Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1905-06-30
FANTASY--OLD TIMES.

! stl11, white collar, which seemed alto
gether too high for his short neck,
and thoughtful look rested in his
eyes.
The door opened slowly and an old
man entered He seemed strangely
out of place amid the rich surround
ings of the room. He advanced irres-
olutely a few PAGES, and then stood
still, surveying the man before him
with grave eyes. Finally he spoke
with voice musical and clear
Pardon me for intruding; but
rather thought that you might wish
to see me tonight. | called at your
office before. but you were so busy
that"
81 remember" interrupted the mag
nate. the light of recognition coming
into his face "You are Old Times.
believe? | am sorry that | was en-
gagged when you called Won't you
sit down? Let me take your coat"
The old man chuckled as the other
took the threadhare garment and laid
it across the back of a chair
Thank YOU" he said as he sat
down. 81 was afraid that you were
going to ring for your man to take
my things"
The magnate smiled. 81 was about
to do so" he said; but somehow it
came more natural to help you my
self" He took an imported cigar from
his pocket and held it toward the
old man
"Will you smoker" he inquired.
Old Times smiled and shook his
head IF you don't mind he an
swered, Il shall light my pipe; am
more used to it."
by all means, said the magnate
cordially. Il really think that | should
be glad to smell the old brand again
Old Tines lit his hipe and watched
the smoke as it mounted ceilingward.
1T is wonderful comfort he sigh
ed, this old pipe of mine"
Lord knows answered the other,
pulling at his collar, "one needs com
forting nowadays
Old Times regarded him wistfully
for a moment Things have changed
somewhat, haven't they?' he said,
looking about the room. since"
Since [ made my money! Ques-
toned the magnate, knocking the
ashes from his cigar
That's it, that's it," assented the
old man eagerly. Things have chang
ed since the days when we used to go
about together SO much and were al
ways cOnfidng our hopes and dreams
to each other. Do you remember how
you always said that you were going
to settle down in little cottage some
where, and how you pictured to me
a thousand times the way your chill
dren were to run out to meet you
when you returned home in the even
ing, tired and happy, and | even re-
call your describing how the smoke
was going to curl from the chimney
and show white against the sky"
The magnate shifted uneasily.
But the old man continued: And
that pretty girl with the blue eyes,
whom you were always telling me
of. Do you ever see her now? | re-
member you used to think her the
most wonderful creature in all the
world, sweet, and unselfish and wo-
manly"
The magnate interrupted him nerv-
ously But she was entirely out of
the question" he said frowning
she wasn't then" answered the
old man softly.
The other chewed at his cigar and
drummed on the arm of his chair.
Old Times regarded him for a mo-
! 10
he asked abruptly, when did you see
your children last?"
"Why-er-you know I've been so
busy lately" answered the magnate
alphabetically.
The old man sighed and rose. Il
think that | shall have to go he
said.
The magnate assisted him into the
worn coat and handed him his hat.
Must you leave so soon?" he Ques-
toned
| Old Times waved his hand toward
the window. q just heard your car
riage drive up, and | am afraid that
your wife will be waiting for you.
Are you going to the opera"
The other nodded YEARLY. Eyes"
he answered, for the second time
this week; but then you know it is
very fash" He stopped abruptly and
, pulled the end of his mustache
a faint smile lowered for moment
on Old Times thin lips. and he held
out his hand Goodnight" he said.
The other grasped the hand and
pressed it warmly. And you will
come again."
Eyes, | am always glad to come to
you when you can find time to see me.
/"
There was a timid knock on the
: door, and the next moment the mag
, Mates man stood upon the threshold
Madam is waiting sir" he said
softly-Sunday Magazine