Evening bulletin. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1895-1912, 1903-09-11
WILL N.
HARDEN

closely watched than formerly. She
had, with firm fnaity, refused Frank
Hillhouse's offer of marriage, and that
had not helped her cause in the eyes
of her eXasperated parent. Her mother
occupied neutral ground. She had
vague liking for Alan Bishop and, If
the whole truth must be told, was
rather enjoying the situation.
On Christmas eve Adele was expect
ed home from Atlanta. and Alan had
come in town to meet her. As 1t hap
pened, an accident delayed her train
so that II would not reach barley un-
I'll 10 O'Clock at night instead of in
the evening. so there was nothing for
her brother to do but arrange for their
staying that night at the Johnston
House. Somewhat to Alan's surprise,
who had never discovered the close
friendship and constant correspond
cnce existing between Miller and his
sister, the former announced that he
was going TO spend the night at the
hotel and drive out to the farm with
them the next morning. OF course II
was agreeable, Alan reflected but II
was a strange thing for Miller to pro-
pose.
From the long veranda of the hotel
after supper that evening the two
friends witnessed the crude display Of
holiday fireworks in the street below.
Half dozen big bonfires made of dry
goods boxes, kerosene and tar barrels
and refuse of all kinds were blazing
along the main street. Directly oppo-
site the hotel the only confectionery
and toy store in the place was crowd.
ed to overlooking by eager customers,
and In front of II the purchasers of
fireworks were letting them OFF for the
benefit of the bystanders. Firecrack-
ers were exploded by the package, and
every now and then clerk in some
store would come to the front and fire
off gun or a revolver.
All this noise and illumination was
at its height when Adele's train drew
up in the car shed. The bonfires near
at hand made II as light as day, and
she had no trouble recognizing the two
friends.
oh, what an awful racket" she eX-
claimed as she released herself from
Alan's embrace and gave her hand 10
Miller.
It's in your honor" Miller laughed
as, TO Alans vast establishment, he
held on to her hands longer than
seemed right. I'VE ought to have had
the brass band out"
"Oh, I'm SO glad To get home" said
Adele, laying her hand on Mlller's eX-
tended arm. Then she released 1t to
give Alan her trunk checks. Get them,
brother" she said. "Mr. Miller will
take care OF me. suppose you are not
going to drive home tonight"
Not If you are tired" said Miller in
a tone Alan had never heard his friend
use to any woman. nor had he ever
seen such an expression on Miller's
face as lay there while the lawyers
eyes were feasting themselves on the
girls beauty
Alan hurried away after the trunks
and a porter. He was almost blind
Miller deliberately beginning a fiirta-
ton with Adele at Il moments notice?
And had she been so spoiled by tine
fast set" of Atlanta during her stay
there that she would allow it-even II
Miller was friend Of the family? He
found negro porter near the heap of
luggage that IN been hurled from the
baggage car and ordered his sisters
trunks taken to the hotel. Then he fol-
lowed the couple moodily up to the ho-
tel parlor. He was destined to undergo
another shock, for on entering that
room he surprised Miller and Adele on
a sofa behind the big square piano
with their beads suspiciously near to-
gether, and so deeply were they en-
gagged in conversation that. although he
drew up chair near them, they paid
no heed to him further than to recog-
nize his appearance with lifting of
their eyes.
They were talking of social affairs
in Atlanta and people whose names
were unfamiliar to Alan. He rose and
stood before the fireplace, but they did
not notice his change of position. Truly
It was maddening. lie told himself that
Adeles pretty face and far too easy
manner had attracted Miller's attention
temporarily, and the fellow was dar-
ing to enter one of his firtations right
before his eyes. Alan would give him
a piece Of his mind at the first oppor-
tunity, even If he was under obliga-
lions to him. Indeed, Miller had great
ly disappointed him, and so had Adele.
He had always thought she, like Dolly
Barclay, was different from other girls;
but no, she was like them all Miller's
attention had simply turned her head.