The Colfax chronicle., 1903-06-27

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the Lady was not sufficient now.
The nurse was busy talking to po-
liceman, and so she did not see Mag
approach her charge and begin the
series of shy, furtive glances with
which child usually precedes conver-
sation with stranger.
my name is Madge, too."
The embryo belle drew herself
haughtily up at this overture. To be
admired at respectful distance is
one thing; to be accosted by a person
of such obviously inferior station is
quite another.
Il say, my names Madge, just like
yours. You're a lady, but amt, 80
they call me Mag"
"But-I don't think 1 know you."
81 know you. though. You're Madge
Kendall and your fathers a million
aire. My fathers goner, that'swhat
he is. My mother amt a goner,
though; she washes clothes"
The other betrayed a slight curl
osity. but deigned no reply.
Say, how many coats have you got 2
Three?
Il have five coats"
Mag opened her eyes in astonish.
ment, but before she could say an
other word the conversation was rude
ly interrupted.
Miss Madge! Miss Madge!" cried
/ the excited nurse, fastening up with
the policeman in her wake, you
mustn't talk to such people. Here"
turning savagely upon Mag, you run
away where you belong"
BE aft wild ye," commanded the po
liceman.
"Good-by, Miss Madge."
"Good-by-Mag."
Mag stood for moment gazing after
Madge, who was being led back to the
bench. Although her farewell had
been responded to, she felt that she
could never be friends with the other
who was SO jealously guarded. Madge
the lady must not speak to ''such peo-
ple.' 1t was her first experience with
the distinction of caste and she did
not wholly comprehend it. She only
knew that for some reason or other
the similarity of name was not suffi-
cient passport to the friendship of a
young lady with five coats and good
ness only knows how many dresses.
She sank down on a convenient
bench and buried her head in her
hands to think it over. Shehad always
been poor, and did not expect to ever
be anything else, but she had never
felt it so much. The shabby skirt
and ragged shoes looked more shabby
and ragged than ever.
1t all happened in an instant. Mag
was shaken out of her reverie by an
uproar of shouts from down the street
and the Gathering rumble of a runa-
way team. There was nearer sound,
the scream of frightened woman.
She saw the bewildered nurse, par
alyzed with fright, and the stout, awk-
ward policeman numbering in her direc-
tion. She looked out into the street,
and there, right across from her, was
Madge the Lady, too terrified to move,
and the heavy team bearing down upon
her. The policeman would never be
in time.
Mag darted from her bench, seized
the dainty Madge-ah, how soft the
velvet coat felt!-and fairly lifting
her off her feet, bounded to the safety
of the sidewalk. But there was Mrs.
Davis turning the corner. Mag had
forgotten her mother. She would be
captured and punished. No, she would
not be captured if speed could save
her.
Look out, there!"
Too late again, Mr.. Policeman!
Mag opened her eyes and looked
wonderingly at the officer who bent
over her and steadied the stretcher as
the patrol wagon jolted over rough
places.
How is she?"
"She's all right; safe as could be-
answered the policeman. He was a
stout policeman, who ran very slowly,
and he seemed to understand Just who
Mag meant.
What are you 'restin' me for, and
oh! what's the matter with my leg?"
Just keep still and ye1l be fixed up
as soon as we get to the hospital. Ye
see, ye jumped back into the street
again and the wagon hit ye."
Il remember. l saw Nom"
She closed her eyes and was silent
for moment. The policeman could
already see the hospital, not very
clearly. because there was dust or
something in his eyes, but they would
surely be there in another minute.
shes Madge the Lady--and she's
got five coats-and-I'm-Madge the
Mag-I-"
The hospital at last, but-too late
again, Mr.. Policeman!