The Press., 1905-01-11
APRIL SHOWERS
 By Rufb .SdnFeIIe
Copyright. I9OL, by K. M. Whitehead

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 The raIndrops battered down as merrily and musically as if all unex- pected shower were most delightful thing. They washed the brick pave ment to a fresh red, making tiny rivu- lets of the gutters.
 But Phyllis Dalrymple was not oc- cupied with admiration of the rain drops pranks. 1t was provoking! Ten minutes before there had not been q suspicion of rain. And here she was cooped up ol the tiny piazza of an apartment house, without the remotest hope of rescue till the rain should please to cease How empty the street seemed too!
 A lone pedestrian! Enviable crea- ture, with rain coat and umbrella, sauntering along as if being out in the rain were the pleasantest thing imag- inable, and now-what an odd young man he was-stopping right ill front Of her to watch the tiny river swirl and divide upon an obstructing brick!
 "I beg your pardon, sir, but could you possibly jet me- Her voice fal- tered
 Herbert Ward heeled about and be- held, perched on the top step under the narrow shelter, most alluring picture of distress.
 Gan I be of assistance?" he began, drawing nearer, hat ill hand. You were speaking to mev'
 The vision stiffened from it's appeal ing attitude.
 You must be mistaken, sir. do not recall having met you" Then, hastily, at his look of injured surprise: "Oh, yes. yes Forgive me. did speak to you. Oh, please don't go away and leave me noww
 The bewilderment on Wards face was so very frank that the girl broke into a ripple of laughter.
 Really, must ask you to forgive me again. I do not mean to be rude. But 1t was funny to see you looking as overcome as I felt. There! That smile makes me sure you are good natured, and if you'll come up out of the rain I'll try to tell you"
 Ward accepted with alacrity.
 "You see was caught by the show er'-Ward nodded, with compre- hensive glance at the dainty toilet land I simply must go on. because promised to take this lace pattern to old Mrs. Walker, and I always keep my word. And couldn't wait very long either, because I've an engage ment at 8. And there's no car, no cab, no anything-and you just looked like salvation-and I was sure you hadR't anything to do, because you weren't hurrying at all, you know
 Mot thing except your bidding un- til B." assented Ward. ''I, too. have an appointment.
 'aThen you could just as well as not. you know, walk along? don't believe I ever asked any one before" she con- fessed, with a charming blush. in apol- ogy for her embarrassment.
 Couldn't have done so well with years of experience" declared Ward. looking interested. My worthy um- brella and humble self are yours most devotedly. And as it seems already to be raining quite little less vtciously perhaps you'd like to start" he sug- gested. @s8=-e
 You are very kind" replied Phyllis demurely, gathering up her ruftles pre- paratory to setting out. fFs .ss
 As a matter of fact, it was not rain ing much now. but the big umbrella and its stalwart owner. were excellent company in the deserted street. ess
 q almost believe like unconven- tionality." said Phyllis. picking her way as a dainty woman will. "Its so-well. different from everyday" < !.
 q am convinced that l like uncon- ventionality. if this is it." responded Ward.
 Phyllis looked reproachful. |.
 'This was what 1 thought about 1t before I first spoke" she said hurried ly. "Of course we don't know each other at alr'-
 "Worse luckv' said voice at her side. - 54E als.gl s3'es
 -"but need to be rescued, and he's apparently nothing better to do than rescue me- He looks trustworthy, and after he takes me to Mrs. Walkers, where can send for the carriage. we shall never see each other again.
 Never see each other again! Oh. l say, after do my best"- ,.- ssa
 -"and as am perfectly sure"-w1th no hesitation to show that she heard word of the protest-"from his appear ance that he would not dream of talk ing advantage of my confidence think I shall run the risk of appealing to his generosity"
 They walked for a minute silently. Then she stole glance at his clear cut face, flushed with modification. and relented.
 "You are doing me such favor more genially-"that I don't mind tell ing you that I was horribly frightened after I spoke and truly believe should have run away the minute you turned If it hadn't been for the rain" "@ Sts
 "Thank heaven for rainv' he mur- mured so fervently that they both smiled and caught each other in the act.
 "But I really think it's not raining a drop now," she said. There's noth- ing left but the sprinkle from the trees"
 "It would ruin your frock in no time." And he gave the exquisitel5 gowned little figure another openly ap proving glance. a ' "But, of course. responded Phyllis, II couldn't permit myself to presume upon your kindness when don't real ly need you, and, you see. the sun Is trying It's best to shine this very mm- ute." ts StaE#fsk #
 May failure attend its efforts that is-I mean you know how very un certain such weather is, and if I al lowed you to be caught again I'd never forgive myself w
 ''Oh. you wouldn't think of 1t ag'iin, of course" she laughed coyly. Hut I should be desolated if I caused you k, ~,;ee ,vo,,, U11if0