Montour American. (Danville, Pa.) 1866-1920, 1905-06-15
Miss
Warl;ng'S
Escort
Copyright 1874. D. ofho B ssHEA
BY
OTHO
h
SENGA

Cog,,isss. 1904 b orbO B. SeHEa
Six shabbily dressed men lounged in
front Of the fashionable hotel. Five,
evidently comrades, conferred together
In low tones; then one approached the
sixth man, saying guardedly, Are you
one of usE'
The man smiled half satirically.
Nav; I'm de real ting. seeE
His questioner turned away in dis
gust.
The man laughed softly, the low, en-
joyable laugh Of one who appreciates.
A tall young woman whose attire evil
denced wealth and refinement entered
the hotel vestibule.
One of the five groaned softly.
"Who is she, Dyke| eagerly ques-
toned another.
Miss Kate Waring of Denver.
Worth half million and eccentric.
Visiting Cousin Dorothy. And me in
this beastly tramp's rigw
Miss Warnings stately entrance into
the great dining room was arrested by
the head waiter.
This way, madam" courteously. Il
will conduct you to the ladies' dining
room"
Miss Waring glanced about her.
1T Is not necessary" calmly. Il will
remain here"
Pardon me, madam, but ladies with
out escorts are served in the room at
the right. will conduct madam
Miss Warnings calm glance survey
ed the small crowded room at the right
and then returned to the great, cool
room in which she stood, with palms
and ferns In profusion. She noted the
many vacant tables and the number Of
ladies present.
II do not wish to go in there. pre-
fer to have dinner served here" max
ing the statement TRANQUILITY with the
air of one accustomed to have defer
ence accorded her slightest wish.
1.-The rule Is imperative, madam" !"
with courteous firmness. Ladies with
out escort
Reserve that table by the window
with the ferns beside 1t, the third on
the left" And the graceful figure
turned to the outer door.
There was no hesitancy in Miss War
ing's voice or manner as she addressed
the group of shabby men.
viii one of you gentlemen do me
a favor?" clearly and unsmilingly.
Six shabby head coverings We're Off
IN an instant, and six more or less
manly forms bent low before her.
Thank you ALL" gravely. II want
one of you to act as my escort and my
guest, that may be accorded the privi-
lege"-the scarlet lips curled trite-
''of having my dinner where | have
chosen to have it. | will ask you,
please" turning abruptly 10 the one
who had designated himself as de real
ting"
"Oh, but began one of the un-
chosen eagerly.
Miss Warnings face and gesture for
bade further words
Il thank you all for your courtesy.
If this gentleman accepts
1T is u privilege, madam" bowling
gravely.
"'De real ting is he? cried Dyke
vengefully when they were out Of hear
Ing. Did you observe his speech and
that bow? He's one of the fellows set
TO watch u.s."
Nonsense, Dyke! There isn't a man
In the class as old as he. He's seen
actual tramping, I'll stake a thousand
on It. Why didn't you tell Miss War
ing who you are?'
Aren't we under oath not to dis
close our IDENTIFY" demanded Dyke
hotly. Besides, look at me"'
Il ordered a table reserved" said
Miss Waring to "de real ting"
II see it-third on the left"
He led the way with easy grace, a
light of amusement cleaning In his
dark eyes at the evident CONSERVATION
of the waiter, who hesitated slightly
before seating the serene young lady
and her strange escort
Miss Waring ordered the dinner with
precision and discrimination.
II hope" she remarked pleasantly
when the waiter had gone-'I hope you
approve my order"
There was not the slightest embar-
rassment in her manner or condescen-
sion In her speech-the man was her
guest
"The order is perfect madam. and,
permit me TO say, admirably given"
Miss Waring smiled.
Are all Of Bostons s"-she paused
for an instant in search Of Il word that
might not embarrass her guest-"sub-
merged, such Chesterhelds as the six
to whom l spokeT
1.-The others are Harvard studentS.'
Harvard students" In momentary
bewilderment. "Oh, l know. They
are doing penance."
THAT is the meaning, madam, though
not the term they use"
Are your lightly, yet with an anx-
lous tone in the low voice.
IT am genuine hobo"
She passed her cardcase to him.
You should know who is your host
ess," graciously, land l will ask the
name Of my guest"
| He took out two cards, writing on
the back Of one and returning II TO her
with the case.
She glanced at the writing