The Mitchell capital. (Mitchell, Dakota [S.D.]) 1879-1918, 1903-03-13
A LAKE STEAMER ROMANCE
BY Angela Morgan.


In the first place it never could have
Esther would have repulsed him at once.
She prided herself upon knowing just how
to handle such an affair.
But there are certain conditions under
which even the greatest stickler for pro
spriety may be tempted to waive the pre-.
cious rules which form his usual cooe o.
conduct.
Seasickness is one Of these conditions.
Esther had been reduced by 1t to such a
crushed state of humility and misery that
the proffered assistance-even the ex-
pressed sympathy Of a total stranger
seemed a thing to welcome rather thaa TO
reject. That the strange CHANGED 10 be
a man was no matter. Esther was ready
to accept his aid and grateful enough
for 1t.
Besides she was convinced that his mo-
tive was one Of simple kindness merely.
ut ouldn be anything else, she
! thought with dismal amusement, remen-
boring the doleful image her chatelaine
mirror had revealed. 'No one would care
to hirt with a fright. 1t a be that my
BURBERRY lips, dun complexion and wind
tousled hair attracts him."
Esther did not know that In spite OF
these drawbacks she made a picturesque
hfgure on deck and hat her smile was
pretty and her big eyes bright when she
thanked the stranger.
He had not only insisted upon her taxi
ing his light tan overcoat as a protection
fiagainst the penetrating wind. but had
himself helped her into it with gentle So
Aicitude.
II AS a second act Of thoughtfulness he be-
slowed upon her a Chicago morning pa
lper. Reading, might divert your mind
Hhe suggested.
1t did. Esther seemed to have forgot
ten her s~easickness when the strange
ssyoung man glanced her way again. Her
face was alight with interest as she read,
Putting the paper down at length she
attempted to cut out one particular ar
iiticle by laborlously using her hat pin.
II He drew his chair closer to the railing
liby which she sat.
ALLOW me-" he said. and produced G
penknife.
'Thank YOU"
His eyes sought the heading of the ar
Eticle. IT see you are an admirer Of Joh
5Hart," he observed, as he manipulated
the penknife.
He could not have touched upon a sub
ject better calculated to draw Esther int
l'conversation. Her eyes. kindled. Tn
mere mention Of that writer's name in
variably aroused her enthusiasm,
II think he is splendid" she answered
Don't your"
"Oh. his squibs are quite readable"
Readable? Surely you think them NOR
than that? Why, John Hart is a strong
forceful, wonderful liter"
You preserve his edirorials?"
Every one. They are the kind on
ewants to read and read again."
you, think so? I cannot say they i'm
tpress me as being SO valuable"
Esther was on the defensive at once
The, fact of this man being a stranger wa
lost sight of In the heat of the argument
One topic led to another. He talked abb
"a and entertainfngly FSfher5 listened an
Horgot that she had ever been blue an
Fcold and miserable.
"A case of diverted attention. she re
Fmarked, laughingly during q pause. 81
seems impossible that ] was so foolish
iy helpless at first. I'm ashamed of
, now. II simply crossing Lake Michiga
: has proved too much for me I'm sure
kgon't see how / could ever stand an ocea
Voyage"
i s.It ian't no ormidabla."