The Kinsley graphic. [volume] (Kinsley, Kan.) 1890-1940, 1904-03-11


When the II o'clock whistle blew Miss |
Nelson did not leave with the others.
The manager paused on his way out. |
A sudden summer shower was falling |
and he had no umbrella. He returned |
to look for one.
Don't you go to dinner, Miss Neil |
son?"
mo; 1 live so far from here, and |
dislike the crowded restaurants. :,
bring my luncheon"
"Well, 1 don't know but what 1 will
have to telephone for mine. can't
find an umbrella"
Miss Nelson hesitated.
my mother always puts twice as
much in my basket as can eat. If
you would like some sandwiches
1 am making coffee"
THAT sounds very inviting" he re-
piled, and if you are sure you have
enough to divide, l will accept your
Offer
Mae was soon setting forth lunch
con. From the CUPBOARD she pro-
duced an alcohol coffee lamp and
while the coffee and steam were en-
gagged in vapory struggle she
brought forth a little typewriting
table, and covering it with couple Of
napkins, laid out the contents of her
luncheon basket-lettuce sandwiches,
deviled eggs, cottage cheese, olives
and sugared doughnuts. From the
cupboard she also fetched salt, pep
per, sugar and dishes-from the
water cooler a bottle of cream.
The manager looked ON with amaze
ment and admiration at these little
housewifely acts.
81 didn't know the Office afforded
such capabilities" he exclaimed.
She laughed blithely.
"Of course l couldn't expect to live
so luxuriously in a regular Office, but
in this house with all its conveniences
for keeping dishes and things it
seemed possible and pleasant"
When the coffee was made they sat
down to coy little meal.
Il never felt so domestic before"
he averred.
Having boarded at hotel the
greater part of his life, with his mid
day meal snatched from a nearby rail-
way station eating room, this dainty
little luncheon seemed to him most
palatable and digestible.
81 haven't eaten such doughnuts
since was boy" he exclaimed.
Now, see here, Miss Nelson, why
couldn't we do this every noon? I'll
keep the larder there we'll supplied"
Could this be the, grim manager?
She assured him he was perfectly well
come to her hospitality, and there fol-
lowed a week of dainty little lunch
cons In business hours she did not
presume upon their noon-time init
macy, but was as professional as here
tofore. One day Alberts sat medi-
tating an invitation to Mae to attend
the theater that evening, he heard the
cashier say:
Don't forget, Mae, that this is the
night we take in the theater."
LAS if 1 could forget" she replied,
with happy little laugh.
The manager was particularly dis
agreeable during the rest of the day.
The next morning Campbell came to
+ him.
Mr. Alberts,' he asked, may 1 be
out for an hour? 1 want to go to the
train to meet my wife,
His wife, And she went to the
theater with a married man, He gave
the permission in his curtest tones.
Just before noon he stepped to Miss
| Nelson's door and said, coldly:
Il lunch down town to-day"
He saw a hurt look come into her
beautiful eyes, but he stalked away to
tough beefsteak and muddy coffee.
That afternoon Macs fingers fairly
flew over the typewriter. At half after
| four she came to the managers desk
Mr. Alberts, my letters are all
copied and mailed. May I be ex-
cused now"
YES" he replied, shortly, wonder
| ing grimly if she might be going to
meet-a husband
| She pinned on he hat, took up her
gloves. purse and parasol and then
came to the telephone, which was in
the dining-room.
1904. please Is this Mrs. Camp
bells residence? Why, Alice, 1 didn't
recognize your voice-so long since
have heard it. How are you? Had a
good time? Yes. 1 am coming right
up now Got off early to-day"
AS she passed his desk the manager
couldn't resist saying with a sheer:
Are you a friend Of Mrs. Camp
bells?"
"She is my sister," she replied in
surprised tones
She passed out the door and the
managers desk closed with a quick
bang. He caught his hat and overlook
| her short way from the office.
"Mayn't 1 go with you?" he asked.
humbly.
Her eyes frightened in unmistake-
able pleasure and the little wave of
pink swept deliciously over her win
some face.
eyes" she said SOFTLY