The Washington times., 1903-07-05

| COuiu never nave happened TX
! George Dickinson had not been a
newspaper man. 1t might not have
happened If Alison Hepworth had not
come from the same rank and hle OF
hard workers accustomed to putting
aside personal preferences at the call
of the city editor. 1t was the city
editor who was the cause OF IL all
Everyone said it was a good match
after they had recovered from the FIRST
surprise at the announcement This had
come with the cards OF invitation 10 the
wedding and a sudden discovery that
Miss Hepworth had resigned her position
on the big New York daily. There may
have been a few more of Dickinson's
more intimate friends who had an ink
ling Of the matter but as for Miss Hep
worth she had kept her own counsel.
She was wont to do that concerning
her private affairs, and she was not the
less liked on the paper because OF that
1t was one of her charms: another was
| that when of duty there was no sug-
gestion of her business In her manner,
and she appeared only the quiet little
Rentiewoman that she was.
She was a thoroughly nice girl and a
pretty one, the men said. as they talked
over the affair, and as for Dickinson he
was a good fellow, and Miss Hepworth
would be just the wife for him. Then
they discussed wedding presents. and
shortly after Duluth, the city editor. be-
| gan to see how he could muddle things
up for the bride and oridegroom-to-be
and proceeded TO put his foot In it;
which is way city editors seem to have
when some one within their jurisdiction
has made private plan Of any kind.
| Monday was the day set for the we'd
ding. and on Tuesday. so Fate-which is
always pursuing a newspaper man
would have it, began an unusual series
of important meetings 10 last through
the week.
You couldn't manage to stay for
them, Dickinson. could your" asked the
city editor. They promise to be OF
great Importance, and it needs a man
OF brain as we'll as hrst-class short
hand man to do the work. OF course,
we can get some one to cover it. but
We know you. and 1 wouldn't like to be
| thrown down on ii"
But I'm going to be married on Mon
day" gssped Dickinson.
"Yes, L know. I know" replied Du-
luth, in would-be soothing tones, its
hard: I'm a married man myself. and l
know all about Il. But you see that we
shall only need you for the afternoons.
you can have your mornings and even
ings on, and you will have so much ex-
ira time when you do get away"
II don't know" said Dickinson grim
ly, OH think about IT."
That meant, as Duluth well knew. that
Miss Hepworth would decide the matter
"And I'm pretty sure Of her." he said
to himself with something like a
chuckle. 1--WE never asked her to do any
thing yet In the line OF business that
she refused
II Dickinson gasped when the propo-
sition was made to him Miss Hepworth
was dumb for a second or so when he
repeated it 10 her.
"You don't mean that We couldn't 20
away on the day OF the wedding as we
have planned. but must stay in New
York for a whole long week." she cried.
"Of course. it's a fool idea." said
Dickinson, mo one would have thought
OF 1t but"
But Miss Hepworth was laughing Wild
ly and il was several minutes before she
could speak. She had been wiping away
tears that were not all tears OF hyster-
icaI merriment.
'Tt is too funny, George" she said.
In all the time have been doing news
paper work II there was a tea or an at
home or anything interesting in the
few little social ends OF my life. there
was sure to be something unexpected at
the Office that never would have hap
pened on other days to prevent my go
ing have only been able to get to the
weddings of my friends at the eleventh
hour. But I did think. now that have
left the paper. that I should have a
chance 10 be married myself l sup
pose il they want you you will have to
stay"
You don't mean to postpone the we'd
ding do you?" asked Dickinson. anx-
iously.
NO. we couldn't do that with the
cards out-and besides. it's bad luck
They probably will let you OF Monday
for part of the ceremony anyway. II
you can only get there to make your
half Of the responses suppose the min
lister wouldn't mind explaining that you
were unavoidably detained"
Miss Hepworth was laughing again,
and perhaps a little Historically. Hys-
terics were not in her line but a girl
does not expect to be married but once
in lifetime. and it is annoying to have
ones plans upset.
At II o'clock on Tuesday, the day fol-
lowing the wedding. and the day OF the
opening OF the series OF meetings which
occurred so inopportunely. Mr.. and Mrs.
George Dickinson were walking down
Sixth Avenue. the nearest way from one
of the city hotels. 10 an elevated station.
Dickinson was IN his usual business
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