The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1905-02-14

1
and decided TO enjoy TO the full her
last day Of the fairy gift which was to
vanish so soon. She slipped narrow
black ribbon on the watch and reck.
lessly wore II all day. She did not
dare to look ut Il or exhibit II to the
girls. but the knowledge that Il was
ticking steadily in her belt brought
Vomfort
!
"can l see the iady-the one who
lost her watchT' she asked. and she
F, was at once shown into room with
luxurious appointments. There was a
log hre In the CRATE. with comfortable
lounging chairs and books In every
available space. II carried Myra back
to those other days now dim In her
memory.
"You have found my watchl How
glad I ami" The speaker came close
to Myra. with outstretched hands and
eager smile. She was as beautiful as
any Of the women whom Myra served
during business hours.
The girl laid the watch in the others
hand. Surely with all Miss Shepherd
possessed she could have spared this
toy. but II was hers. and she must have
II.
"It was my mothers" said Miss
Shepherd softly. That Is why l can
not thank you enough. And YOU win
accept this little acknowledgment"
she said. trying to press roll Of bills
into Myra's clenchcd hand.
"No," said Myra. Its yours. l
want nothing"
"But promised = liberal reward"
"And had lt--all the week The
watch was such good company" She
did not mention the picture.
And TO all Miss Shepherds argu-
ments and entreaties Myra reiterated
"No." The picture held her firn. She
could not take the money for that.
In the end she allowed herself to
be persuaded to remain until the rain
ceased and to drink cup Of tea.
Here's Tom. You must meet himg
exclaimed her hostess proudly as the
door swung open and there entered the
original of the photograph.
One look from Myra, and then her
lashes dropped In embarrassment The
others discussed the watch and its re
covery. At first Myra could scarcely
follow what they said. but they were
so kind, so full Of interest about her
and her little experiences, that she
soon found herself chatting freely and
laughing at Toms funny sayings; still
she rose in trepidation to find how
late 1t had become.
Tom (she had not discovered his 9th
er name) insisted that as his automo-
bile was at the door he would take her
home.
"Oh. nor gasped Myra in distress,
turning to her hostess. "Td rather
take car"
Don't you Ike motors?'' questioned
Miss Shepherd kindly.
Tve-Tve never tried one" admit.
ted Myra.
"Then that settles It," exclaimed
Tom, and Myra found herself hurried
to the door, with Miss Shepherd exact
Ing a promise that she would come
again.
Yes, dor' urged Tom as they went
down the steps "She really means IT.
Isn't she jolly?"
She's very kind. How happy she
must be-so pretty and such a beauti-
full home, and-and YOU
Myra had not meant to say that at
all. II just slipped out.
"You bet. She's the best sister that
ever a fellow had
"Your sister, stammered Myra, and
somehow in her surprise she nearly
missed the step of the motor car, but
Tom caught her.
"of course. What else did You
Myra felt her face flush hotly. She
trembled little, but she did not say
just what she thought. In fact, she
did not tell him until the following
Christmas. Tom had presented Myra
with what had once been the desire of
her heart, gold watch.
Il can't take anything so hand
some" she had said, shaking her head
Tom only laughed. The case flew
back, and there was the one face in all
The world for Myra.
Sweetheart, I claim liberal re-
ward" said Tom. "Please take me
.0o."