Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1905-08-23
Enter: A Wine
Colored Gown
BY RITA KELLEY
Copyright, 1905. by Rita Kelley

out OF her hat, pretty wine colored
affair that exactly matched her trav-
cling gown. Five minutes later In q
down into the pools of water on the
open platform of the railway station
and faced the glaring eyes OF The han
som cabs. transfer wagons and n pri-
vate brougham or two lined up oppo-
size. She paused under lamp mid
way OF the line and looked expectant.
only brougham and cab remained
when Miss Rand gathered up her skirts
and started down the platform. A
coaehman In green livery was guiding
a young woman In a wine colored
gown TO the brougham Miss Rand
was hurrying toward the coachman
when voice drawing from the cab
at her right made her stop short
Hello. kate," 1t said. What in
time are you doing herer'
We'll, Tommy Yates she laughed,
Offering her hand. isn't this funny?r
Yes. isn't itT' he said. holding fast
to the hand. Don't you know enough
10 come In out of the ramp
The next moment she was settling
herself on the dry cushions.
i've been standing out there hours
waiting for some one to claim me-"
she said as the door banged shut and
the cab started on "And you sitting
here all the timei Cruel! What were
you doing anyway
Looking for girl very much like
you" Tommy turned and gazed at
her The damp air had made little
blond ringlets about her face. You
are just as pretty as ever, Kate" He
leaned over and looked closer. "Yes,
even prettier." he added.
"Nonsensel' she said, blushing as
the cab passed under an are light.
You are just as silly as ever. Tom
my You'll never get over that"
"what?" asked Tommy shortly.
Stiffness"
II thought had" said Tommy short
ly. But somehow think never will.
either" Something in his voice made
her turn and look at him.
II am going to Brettons'," she said
after silence. II think il is 53s Grant
II the coachmnn did get the wrong girl
l couldn't stand out in the rain another
minute. You see, was TO be identified
by my wine eolored dress, but II rained
SO hard l put on this coat l wasn't
going to have the gown spoiled"
"Ah.h" Tommy actually Rugged
himself. He babe the cabby stop at
Martins. How long has IT been since
/ saw you. Katef"
You have forsoiteny'
NO. just wanted to see IL you re-
membered. Four years since you Tilted
me-"
The cab had stopped, and Tommy
was out In the streaming light of the
cafe. ready to assist her. She sank
back on the seat.
"Oh. OH she protested. Il forgot.
was TO be at the Brettons' for dinner.
They'll be expecting me-"
''oh. pshaw! Here was delegated
to look after girl in a wine colored
frock. and now she disapproves of my
scheme OF entertainment
oh" said Kate, climbing out, ''is
that it? | thought you were simply a
convenience"
Now, see here''-Tommy tucked her
under the umbrella-"I'm not kid any
more I'm assistant cashier Of the
bank"
They were eating their soup. when
Kate Strengthened back In her chair.
Tommy Yates" she exclaimed, ''it
was the other girl you were looking
for!w
What other grip
Why. the other girl In the wine col
'ored dress! The coachman was taking
her to the carriage when you stopped
me-"
well, let him take her You didn't
see me looking for her very hard, did
yOuf"
Tommy Yatesr' Kate leaned over
the table chin in hand. "Do you mean
to say this Is one OF your little gamesF
Game" Tommy was leaning over
the table too. II never was so serious
in my life"
I'm golng'
Going? What do you mean? Please
don'tr
But. you see. 1t is this way" she ex-
postuiated. Il don't Know the Bret
tons. l never saw them. They're
friends OF my mothers just moved
here, and 1t was arranged by the two
families that l was to visit them. 1t
seems there is a young man in whom
I'm expected to find congenial life
partner"
He's a nice sort" commented Tom
my.
You know him, then? Why, Tom
my, 1t isn't-it can't be you?"
Tommy smiled complacently.
Wen go up after dinner and find
put" he said.
Why. no." she laughed embarrass-
sdiy, "of course-how silly of me!
They said his name was Frank. Such
an ugly namei But, Tommy"-she
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