Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1903-06-16
GEORGE BARR MccUTcnEON
CHAPTER ".


CHAPTER ~.
THE INVITATION EXTENDED.
WVHEY were called by the porter
carly the next morning. The
81 train was pulling into Wash
ington five hours late. Grenfall
wondered as he dressed whether for
tune would permit him to see much Of
her during her brief day in the capital.
After the train had come to stand
still he could hear the rustic Of her gar
ments in the next compartment. Then
he heard her sweep into the passage,
greet her uncle and aunt, utter few
commands to the maid, and, while he
was adjusting his collar and necktie,
pass from the car. No man ever made
quicker time in dressing than did Lor-
~.
"Slle'll get away. and that III be the
end of it, he growled. selling his traps
and rushing from the train two min
utcs after her departure. The porter
attempted to relieve him OF his bags
on the platform. but he brushed him
aside and was OF toward the station.
Nice time for you to call a man, you
IDIOT" was his parting shot for the por-
ter. forgetting Of course that the for
eigners had been called at the same
time. With eyes intent on the crowd
ahead, he plunged along, seeing nobody
in his disappointed fight "I'll never
forgive myself II miss her" he was
wailing to himself. She was not to be
seen In the waiting rooms, so he rushed
to the sidewalk.
Baggage transferred"
"Cab, sir"
"Go to the devil-yes, here! Take
these traps and checks and rush my
stun to - W. avenue. Trunks Just
in on D. and Or he cried, tossing his
burdens to transfer man and giving
him the checks so quickly that the fell
lows sleepy eyes opened wider than
they had been for a month. Relieved
Of his impediments, he returned to the
station.
Good morning, Mr.. Lorry. Are you
in too much Of hurry to see your
friendsY" cried clear. musical voice,
and he stopped us If shot. The anxious
frown few from his brow and was sue
ceeded simultaneously by glad smile.
He wheeled and beheld her. with Aunt
Yyonne, standing near the main en-
trance to the station. Why, good morn
Ing, he exclaimed, extending his hand
gladly. To his amazement she drew
herself up haughtily and ignored the
profered hand. Only brief second did
this strange and uncalled for hauteur
obtain. A bright smile swept over her
face, and her repentant fingers sought
his timidly. even awkwardly. Some.
thing told him that she was not ac-
customed to Handwriting; that same
something impelled him to bend low
and touch the gloved fingers with his
tips. He Strengthened, with face
flushed, half fearful lest his act had
been observed by curious loungers, and
he had taken liberty in public place
which could not be condoned. But she
smiled serenely, approvingly. There
was not the faintest sign Of embarrnss-
ment or confusion in the lovely face.
Any other girl in the world, he thought,
would have jerked her hand away and
giggled furiously. Aunt Yvonne In
clined her head slightly, but did no.
proffer her hand. He wisely refrained
from extending his own. II thought
you had left the station he said.
| We are waiting for Uncle Caspar
who is giving Hedrick instructions
Hedrick, you know, is to go on to New
York with our boxes. He will have
them aboard ship when we arrive
there. All that we have with US il
hand luggage. We leave Washington
tonight 3
II had hoped you might stay over 70,
: few days.
ut is:Srgent business that compeli
US to leave so hastily. Mr.. Lorry. OF
all the cities in the world, I have mos,
desired to see the capital Of your coun.
try. Perhaps may return some day
But do not let us detain you II you are
In q hurry"
he started, looked guilty, stammered
something about baggage, said III
would return In moment, and rushed
aimlessly away, his ears fiery.
I'm all kinds Of fool" he NUT
tered as he raced around the baggage
room and then back to where he had
left the two ladies. Mr.. Guggenslockel
had Joined them, and they were prepar
ing to depart. Miss Guggenslocker'i
face expressed pleasure at seeing him.
we thought you would never return
so long were you gone," she cried gay
". He had been gone just two min
utes by the watch. The old gentleman
greeted him warmly, and Lorry asked
them to what hotel they were going
On being informed that they expected
to spend the day at the Ebbitt he vol
unteered to accompany them, saying
that he intended to breakfast there
4 Quicker than q flash glance unfath
ENABLE as 1t was brief passed between
the three. not quickly enough, however
to escape Ills keen, watchful eyes, OF
the alert since the beginning Of his &C
4 quaintance with them, in conjunctiol
| with his ears. to catch something tina
might satisfy In a measure his burnin,
curiosity. What was the meaning o
| that glance? 1t half angered him, 70
4 in 1t he thought he could distinguish
annoyance, apprehension, dfsmay O
something equally disquieting Befor
| he could stiffen his long frame an,
| Give, vent IN fho dfupiAod ra<orcidoro