The St. Mary banner. (Franklin, Parish of St. Mary, La.) 1889-1931, 1903-02-14
THE PROOF or
THE PUDDING.

| That has always been my opinion
or, at least, always since stopped let
ing mamma form my opinions for me,
said a distinctly pleasing feminine
voice behind him.
Cotton turned casually around from
the desk by the wall, where he was
writing his usual grist Of Sunday let
ters, not SO much because the hotel
stationery is both excellent and mex
pensive, as because his own room was
lonely, to see who the speaker might
be. The great room was filled with
men and few women, seated at the
small tables drinking and chatting,
while the walters moved silently
about well groomed products of the
tipping system. The table few feet
from Colton's elbow was now occupied
by wholly charming girl and young
man who Cotton instantly decided was
unworthy Of her In the first place he
was touch too good loking, and in
the second place his clothes fitted his
figure too we'll. so Cotton thought, for
a man evidently in his senior year in
Divinity.
Cotton turned back to his desk, not
to write, but to listen.
I'm glad to hear you say so," the
student said. continuing the convesa-
tion begun before entering the room.
1--WE found lots Of girls. up-to-date
girls, too, who didn't agree with me.
But what will you have to drink?"
Lemonade: said the girl.
"Oh, try cocktail" urged her COM
panion.
"No, thank you," she answered, with
that peculiar half laugh those who
know women are aware is the express
ion of finality.
Cotton mentally scored one for the
girl, while her companion, calling a
waiter, ordered a lemonade and a
Scotch.
"Yes," the man continued, Il have
always said that it was unjust and silly
in a country so universally respect
full to women as ours, to deny a girl the
opportunity of making chance ac-
quaintances. say during long, tire
some railway trip, or something of that
sort. If girl is coming alone from
Cleveland to New York or a Pullman
car, and if there is young man near
her, evidenly a gentleman and Of her
social position, why on earth isn't it all
right for her to accept his offers to.
make her more comfortable and to pass
away the dismal time OF the journey in
pleasant for both of them?
| can see no harm in it."
Nor l." said the girl. II have al
ways thought that, as told you. If
one has common sense, such things
can be managed all right. The trouble
is, girls put our theory into practice
too young, when they don't know the
world, and get scared into primness."
Nov, If they'd only wait till they
are grown up anil sensible like you,"
said the man, with what Cotton de-
cided was undue effusiveness, how
much more delightful time they could
have, with something of the freedom
IN getting fresh viewpoints from
strangers a man enjoys"
Cotton stole another look at the girl.
Yes, she was decidedly charming. He
began to wish he were hypnotist and
could make the man ask her on what
lay and train she would return to
Cleveland. Just then she glanced at
him. He turned back quickly. Could
t be possible? No, he told himself;
IN the train, perhaps, but not here
while her caller was with her; it was
,nly his hope of reading fulfllment
nto what was not there AS the dram
ltist said, there is limit to all vanity,
wen that of a Harvard man.
Again, haven't you been forced 10
vait alone sometimes for long while
n a place where it was not wholly
,leasant for girl to be without an
scort?" continued the young woman's
Such situations are bound
o occur. Now, wouldn't it be much
nore pleasant for you II nice man,
erhaps seing your embarrassing po-
ition, spoke to you, to feel free to ac-
ept his friendliness In the spirit in
ended, and to chat with him to pass
way the tedious waltz"
'T should feel quite free to talk
nth him." said the girl. IF he behaved
imself."
"And II he didn't you girls have al
rays a way Of artistically turning US
own sad her companion. with
worldly sniggtr." $50 Cotton mentally
Rgged his laugh.
Rather" said the girl.
But ri tell you what makes me m.