The Washington times., 1903-09-13

lHiS piedSuTe-ine pleasure OF meeting
Alice Bronson and finding her the same
Alice as OF old"
The pretty woman at his side blushed
and laughed like girl of sixteen. Then
she inquired how long her companion in
tended to remain in the city.
Il meant to take the train tonight"
was the reply, ''but-yes, l can tele-
graph believe I'll stop few days,
ought TO look about town a little, and
hunt up some more old acquaintances.
And Alice. l should like 10 know your
mother. I'm sure we should be good
friends. That is, if you don't object to
my calling
OF course Miss Bronson could have no
objection TO continuing the renewed ac-
quaintance. and of course her mother
would be pleased 10 meet such an old
friend.
There was one more reminiscence that
Mr.. Bentley insisted on recalling.
You appeared TO understand" he be-
gan. my reference to the postofice in
the old corner desk. / spoke OF IT when
we met today. And you must remember
the last note ! wrote wou, which to my
everlasting sorrow. made you such peck
of trouble. How the teacher found IL
and insisted on your reading il before
the school. And how you openly defed
her and refused. That was fine OF you"
''Oh. 1 was quite safe. Ny uncle was
On the board of education in those days"
said Miss Bronson laughing a little;
still. think I had too much regard for
my private correspondence 20 treat +:
| that way in any case"
Yes. and the note wasn't signed,
continued the man somewhat eagerly,
"and she threatened. scolded and ca
! joled to make you tell who wrote it.
And you wouldn't You were a heroine
in my eyes that day. only l didn't know
how to tell YOU Sc"
How you remember things" exclaim-
ed Alice. But that was nothing-of
course not. I've no doubt Miss Llnmark
thought me the most obstinate and i'm
pertinent pupil she ever had to deal
with"
You, with your good record, 1 guess
not But how was II. Alice, / never had
an answer to that note. Didn't you get
it?"
With all her forty years, Alice Bron-
son had not outgrown the habit OF
blushing. Why. yes" she replied. II
insisted on her giving me the note.
believe 1 called her dishonorable for
reading another persons letter But
you know l couldn't take your note
seriously. Our boy and girl friendship
had been happy one. and I wanted it
TO remain so. Then there was the close
of school, examination, and other things
10 think OF. and just tried 10 forget all
about the note, while l remembered the
writer as kindly as ever"
The big man looked hesitatingIy at
his companion. When he spoke his
manner was slow and difident That
was wise and good of you. Alice-you
might well have scorned the foolish,
presumptuous boy; but I've been won
dering If it is too late-that is. II
might not yet hope for an answer 10
that letter.
Miss Bronson rose to her feet. once
more the calm, dignihed Alice. Mr..
Bentley" she spoke. Il cannot have un-
derstood you. We are strangers"
mo. no, Alice, don't say that" ex-
claimed the man. you have lived in my
mind these many years. l supposed you
married yOung-a shining light in the
social world. Had l known II to be
otherwise this long separation might
never have been. Think a bit and don't
give the note an unfavorable answer all
at once"
But. Mr.. Bentley. my life has heen
differently planned. 1t is quite impossi-
ble-''
Impossible Alice. let US conquer the
impossible" was the impetuous reply
I'm not half good enough for you. but
can show a clean. honest record. and
can take care of you and the mother
You see. I'll never forget your kindness
to the reckless youngster OF long ago
But don't answer now. Let us be school
boy and girl for the few DAYS I an
here. want you 10 help me search for
old landmarks, and. we'll. there are d
hundred other "reminiscences of old
Rockford YOU must aid me to recall
Miss Bronson gazed rather helpIessly
at her companion. Yes. he was the same
irrepressible, impetuous Joe-it was 10
use 10 reason with him in the old days
what could she say?
And then-the dinner gong sounded.
The couple separated as they entered
the pavilion where the long tables were
spread. and Alice was at once joined
by her friend. the vivacious Miss Chan
ming. They were seated together at the
table, and Marion's curiosity soon found
vent in a dozen questions.
'Is he such a bold, bad man. my
dear?" she began. And have you thor
oughly converted him from his naughty
habit of staring? No, l declare. he is
looking this way now But don't blush,
Alice. though l know il must be annoy
ing. You see. he is seated among the
officers of the day. He is TO respond TO
the toast OF Our Western Boys OF
course, you'll thank me for finding out
all about him while you were lecturing
him in the woods. Isn't he the most un-
assuming man for a millionaire?"
Marion. II you rattle on so We shall
not hear a word of what's going on ="