The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1903-06-30
THE GIRL WITH THE GREEN HAT.
Copyright, 1903. by Robert Howard
RuSseII.)

RusseIl.)
We'll, you see, Willis, I'm not sure
just how much longer can hold out
against their attractions"
What do you mean. Naude?" her
mother asked, returning from her usual
abstraction TO catch the last words Of
her daughters sentence.
It's her ~confounded nonsense about
these personals" her brother interpos-
el, angrily. shes daft about swe
ing n of them and I says it's a simple
outrage for her wen 70 contemplate
such a thing,-much less do il. No de-
cent woman would take any notice Of
them
Whats this-what's this?" and the
broker rustIed his morning paper into
a heap between himself and the table
10 kok at the combatants. What's
go.ng on, girlie?"
Why. its just this. daddy; I've read
these personals in the Herald. day after
day. until I'm wild TO answer 1T of
them just for a lark, and Willis, the
austere. has simply exploded at he
bare suggestion. Now. dad, just listen
for a moment: Could there, honestly,
be any harm if I answered one through
the papers and neither came face 10 face
with the man nor communicated IN
writing in any possible way"
What nonsense, OF course there
could be harm. 1 wouldn't think OF it
for d moment"
But. dad" cOaxingIy. you can see
for yourself how harmless it would be.
1 only want the fun Of It. Ill be very
discreet"
Discreet.' echoed her brother,
mockingIy. she does not know the
first letter Of it, What about this mys-
eriou friend of hers in Gath street
whom not one of US knows? Does that
look like discretion? Why does this
mystery persistently refuse to accept
Maude's incitat:ons TO this house? It
looks peculiar, to say the least"
He means Coris Beck" Maude said
with tears in her eyes. She won't
come here-poor clearinghouse because
she thinks that she looks too shabby
Ldtib VI LldppCIA ~ CIiI rOAAC =
There is not a thing mysterious about
her, Indignantly, unless it's her beau
ty."
Tears in the eyes ofMaude We're too
much for her father. He sat up straight
CT and looked sternIy at his son. Come,
come. now. Willis, this is going a little
too far. You are not only d~iscOurteOus
to your sister, but are unjust as we'll
If so, l apologize, Maude,' the
young man said, rising with his usual
air of hauteur. But o must admit
that a friend whom none of us knows
is somewhat open TO suspicion, special
~ when you are as Yet unaCquaInted
with the world outside OF the college
wall and may therefore make mistakes
in your selection of wOmen-friends."
And with a cold 'goOd-mOrning" to all,
he strobe from the room.
willis has been d~readfully out Of
sorts for some days past" sighed Mrs.
Stuart in mild apology. I cannot think
what aiIs him
indigestion" suggested his father,
pushing back his hair from the break
fast table and brushing the crumbs
awful stickler for the proprieties. He's
from his ample waistcoat. Hes an
growing worse every day"
Hes probably in love" said Maude,
rOmanticaIIy "Crankiness is one OF the
worst symptoms
How do you know. young lady?' her
father asked, laughing
Maude leaned her elbow on the table
and regarded him with arch entreaty.
Instinct. daddy" she said. the same
instinct that tells ME that You are going
to let me have my way about those per
~sonaIs."
i don't like the idea, grille"
But III be cautious. Just try me his
once"
Well. then" weakly. no communi-
cations except through the newspapers.
No meetings and no addresses eXchang-
ed. And-one. only"
Yes. yes.-you darling old bunch of
caution-Iu promise anything." And
with an embrace that left him slowly
recovering from strangulatiOn, she
danced jOyOusly from the room.
Three hours later she had rushed
down to the house on 34th street, and
upon being admitted ran UP the stairs
un~announced. Her tmperiOus knock
upon the door Of 4 room were the click
OF a typewriter vas heard caused a
sudden cessation of the work Within.
Gracious. what a hurry YOU are n!
What's the matter" and the door vas
opened by a tall. golden-haired girl who
regarded her caller with astonishment.
Maude embraced her mysterious
friend" with ardor.
Why. I'm in for a good time at last
and want your help. I rushed here
the first minute l could 70 tell YOU. Is
eniuS burning-do I inIerrupt?'
No" dejectedly. the fires are out.
Sit down here IN tn bed" Il the
young author swept the pages Of her
manuscript aside 70 make room for her
caller. Nov whats the fun"
Well, just listen: I'm going TO ans
ve- a personal and have = end OF d
lark playing a trick upon somebody"
\ PERSONAL" ~scornfuIly, Don't men
ZION personals to me-! I'm perfectly fU-
-r--- H. 80 --.--Jj-- IN Au-SD