The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1905-05-10
Enter: A Wine
COlOred Gown
BY RITA KELLEY
Copyright, 1906, by Rita Kelley
BY RITA KELLEY

ellng gown. Five minutes later In
tan rain coat and cap she splashed
down into the pools OF water on the
open platform OF the railway station
and faced the glarlng eyes of the han
som cabs. transfer wagons GAd n pri
vate brougham or two lined up oppo-
site. She paused under II lamp mid
way of the line and looked expeetant.
Only Il brougham and cab remained
when Miss Rand gathered ua her skirts
and started down the platform A
coachman In green livery WAS guiding
young woman In n wine colored
gown to the broughHm. Miss Rand
WAS hurrylng toward the coachman
when voice drawing from the cab
at her right made her stop short.
Hello. Kate" 1t said. What In
time are you doing here?'
We'll. Tommy Yates she laughed,
Offering her hand, isn't this funny?"
Yes. isn't III" he said, holding fast
to the hand. Don't you know enough
to come in out of the rain?"
The next moment she was settling
herself Oh the dry cushions.
I've been standing out there hours
waiting for some one to claim me-"
she said as the door banged shut and
the cab started Off And you sitting
here all the time! Cruel! What were
you doing anyway"
Looking for girl very much like
you" Tommy turned and gazed at
her The damp air had made little
blond ringlets about her face. You
are just as pretty AZ ever, Kate" He
leaned over and looked closer. Yes,
even prettier," he added.
Nonsense" she said, blushing as
the cab passed under an are light.
You are Just as silly as ever. Tom
my. You'll never get over that"
What" asked Tommy shortly.
stiffness"
Il thought | had said Tommy short
ly. But somehow think | never will.
either" Something In his voice made
her turn and look at him.
Il am going to Brettons' she said
after II silence. Il think II is 53S Grant.
II the coachman did get the wrong girl
| couldn't stand out iii the rain another
minute. You see, was to be identified
by my wine colored dress, but 1t rained
30 hard | put on this coat wasn't
going to have the gown spoiled"
"Ah-hw Tommy actually Rugged
himself. He babe the cabby stop at
Martins. How long has 1t been since
| saw you, KateF"
you have forgotten?"
NO | Just wanted to see If you re-
membered Four years since you Tilted
me-
The cab had stopped, and Tommy
was out In the streaming light OF the
cafe, ready to assist her She sank
back on the seat.
"Oh, OH" she protested. II forgot.
l was to be Mt the Brettons' for dinner.
They'll be expecting me-"
"Oh, pshaw Here | was delegated
TO look after a girl In wine colored
frock and now she disapproves of my
scheme OF entertainments
oh" said Kate. climbing out, 'ls
that 1t? thought you were simply a
convenience"
Now, see here''-Tommy tucked her
under the umbrella not kid any
more. I'm assistant cashier OF the
bank"
They were eating their soup, when
Kate Strengthened back In her chair.
Tommy Yates" she exclaimed, ut
was the other girl you were looking
fort
what other grip
why. the other girl In the wine col
Ored dress, The coachman was taking
her TO the carriage when you stopped
me-"
well, let him take her. You didn't
see me looking for her very hard, did
your"
Tommy Yates" Kate leaned over
the Ia BILE, chin In hand. do you mean
TO say this is one of your little gamesf"
Came Tommy was leaning over
the table too. II never was 50 serious
In my life"
I'm going"
Going? What do you mean? Please
don'tw
But, you see, It Is this way" she ex-
postulated. 81 don't know the Bret
luis. never bHW tUtH. IUty re
friends Of my mothers just moved
here, and It was arranged by the two
families that | was to visit them. 1t
seems there Is young man In whom
I'm expected to find congenial life
partner"
Hes Il nice sort" commented Tom
my.
You know him, then? Why. Tom
my, 1t isn't-it can't be your"
Tommy smiled complacentIy.
Wen go up after dinner and find
out" he said.
why, no." she laughed embarrass-
edly. "of course-how silly OF me!
They said his name was Frank Such
an ugly name! But. Tommy'-she
looked up suddenly from her salad
who was the girl in the wine colored
dressi"
That" said Tommy. "is rather DIFF
1cult to explain. Would 1t simplify
matters any II 1 told you she Is the
one who is to carry Off the friend of
the BrettonsT
And how about the friend?'
"Welp'-Tommy looked at his watch
she has an hour and half the start
Of you"
80 this is your little gamer she
cried. "Do you think for minute,
Tommy Yates, that I'm going to let an
other girl do me out: No, sir. He's
mine"
"Do you really think that much Of
fellow you never have seem" asked
Tommy anxiously.
Want him. Who said wanted
him? / wouldn't take him as a gift.
But II you think | am going to let an
other girl take him before he's even
seen me you're mistaken. She's up
there now, and they think she's me
! am She"
You are right She's having the time
Of her life"