St. Tammany farmer. [volume] (Covington, La.) 1874-current, 1904-01-16

She looked at her watch aga:H Only
four more minutes had passed, but the
pangs of hunger were becoming unen-
durable. The chubby boy munched nuts
with apparently no thought OF his fell
low sufferers Katherine united the
pink string that bound the chocolate
box, upfolded the paper. lifted the lid,
AID ate chocolate.
When she had eaten three she glanced
at Westcott He was still gazing at the
wall. The walls in elevator shafts are
seldom interesting; this one was tinted
a bilious green-a color that Westcott
abhorred.
"How he must hate me-" thought
Katherine, eating another chocolate.
when he'd rather look at wall than at
me. l wonder what ought to do? II
we were utter strangers, cast away on a
desert isle, and he had one biscuit and
three drops of water, should think him
horrid If he didn't offer me half. sup
pose ought to offer him some of these
chocolates, even if we're not on speak
ing terms"
hdLuSA1A C, oAIlAAS WY SASSss esAAN 6%&~
ing straight ahead. pushed the box along
the seat. Westcott paid no attention.
"Will you have chocolate?" asked
Katherine, somewhat unsteadily.
Westcott was so sure that he was
dreaming that he did not make any an
swer.
1.-THE lady spoke to you," prompted
the elevator boy.
Westcott looked inquiringly at Kath-
crime.
will you-will you have choco-
late?"
mo, thank you," replied Westcott,
returning to the contemplation of the
green wall. -"
There was another long pause. The
neglected box remained halfway be-
tween the suspended passengers.
Il think you're very ungentlemanly."
said Katherine at length.
$50 you said last night" responded
Westcott, coldly.
you're more SO to-day"
"How?"
"You-you know I'm too polite to eat
and I'm fairly starving"
Westcott, with an air of exaggerated
politeness, took chocolate and ate it,
with his eyes fixed unsociably upon the
green wall. He dared not trust himself
to look at Katherine. Katherine nib
bled bonbon, waited in silence for ten
minutes, and again offered the box to
Westcott, who gravely helped himself.
This operation was repeated until only
one remained in the box. The remain
ing one was heart-sLaped.
Its heart!" exlaimed the elevator
boy, who had read too many dime
shockers" not to recognize an interest
ing situation when face to face with one,
and who was unable to contain himself
longer. you'll have to toss for it. It
is heart, isn't it,"
why, SO it isl" replied Katherine.
Twill you have it, Bob-pardon me-
Mr.. Westcott?" ~
Westcott shot a quick glance at Kath-
crime, who had gradually moved two
feet away from the end of the leather
covered bench, and was consequently
that much closer to the man she had
Tilted the previous evening.
do understand that you are Offer
ing me hearth" asked Westcott
Its your turn" said Katherine,
flushing beautiful crimson.
Westcott took from his pocket some-
thing that glittered, laid it in the box
beside the chocolate heart, and pushed
the box toward Katherine.
do we play fair?" he asked, with his
eyes on Katherine's.
The elevator boy, agog with excite
ment, retired discreetly, but with reluct-
ance, to the pages of his paper, but not
before he had recognized in the glitter
ing object ring.
And when he looked again the box
contained two hands, although only one
was visible; the man was no longer gaz-
ing at the wall.
The hand of the indicator above the
boys head was leaping from number to
number in curious fashion, sounds Of
ringing bells and impatient voices
drifted from the elevator shaft; but the
1A2A 1AO SAC AoAu pau III uCCu.
Then the boy moved the lever slowly,
even reluctantly, and the elevator
dropped quietly to the ground floor.
s'Oh!" exclaimed Katherine, drawing
her hand gently from Westcott's and
giving long sigh. Were actually
down."
yes" beamed the boy, "and you
might have been down Is minutes ago
Just as well as not; but l seen how
things was going, and thought I'd help
them along some"
you shall come to the wedding,
Cupid" said Westcott. slipping heavy
coin into the cherubic boys hand. And
he added, as they stepped out of the ele-
vator on to the solid ground: III I
ever own an elevator you shall run it.
Parsons Magazine.
Skill at arms is not 10 be forgotten.
and mounted comhafs and c0,nnnti.