Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1904-12-28
the COMRADfSHIP or VIRGINIA

and then they stood at the bottom and
looked at each other, laughing.
They sailed down the hill again and
again, until Virginia realized the dar-
Ing Of this unauthorized. unchaperon-
ed performance. Hilliard never hated
to do anything in his life SO much as
he hated to put up those hobs and go
In. He fingered in the shadow Of the
side entrance. He pulled off his glove
and held out his hand
ITS the best fun I've had in doz-
en- blue moons he said enthusiastic
ally.
She nodded, smiling. He retained
her hand for moment, then he gen
tly drew Off the scarlet silk mitten.
II don't like to shake hands with
good comrade with gloves on" he ex-
planned. She let him have the warm.
firm little hand moment-a very
short one-drew 1t demurely away.
Good night. Mr.. Hilliard," she said.
1--WE enjoyed it. too"
Miss Virginia." he urged, taking a
step after her, I've favor to ask of
you. Couldn't you-wouldn't your sis
ter be willing for you to appear at her
evenings nowY'
''This is nicer--and so is all the rest
of my world. Isydia's too much in
doors. don't like to wear my best
clothes, Mr.. Hillard."
TRY 1t. It's more fun than you
think Come down next time-please,
Miss Virginia. can't grow young
again and get back into your world.
You could put up your hair and put on
trailing skirt and-come into my
world Miss Virginia.
81 really must 60" She was on the
top step. her hand on the door. But
she could not escape him. He was at
her side in two leaps.
II should like to be In the same
world with YOU" he said rapidly.
Miss Virginia, come down next time
will you? 1t will just mean that you
are willing to be friends-comrades-
in the same world. You don't know
how long I've been waiting for you to
->e5osi S..s.s..,l- c =, .. :,
She was gone before the words were
fairly finished. Presently he was back
In the hot rooms and the crowd, a
faint flush OH his smooth cheek, and
singular sparkle in his eyes.
When at last Lydia entertained
again, Hilliad found himself entering
the crowded rooms at the Dennings
with a quicker pulse than any social
Affairs had ever caused him. AS the
evening drew to close and no Vir
ginla came, he blamed himself for ar
unwary hunter who had been follow
ing his game down the wind.
Louis" said Ted Dennlng's voice
In his ear, just as he had made up his
mind to so dejectedly home, come vi
to my den for minute, will you?-ol
you run up first, and I'll be along
I've something want to show YOU
Willingly enough, Hllliard escaped
to seek the familiar spot. He opened
the door unceremoniously-a stop
ped, with rush of warm blood to hi.
heart. With little cry of discounted
surprise Virginia tried to pass him
but his tall, broad-slouldered figure
filed the doorway, and he stood de
terminedly still.
But was this Nirginia-thls lovely
woman with the blushing face, the
sweet, bare neck and .ae trailing whit.
garments? A transformed and glori
fled Virginia, then! He stared at her
a joyful smile breaking over his grave
face. But with her head bent down
and turned aside. her hands hurriedly
pulling a tilmy scarf over her shout
ders, she was imploring like fright
ened child who has been caught at mis-
chief:
please let me go by. Mr.. Hilliard
was not going down stairs-really
was not. just dressed up for fun
for-for Ted to see. lit was just fol
| fun"
You didn't do 1t for me, then?" HI
would not stand aside an inch. HI
| felt with n thrill that her sudden In
tense shyness was far more slgnifican
than her appearance downstairs would
have been. The thought swept hin
Off his feet.
II always liked to dress up" sht
breathed. Its childish trick"
You told me you hated your bes
clothes"
II dO!-vehemently.
"Then why did you put them on?'
"I-you-Nlr. Hilliardm She raised
her head and tried to meet his lool
with dignity, but the lashes fell be
fore the light in his eyes.
"Virginia"-he took step forward
and bent to whisper the words-"yo,
did do it for me. only you didn't dar,
come down. Tell me, wasn't 1t SO
You We're willing to be comrades afte
ADJUST comrades for while, Vir
ginia-tIll you get used to it." he add
ed, under his breath.
/. Ted's step was OH the stairs. Hill
lard turned and closed the door be
hind him: he set his foot against II
Virginia looked up appealingly-nnt
found herself for one GREATNESS mo
ment in his arms.
4. Just comrades-tlll you get uset
to 1t, darling" he repeated softly, "ant
then, more-more!"
Hello. old man." called Ted, out
side. did you find it?"
"Yes. found It" answered hi
friends voice. with happy laugh
"Come in."-New York News.