The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1904-04-14
CUPID CHAUFFEUR

kided into a state of silence, and, alas,
immobIity. In a moment the chauffeur
nras of his seat, and 4poking about in the
machinery. Then he went TO the door
of the carriage and touched his hat.
Beg pardon, miss he said, but she's
broke down anil have to go to the shop
Tn soxry, but you'll have to get around
the city some other way.
. The girl on the back 1seata tall hand
some blonde with the bluest of blue eyes
uttered and exclamation. If this isn't
too bad And I've just two hours to
see Washington before my train goes,
Can't you call another auto for me?''
The chauffeur glanced around him. '-Oh.
yes'm,'' he said. ''Of course. There ought
to be some here nthe stand now. only
there amt But I'll go in an telephone
for one right away"
dol Or stay, there's one waiting at
the postoffice door now. Maybe it's for
hire"
The man looked doubtfully at the ma
chine indicated Don't think so, miss,
he answered. That's private machine,
or / miss my guess; still, I'll ask Leav-
Ing the girl he walked over to the curb
ard addressed the young man sitting on
the box of a handsome automobile.
No one familiar with the new horseless
vehicles would for one moment have sup
posed that the one in question was for
hire. Racer appeared in every line of
Its build and costliness in the exquisite
nicely of its construction.
That anything but an instant negative
would be the answer to his query
whether that machine was for hire?"
had never passed hfs brain. so his aston
ishment may be guessed when the young
man on the box started, glanced at the
girl still sitting in the injured vehicle a
short distance away, flushed deeply and
replied In the affirmative. Then, with
oct waiting for further explanation, he
promptly ran his machine to the side of
the other and halted to permit the girl to
climb in. The next moment they were
swinging down the avenue at a lively
gait
The girl leaned over "Ahem" she
said Did the other ma ntell you where
1 wanted to go?'
said you wanted to see the city,
ma'am," returned the young man,
spectfully, but in a curiously muffled
tone. He had kept his head aveTted, al
most as If he wished to conceal his fea-
tures-a wish-if it were w1sh-in which
he looked at the machine, bat not at the
driver.
When the chauffeur spoke she started
and glanced curiously at him, though
his voice struck some dormant chord in
her memory Yes she said, az do
want to see the city, but 1 want to get to
the depot by 3 O'Clock My train goes to
l,,o oso in,
then.
''Yes'm; I'll get you there in time. Go
ing east, ma ann"
Again the girl looked at him curiously.
'|Yes,' she answered. slowly. I'm on
my way to college.
''Oh-er-you believe in the higher .edu-
cation of women, them
The girls eyes were dancing with fun
now. Under certain circumstances, she
said as that the capitol?''
"Yes'm. that's the capitol. Under GER
tain circumstances. What circumstances.
for instance"
oh a stepmother at home, for in
stance How many senators are there?"
Three hundred and eighty-six, 1 be-
lieve A stepmother might be terror
to some girls, of course, but most of them
can get away from one home to another
without going to college
How? BY the way, is that the IL
brary?"
"Yes Why, of course. most girls have
--have-can marry" The man was speak
ing eagerly now, but he still kept his
face turned away and threw the words
aver his shoulder
Married, Whew, That's a very rad
> zeal remedy 1t might be worse than the
other trouble How many books are there
IN the library?"
Two or three million. l believe. oh,
no, You wouldn't find it so. L insure
Think of growing into a specialized old
maid, All college girls do. you know.
Then think of the young fellow just long
ing to make home for you
What building is that?"
THAT? Oh. the patent office, or the
pension office. or something, Think Of
But suppose the girl has sent him
away?"
Then let her whistle him back and
see whether he won't come"
The girl glanced at the broad back of
the man before her, while her shoulders
ouivered with silent mirth Then she
emitted a clear soft whistle.
The effect was magical. Instantly the
chauffeur swung around in his seat and
faced her. Bessie" he exclaimed. do
you mean it,
The girl smiled al him. though her eyes
Were dewey. "Of course l do. Frank she
said. Inever thought you Eould go
away as you did just for a word. No,
No, KeKep your seat. You can say all
that's really necessary from where you
are
.Of course, The minute 1 really
looked at you. But you'll make me miss
my train
Train? No train for you, I'll not take
any chances now. Your interest in the
city may have lapsed, but here's the City
Hall Shall l so up and get a marriage
license, or-will you go in with me?"
He had sprung from the seat and stood
holding out his hands, the light of love
pleading in his eyes. Won't you go in
with me. Bessie?" he asked again
For an instant the girl hesitated: then
she took the proffered hand. Yes.
Frank she said. softly. Il Will go with
you, now and always"
Bless that old gasoline rattletrap that
broke down with you.'' he cried. 1t
must have been one of Cupid's up-to-date
charlots in disguise. '-Crittenden Mar
riott. in San Francisco Call.
THE FATE OF al"
The British naval maneuvers of Ports