The Grit-advocate., 1905-12-15
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The Idea entered his head as soon
rs he awCke and remembered what
day 1t was. 1t came down with him
to breakfast, where the guilty knowl-
edge of 1t bound his eyes to plate and
coffee cup. The pretty girl across
the table was accustomed to seeing
the quiet, middle-aged gentleman go
through meal with scarcely glance
or word in her direction; and on
this particular morning her thoughts
were so taken up with preparations
for departure that she noted nothing
strange in his behavior.
The men she knew were seldom ST.
lent or preoccupied in her presence;
but then most of them were young
enough to be John Brownies sons.
Her fathers friends she met at home
were Johns contemporaries, but as
different in their attitude toward her
as the youngsters. The reason was
this: they had wives and daughters of
their own; browne was a bachelor
and. moreover a shy one
Although later the Idea grew def
mite and bold. in the early morning it
was pale. timid thing that shrank
from observation. So, to save it un-
necessary embarrassment, he hurried
through his breakfast and. pleading
business engagement, slipped away
from the table.
In the front hall he encountered his
sister,
why, John" she said, reproachful-
ly, you aren't going without bidding
Elsie goodbye? Don't you remember
she goes home to-day?"
"Of course remember" he replied,
trifle testify. But I see no need
of saying goodbye twice. At the sta
tion will be enough"
"Oh," said Mrs. Bailey, with graf
ffed accent, Il didn't suppose you
could get uptown again before train
time"
II thought of taking her to the sta.
tion and attending to her trunk and
things" he asserted
Indeed" she exclaimed. with in
creasing surprise. How nice Elsie
will appreciate it, l know. OF course
I've explained to her how busy you've
been during her visit. but fancy that
sometimes she may have been hurt
by your neglect. She doesn't under
stand. of course, your abnormal shy
ness with women"
DO you really think so?" he asked
anxiously. "She'd scarcely expect
much attention from an old fellow like
me, would she?-eXpect or welcome
it?"
I'm not so sure" answered Mrs
Bailey, with a smile. You seem to
know how to make yourself agreeable
enough with men. But suppose you
never will get over your fear of petit
coats.'
I'm afraid not" replied John, sad
ly. Especially when they're young
and pretty"
so you have noticed that Elsie's
pretty. That's encouraging, anyway.
Now from your behavior should have
believed that you couldn't tell wheth-
er she is tall or short, or light or dark,
or whether her nose turns up or
down"
up" said John "Just the least bit
! up-though why it should want to
turn away from such a mouth is more
than l can comprehend" he added, re-
'9ectively.
THAT will do" interrupted his sis
Ter with mock severity, as she pushed
him toward the door. When a man
\ passes fifty he shouldn't talk senti-
ment, even if he thinks it."
John wondered what she would have
said had she known the full extent of
his mental flight in that direction.
Fortunately, his meditations were a
closed book, even to his only sister.
He passed down the front steps and
caught car with his secret purpose
still inviolate.
His sisters guest did not leave until