Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-02-18

Though mid October. the Saturday noon
train for the shore was already well hied.
uurrying aboard from the last connecting
ferrvhoat John Ralston tossed his suit case
into the rack above. and with half-utter-
ed question, to which there was an aftirma-
tive nod, settled down in a seat beside the
prior occupant.
She was deeply engrossed in a magazine
This fact Ralston noticed at once from his
authorial habit of Judging people by their
mental diet He observed further that she
was becOmngly att.red in a gray travelling
suit What more he might have g!eaned
from a sight of her face was denied MN
if he would avoid the appearance of rude
ness. He pulled out magazine and be-
gan to look over its pages.
For an hour they Travelled in silence. At
Matawan he ceased reading TO speculate
upon his sudden visit to the shore. jim
letter had been most urgent. One of the
members of the louise party was contem-
plating the erection OF a summer villa by
the sea; perhaps Ralston could suggest
plans that would win him the architectural
contract. In addition. Miss Blossom was
to spend Sunday at Elberon. and he was
just the man 10 look after her He drew
forth his chum's characteristic letter and
re-rcad il.
My dear old pal and helpmate:
Eve were so disappointed that YOU could
not show up for our ten days house party.
Its been grand. bowling success, and
you'll have To arrange business 50 as to
take in its duplicate next season. How
ever, To fetch up at matters nearer by, can't
you. won't YOU, run down for the week
end? We're going 20 wind up with a little
dance, Just our same Old CrOW0-and one
new arrival Miss Blossom Of Boston. now
pursuing kindergarten work in the city. l
know YOU think our set 4 money-!azy lot,
but she's just your sOrt-oue of those who
plan their lives and do as the saying is.
Why, only this past summer she carried
bankrupt hotel on her young shoulders
for some little time, Just to help one of the
creditors. No. you needn't make up faces;
she isn't a he-spectackled bookworm, nor
yet wide-mOutked new woman. TO cut il
short shes the kind who'd make a stad
old hubby like me an advocate of Mormon
ism in less than no time: so run down and
save me. if for no other reason.
Miss Blossoms first name is May-May
Blossom. Thought I'd prepare You for the
worst. Poor bird. she can't help being
burdened with d foolish name; she was
born that way-at least she was born il
May. and her folks clapped that name on
her before she could raise any outcry. Any
way, you're welcome TO try TO change it
with orange blossoms.
perhaps a week would provide you with
material for a story-hOuse parties are Pro-
life In that direction. Lucky dog, who can
SqUander a Y on the altar of pleasure and
iiitI Sikt Il MY StEIke out OF a yarn at
the expense of your friends. As n further
incentive. Simmons. our new millionaire
acquisition. is thinking of erecting a sum-
mer home nearby, and | want TO put you
up against him. Wen let you talk shop to
him and books and other things to Miss
May Blossom. So come right along, like
the accommodating chap you are. Let me
know the train and I'll have my new ma
chine at the station, but don't bother to
wire IF you're too busy. You know the way
TO the house. and you simply must come.
Till tomorrow. then.
Your old CTOny,
Jim"
'ElberOn, Friday"
Just as eXtravagantly slangy and good
hearted as ever unused Ralston.
Further reflections We're cnt short by the
conductors husky announcement of Lit
tie Silycri Little Silver!" One of his bust
ness friends. whom he wanted to see about
steam-heating contract, was still Sc
questered at that place. he recalled. He
could stop off for part of the afternoon
and then reach Elberon in ample time for
dinner. Jumping up, he seized his suit case