The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1905-07-20


on the painted one beneath.
An usher slammed down the seat
beside Elizabeth and laid programme
on 1t; then he handed the seat check
to its owner and slid away.
When you have broken your en-.
gagement with a man the night be-
fore, after stormy discussion, 1t is
not the happiest surprise In the world
to find him seated beside you at the
matinee. where you have gone to kill
time and forget yourself.
Elizabeth bowed stifi1y.
The man responded with equal
frigidity.
She read her programme with alb
sorbing interest. 1t was continuous
vaudeville,
II had no idea," said the man at
last, that you would be here or r.
"My movements need not interfere
with yours, Mr.. Gayden," said Eliza
beth icily.
She grew still more absorbed in her
programme.
A dear old lady, with water waves
and gold trimmed glasses, sat dswn
with thud in the seat on Elizabeth's
left and turned delighted smile on
the girl.
"Well, l declare" she cried, "if II
amt Bessie Mcintyre! Law me-the
very last person on earth l was think
In Of seem. How are you, dear?
And how's your mother? My son
brought me up to town yesterday for
little visit. He got seats for the
show here today, and he's comm for
me soon's his office hours are over
Amt that Nick Gayden beside you?
Howdy, Nick? You haven't changed a
mite since you left Girton. I'm real
glad to see you"
She stretched black gloved hand
across Elizabeth, and Nick was forced
to shake it smilingly.
'Well-well-well," said the old
lady, ito think Of my meetin' you all
here. And we were just talkin' about
you both last night See her blush"
she chuckled to Nick, as the quick
crimson spread over Elizabeth's face.
Il hear you're to be married. Yes,
indeed-we hear things in country. too. |
and, of course, since you alls families |
used to live in Girton, everybody's in
terested in you. Well, well! l wish
you all the happiness in the world, my |
dear-and you'll need it Marriage is
a mighty risky thing. And the weddin'
is to be in the spring, / hear. That's
good. June and brides and roses sorter
belong together" She stopped for
breath.
"We are not began Elizabeth. She
bit her lips and began again. I'VE
have
I'VE have decided nothing definite
"" Nick interrupted easily.
THAT right" the old lady agreed;
hold on to your sweetheartin' as long
as you can. It's mighty nice playin',
and it only comes once in a lifetime"
Elizabeth smiled in spite of herself.
Some girls are engaged three or four
times, Mrs. Barton" she suggested.
"Oh, jus fy-up-the-creeks," said Mrs.
Barton comfortably, not nice, sincere,
honest girls like you that know the
right man and stick to him when they
find him. / said the minute heard Of
your engagement: Now, there's a prop
er match. Both of em young, both of
'em handsome, well Off, good tempered,
sensible and steady. Show me a bet
ter, JOSIAH says l."
Il ought to tell you, Mrs. Barton"
said Elizabeth, with a rush. You're
I'm not
The curtain went up noisily. "Shucks,
honey" Mrs, Barton whispered, you're
too modest-uow don't talk to ne. I
haven't seen a show in three years.
Elizabeth turned to Nick with a furi-
Gus whisper.
This can't go on"
What are you going to doi" he ask
ed stifily.
Tell her.
Il won't"
Its perfectly absurd"
Nick shrugged his shoulders.
"S-s-s-h!" Mrs Barton cried in a jocu-
lar whisper. You'll have time enough
to talk to each other all your lives.
Keep quiet now"
After an unhappy half hour the white
curtain Of the vitograph rolled down,
and Mrs. Barton turned to the girl
again.
Il can't look at those things" she
said; "hurts my eyes. Now tell me
some more about yourselves-makes me
feel right old to think Of your two chill
tlren goin' TO get married. Law me!
remember the time you want no high
er than my knee. You were the worst !
yOungster in the county, Nick, and
Bessie want far behind you. And. '
aw, how you used TO hate each other!
Many's the time I've seen her pull that
tow hair Of yours"
"It Isn't began Elizabeth impetu.
ously.
"0h. yes" Mrs. Barton laughed, "Tt /.
always was tow. and It still is."
Nick grinned cheerfully.