The Forrest City times., 1905-09-15

said Mir. Payson. An. | have thought Excuse me: I'll be back in minute" and he turned quickly away.
 oh" what will he think of mel" moaned Katherine. This is awful, and she went into the room for anoth- CT try at the knob, which, however, proved futile.
 The sound of steps called her back to the balcony What in the world The carriage, MT. Payson on the box with the driver. was coming straight toward her. As it stopped. MT. Pay son stood upon the seat, from which he could just reach 10 climb to the bal eony. As he came over the rail, he said
 "Well just pretend I'm the janitor for minute. while I see if I can do anything with that refractory door, and he stepped into the room. His entire manner had changed, and Kath- | arine stood in amaZement at the vision of the paragon of propriety in her room on his knees before her door knob. What was more, he was run ming on with merry nonsense the while. in a way she could not have imagined possible. He was obliged to give up the problem, however, and re- turr,ed to the balcony.
 ''I see but one way for you, Miss Harrison. "I'll ask the driver to stand at the horses heads, and if you can climb the rail-it's not very high I'll stand on the seat and help you down. Can you manage it, do you think?' His eyes were dancing with fun. as he looked into hers. Could it be that the precise MT. Payson was en- toying this escapade?
 'I can do it all right" admitted Katharine, but. yes. will. l mustn't disappont Harry
 "Oh, stop him quick" she cried. i've forgotten my music! What stupid"
 Payson told the driver to turn back. then said:
 T don't wonder that you forgot it. But I'm equal to another raid on your room"
 But it's not my room Oh, how can I ever get it? It's in the music room."
 You must have it, suppose?"
 T could get along, but my accom- panist-" The carriage stopped at the entrance.
 "Is there a balcony off the music room. too?"
 Yes
 Then that's dead easy if the win dow is unfastened. If not glass is brittle' They drove to the side of the house and stopped, by Katharine's directions.
 The music is on the piano in my music-roll," said Katharine, as he en- tered the window
 AS they neared their destination, Mir. Payson said
 Suppose we keep the events of this evening to ourselves. Miss Harrison? Not that you have anything to be ashamed of; but I know what your life will be if Harry Thayer gets hold of what has happened"
 He is an awful tease said Kath- arine 'I never thought, but I'd have to explain, though It's kind of you if we could avoid telling
 "Of course We can. It's agreed, then, that it's a secret between us"
 Harry had no time to question as he dragged Katharine into the dress ing-room, saying:
 I've had to change the programme . now, so as to bring your first song b later"
 l. Don't be cross, Thayer." said Pay | son. Our delay was absolutely un- t ayoidable, on her part, at least" Q That was generous" thought Kath- o arne. And almost as if it was his t fault"
 n She was at her best that evening Il many telling her they had never heard y her sing so we'll Harry and MT. Pay Il son were on their way to her after > the concert, when Harry said:
 Much obliged to you, Payson, fol II escorting Miss Harrison safely here al e last But I'll relieve you now; car n take her home"
 "Thayer, said Payson suddenly
 how much claim have you to Miss T. Harrison?"
 s None at all answered Harry r promptly, only she's my cousin. and ;t I've always known her" a Then I take her home" said Pay ' son. decidedly. d Hope you won't be as long getting there as you were coming here. , Il laughed Harry. adding. as Katharine :? came toward them MT. Payson in- e ssts on finishing up the escorting t business, Kit. so I'm out" r As they left the carriage. Mir Pay Il son said:
 Why did you seem so surprised | when Thayer said I was to take you r home, Miss Harrison?" T "Why-I-thought you must be dis c gusted with me. I'd made you so E much trouble, and knew you were :. % particular about" - A ~, <.