my
own company this evening""
The invitation was accepted with
alacrity. y few minutes later they
were seated in the glow of the lamp
Edith leaning restfully against the
soft folds of her cloak While CreStOn'S
quick glance took in the dainty room.
whose every appointment had cope
from the home Edith had loved ana
lost, the girl was whimsically wcnder-
ing what would happen if her COM
paniOn. Mrs. Cornelius. in dur colored
wrapper and crimpers. should sudden
ly appear in the doorway and ask
about the dinner, as was her custom.
But Mrs Cornelius slept, and Creston
turned from his polite scrutiny of the
room to study Edith's face.
you are nearly worn out, Miss Har-
lowe" he remarked abruptly. DO you
have Your vacation earlY?
'In August, believe, though the
schedules not made out yet"
"Humph. August is a long way off.
Why don't you cut it all and go with
your aunt to-
Edith was aroused on the instant.
so uncle has been talking to you
and you've gone over to the enemy"
mot so bad as that" replied CreStOn
cheerily. Il shall always be on your
side. of course, but then | think you
are bit unjust to your uncle and aunt
when they really want you for theil
sake as well as yours"
"Oh. but you don't understand" pro
! tested the girl. Why. if | were tC
make my home with them my salary
would not pay for my dinner gown:
alone"
; "And you must wOrk?'
Il must work. | would be utterly un
happy if were dependent On any one
love work. indeed do"
Creston rose and drew his fine figur
Z to it's full height before the tiny fire
place and mantel From this vantag
/ point he gazed wistfully upon tn
graceful figure reclining in the wicke
: chair. But when she looked up at hill
Il the wistful expression had disappear
IL ed, and in its stead shOne light 4
y most masterful.
81 think that even the most ind
pendent of you business women nee
l. some one to look after you occasion
j. ally"
. Edith flushed.
u THANK you for the suggestion, an
may add that think you have dol
(. your full share in-er-looking aft,
~ me?
~ In a fash he read her meaning. 81
~ thought he was reminding her of Il
incident at the IL" statiOn-Of her ov
- carelessness and his so called braver.
- "Believe me, did not mean that.
- was only thinking how wan and tir'
and disheartened you lock-"
She held out her hand. with a smi
n that yelled tears.
Il am tlred anu n1frlu tonight, III
you were very kind to come in al
~ save me from myself. Will you cor
90 back some evening when am more
amiable"
~ John Harlowe met his niece on 10
-, er Broadway.
~ "Hello. Edith! Back from your '
=, cation? Come in and have lunch w
=. lue.'
an After they had taken possession OF
os- table among the palms and order
,ro the most cooling combination on
,a1. menu Mr. Harlowe glanced keenly
how the sunburned face of his niece.
iro Look as if you'd been living on
,he beach. Been having beastly weatl
7ho in town. By the way, young Cresto