Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1905-12-28

And as TO you sir sne asked, de-
murely, in reply
Il am trying to pass the time"
replied sternly.
II "And l." she replied, smiling.
As we emerged from the building, |
called a cab and handed her in. Be
fore l let it go, said:
Come. now, no more agency bust
ness until after the supper y if you
please"
agreed" she replied, merry smile
lighting her face-and | thought ] saw
a hint Of downcast eyes and hint
of responsive comradarie which we'll
nigh sent me into a fit Of vertigo.
That supper was a red-letter occa-
sion. | had never been much of la
dies man, but had met many women
of all degrees. and never had | met
one with the charm of this mystifying
| product of the matrimonial agencies.
She was so evidently up-to-date, so
well-informed, so wise to everything
going on in the world, so thoroughly
posted in affairs and so well able TO
discuss current topics. that | could not
reconcile her actual self with her posi-
ton as a woman Of fortune seeking a
husband through the mountebank
agencies. Why! without a cent, she
was a prize for a prince
While we sat at the little table in
the coy corner. a party consisting OF
newspaper fellows and an actor or two
came in for a bite. As | nodded care
lessly to them, and they returned my
salutation. puzzled expression
crossed Miss Norman's face.
"Who are those people?" she asked,
sharply.
"oh, Tom Bates, of the Universe;
Jimmie Burns. of the Recorder; Louie
Drake, of the Clarion, and Harold St
Hubert, the actor" replied.
DO you know them?" she asked
Then recovered my balance and re-
piled:
Il met Bates, casually. the other
night, and he pointed the others out to
me"
Then changed the subject
Later on we went TO the theater and |
before leaving her made an engage
ment to take her riding on the follow
ing afternoon.
lay in my room and ymoked that
night until far past dawn, buried in
visions. The evening had strengthened
and vivified every impression of my first
meeting with the girl There was no
question but she was l7dy ia every
sense Of the woodland her alert intelH-
genee was not the least Of her charms.
There was no dodeing it, was madly in
love with her All my doubts based on
finding her al a matrimonial agency
were cast aside
1would marry her without a question
as to her object in being there, said.
Then | groaned as | thought Of the
barrier Of her wealth and the cheap part
| was playing. For. of course, | must
be honest with her.
Finally | made my resolve. / could
not remain in SO equlvocal position |
would make a clean breast OF It, and
hope for her friendship at least More
dare not dream.
Perhaps years would efface the mem
cry of my duplicity, and when should
have attained a high position in my pro-
Iession, perhaps-who knows?
The next afternoon, far out on lone
some drive. | pulled myself together
and told her the whole wretched BUSH
ness.
Il owe you an apology as abject as
man can make. Miss Norman" started
N, tragically, Then | hurried on: II
am compelled to confess to you that I
am not what I have pretended to be.
Ny name is not Hiram Adams but
Stewart Vincent am newspaper re-
porter doing the matrimonial agencies,
getting material for story for the
Clarion. 1t was good enough fun be-
lore ! met you. but am heartily
ashamed OF myself row. and | humbly
beg your pardon. desire your honest
too much to go on with the
deceit longer"
had kept my eyes resolutely on the
horse. I now turned to her. and was
to find her face suffused with
bushes and her eyes downcast.
Then she uttered a merry little laugh
and looked at me with a mischievous
glance that nearly caused me to drop
he reins and gather her in my arms.
'lt's lit for tat" she said. Il am ON
the same assignment for the Universe.
was Just thinking how dread
fully cheap ! was. My name is Eleanor
Vance. I guess it's case OF two fools"
A great Joy leaped through my veins.
Not If We can be friends-no don't
mean that" said-"if we can go ON
with this courtship, Miss Vance. NV
Sunday editor told me to follow this
assignment clear 10 the altar-in fact
to get married, II necessary TO Get a
good story. consider it very necessary
haven't dollar in the world. but can
always hold a good job. Win you heln
me follow out my orders?"
Mine were the same" she repliad
softly and two salaries are twice As
much as one. this in a whisper