Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1903-10-31


wave my hand lightly to Tom Hall, who
is passing on the other side of the street
He stops, looks at me inquiringly, and
6nally crosses over.
why, what's the matter?" he ex-
claims, coming nearer.
Nothing. Why?"
by George, are you crazy?" as he
slaps me on the back.
Ionly smile at Tom. Somehow the sun
is so warm and CHEEKY that can afford
to be affable.
The office is dreary place. A horrid.
grinding place. Men come in and inter-
rupt your quietest thoughts. II that to-
bacco scheme 1 have afioat comes to a
head am going to take rest from BUSH
ness. Strange, though. had not thought
business cares irksome before. am to
dine with George Scott tonight It
seems there is a difference OF opinion
among the stockholders about the divi-
dends. When Scott left my office just
now he asked If I had heard good news.
He remarked in explanation that
seemed jolly to-day. Great Heavens,
can it be true that have not been jolly
all the time! But, then, this tobacco
scheme in Mexico has been on my mind
good deal of late.
I'm glad the day is over 1 dined with
Scott. The business wasn't so important.
after all.
At table this morning I took up the
paper, as usual. I don't care much about
the news to-day; but must make a pre-
tense. l must be careful about holding
1t upside down. That young Pennywell
Is dull, but he would notice that and sing
1t out before the whole dining-room. And
he might make 1t very embarrassing for
gentleman of quiet tastes.
notice that Mrs. Pennywell is staring
at the chair opposite me. 1t must be oc-
cupied. 1 glance slyly. 1t is, and she
has fuzzy pink bow under her chin this
morning. Sarah Belle wore pink. like
pink. My plate of mullins is steaming
hot. I am sure she'll like them. pass
them across. She looks at me amoment
with wide-open eyes, then, deliberately
ignoring my courtesy, she called the
waiter and requested a plate of mullins
for herself. She placed disagreeable
emphasis on each word II Sarah Belle
had lived I would have sworn that the
saucy eyes flashing at me and the scorn-
full, willful pout were hers.
am surprised to find Mrs. Wamp at
my elbow. Excuse me, Mr.. Gray, the
servants made mistake in placing Miss
Ashley at your table. failed TO remind
them Of your wishes. Mrs. Pennywell
has kindly consented to let Miss Ashley
sit at her table. Hers being the only
one with vacant place"
Can believe my own ears? Mrs.
Wamp speaks to me as If 1 were in the
habit of Directing to people at my table.
! She seems to take 1t as a matter of
course.
why, indeed, Mrs. Wamp,"I begin.
I am greatly embarrassed, for am
thinking of Sarah Belief mean, Miss
Asbley-picturing her at the table with
the lorgnette and that young Pennywell
with his inane grin. 'T am sure IL Miss
Ashley has no objection to sit here I
have none"
My face is very red, know, and you
may hear pin drop in the silence of the
| room.
She losses her head. I know she has
utCluSu vi the OlUGT Sne turns
about and coolly surveys 1t. She meets
the insipid smile of young Pennywell.
She evidently likes the scoundrel. She
pulls Mrs. Wamp down and whispers.
Mrs. Wamp smiles, mods and passes out.
I am surprised to see the young lady
proceed with her breakfast. | am all
curiosity. She pours the cream over her
oatmeal. like people who enjoy cream.
"Are you going to stay here at my ia
ble?" I venture
Wouldn't It be wise to have the table
surveyed first?"
"Why?"
II want to know the boundary line.
won't trespass any more, and I'll pay
back the mullins I borrowed yester-
day"
Forget about It." 1 began, ct mean
forgive me. My muffin plate Is yours
and the mullins on TT stopped.
wanted to say more.
"And you won't care, and you won't
be CROSSE"
Bless her heart and her Sarah Belle
like face. But I say aloud. with good
breeding and reserve, because, Of course,
she wouldn't realize about fishing-ponds
and pink sun-bonnets and curls and
dainty laughs and brown eyes, II should
be delighted"