The St. Louis Republic. [volume] (St. Louis, Mo.) 1888-1919, 1903-12-13

convenience.
Up to that time he had been rec!use
close student, who had not gone in SC
ciety to any extent, and was not part:cu-
larry interested in women. He had neve:
had love affair.
The Quiet. studious life he was leading
was not only due to his natural disposi-
ton, but to the fact that, being the head
of the family. he felt that he had no time
| for frivcl:t,, Eis father. though he had
made several fortunes. had left little
money.
When young Preston Blair failed to re-
| turn in time to go to the station. duty
| that would not have been unpleasant to
him, since he was fond OF society girls, 1t
| was with reluctance that Jim. as dutiful
con, drove to the old depot
| CASE OF LOVE
AT FIRST SIGHT.
When the train arrived. II has been re-
lated in later years Jim's p-econcsived
idea for the greeting was to go UP and
kiss the young lady in a perfunctory,
cousinly way. ask about his Washington
relatives and then tell her the news Of his
own home. IN the matter-of-.act manner
that the average person employs toward
most kinfoIks
stepped from the platform a tall, graceful
eirl with the air Of a princess. dressed
simply In the most correct cut OF tray
cling gown of the period.
Bubbling over with animation. a quality
that has always distinguished her. she
rushed upon him and upset everything he
had intended to say. She was so frankly
cordial. yet bearing a suggestion OF re-
served dignity withal II occurred to him
that to use his cousinly prerogative by
kissing her might be presumptuous.
On the way to the carriage she studied
him with her great, sparkling eyes. She
talked along in ripping, musical voice.
asking questions and answering some Of
her own to which he had not replied save
in monosyllablesN
He noted her masses OF light brc-n
hair. prettfly curved mouth. and a Arm
chin denoting much character. vlvacity,
energy. determination and womanly
strength were recognized. Her aquiline
nose-cvery feature appealed to this
analytical young lawyer. who said to him.
sell: Here's girl any man should be
proud to call his wife. She will help
him."
In the carriage. on the way to the Blair
home. her beauty and the charm of her
conversation began to weave a SPELL. He
resolved before the vehicle stopped at the
house that he would ask her to marry him
before she left st. Louis
SWEETHEART BEARS
HIS MOTHERS NAME
Preston Blair. Jr., selected to act as es-
cort for his cousin. when it became neces-
sary for one Of the boys to take her to
some social function, soon found that his
glory had departed.
Jim Su1dden1xy dovolonod %o.d,- o..
receptions. dances and such things, and
instead OF having to be coaxed by his
mother as on the occasion Of his cousin
Apolline's arrival, 1t became necessary in
the course OF few weeks to suggest to
MIN that he should not monopolixs the
girl who was sought by many Of tho
beaux Of town.
Early in the courtship Jim noticed that
his pretty cousin did not wear low-neck
and short-sleeve dresses -lik: the other
girls, and the reason for 1t was recalled
to him:
While at an Eastern boarding school fire
had broken out in one Of the rooms and in
saving the life Of roommate. Apolline's
own dress had become ablaxe. Though
she was not badly burned, a few slisht
scars remained.
This heroism added a spark to the flame
Of sentiment.
Another fact which appealed to the
young attorney was that his sweetheart
bore the same name as his mother, who
was Mise Apolline Alexander. and to whom
Jim was devoted.
Before his cousin departed for WASH
inuton after .ir vasL.. 15.t tha,r a.
gagement was announced and n few
months later. in February. 1sRs thew x,era
married.
They began housekeeping in a modest
home on Locust street under au.nices NON
,:dered NV friends IN have been rnost hon.
nv.
REGJN MARRIED uEE
Under HAPPY AUSPICES
-,
Jim bia'rs aoihty was recognized. Hs
had distinguished himself In school. and
after returning from Princeton Univer-
sity had taken clerkship in the CITY
Assessors office. where he worked hard
and at odd fi,nes continued the study oe
Law nnttl 1s7p when he u,., admitted m
the hsr and began ,,ra ctic,n-
He had gained some nronninence before
his MARRIAGE and wear later wa. an
pointed a memher ~ the Roard ~ Poiira
ed to reforms and ~ that s.rIv date
vhs, =. az
about sumo c,e.rar n,.thna. aa =. D ,.o.,t,ns
and ,nrn,c,n., 80, Ne'us III NH'"
II Ss. ras,,.s s .ns.
qualities ~ ~. .a.sa. u. iasAsu ..ns ne.y
tbo .,o,,, a.. ~o y Mre Ons "
a rneosa trto,,as. ~ .ne CNH waI peI.ou'
The .on ho~a,... S.a ea's nHe Den.ou:
diplomat,c ""e s"He"u' or'sn' ai'o
.what Him Iact. hi. ,,,. ,,,,..
friend remarked .oor t. ~ sssss;,
..sbe ia fine ant,thss,s ~ ,,n. ~ ha.
the dete-minatio n and sw.an,n. S,,s,,t;as
necessary for icadershin Sha M, a-asn
him to the front. "eer
Thoueh she visited his oA7ce freouen+lv
and his felIow.attorneys noticed thai he
would drop any business IN t.It ~ ber
or send a message to her thew also hs-
came aware that he was prodrai,,. odd.