The Forrest City times., 1904-02-26

when the l2 o'clock whistle blew Miss Nellson did not leave with the others. ne manager paused on his way out. A sudden summer shower was falling ana he had no umbrella, He returned to look for one.
 son?"
 No; l live so far from here, and I dlsllke the crowded restaurants. 1 bring my luncheon"
 Well, don't know but what will rave to telephone for mine. I cant 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-and l am making coffee"
 That sounds very inviting" he re- piled, and if you are sure you have enough to divide, will accept your offer"
 Mae was soon setting forth lunch con. From the cupboard she pro- duced an alcohol coffee lamp and while the coffse and steam were en- gagged in vapory struggle she brought forth little typewriting table, and covering it with a couple of napkins, laid out the contents of her luncheon basket-lettuee 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 bottle of cream.
 The manager looked on with amaze ment and admiration at these little housewifely acts
 II didn't know the office afforded such capabilities. he exclaimed.
 She laughed blithely
 Of course l couldn't expect to live so luxuriously in regular office, but in this house with all it's conveniences l for keeping dishes and things it seemed possible and pleasant"
 When the coffee was made they sat down to cozy little meal.
 'I never felt so domestic before" he averred.
 Having boarded at a 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
 ''I haven't eaten such doughnuts since l was a boy" he exclaimed. Now. see here, Miss Nelson. why couldn't we do this every noon? I'll keep the larder there well supplied" Could this be the grim manager? She assured him he was perfectly wei come to her hospitality, and there fol lowed week of dainty little lunch cons. In business hours she did not i presume upon their noon-time inti- 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"
 As if l could forget" she replied, with a happy little laugh
 The manager was particularly dis agreeable during the rest of the day. The next morning Campbell came to him.
 MT Alberts." he asked, may be out for an hour? I want to go 10 the train to meet my wife l His wife, And she went to the theater with married man! He gave the permission in his curtest tones. Just before noon he stepped 10 Miss Neilson's door and said, coldly:
 Il lunch down town today"
 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
 MT. Alberts. my letters are all copied and mailed May be ex- cused now?"
 Yes" he replied, shortly, wonder ing grimly If she might be going to meet-a husband-perhaps
 She pinned on he- hat, took up her gloves, purse and parasol and then came to the telephone which was in the dining room.
 "604, please. Is this Mrs Camp DtIl ltSlutHCt. W ny, Alice, uluD recognize your voice-so long since I have heard it. How are you? Had a good time? Yes. I am coming right up now. Got of carly today"
 AS she passed his desk the manager couldn't resist saying with a sheer:
 Are you a friend of Mrs Camp belrs?"
 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 I so with you?" he asked, humbly.
 Her eyes frightened in unmistake- able pleasure and the little wave of pink swept delieiously over her win some face.
 "Vec" cbo caid softly