Middletown transcript., 1906-05-19
7 can do II / Elizabeth said.


strewn with pretty gowns and
bits of finery.
A purse lay open in her lap
and she had been counting It's
contents.
I can do it, she said again. l
can do it-and | will!
Then she arose-yith a flush
on her cheeks and strange gilt
ter in her eyes-and began to
pack the trunk.
Elizabeth's arrival at the Pines
was oddly unconventional. Dur
ing the drive from the station
the lightning had en'incessant,
the thunder ominous. The driver
had made good time, but the storm
broke just as he turned in at the
open gates, and a heavy gust
catching the clumsy vehicle
broadside, over it went.
There was rush to the rescue
and Elizabeth, shrieking and
laughing and disheveled but un-
hurt, was the first to be dragged
from out the wreck.
But her adventures were not
over yet; and as she started to
run to cover, another great gust
caught her and fairly hurled her
into a mans arms. They closed
protectingly about her, and she
suddenly found herself lifted off
her feet and carried over the wet
lawns and up the steps and then
set down-very carefully, as if
she might easily break-safe in
the shelter of the wide porte
cochere.
I beg your pardon, the tall fig
ure before her was saying |
really couldn't help doing it!
She looked up at him, small
and flushed and disheveled. Oh,
but I'm really very much obliged.
I don't know where I should have
blown to if you hadn't stopped
me-
And-you're not hurt !? he in
quired.
Not at all, though I fear my
clothes are. And she looked rue
fully at the mud upon her hand
some travelling gown.
No matter, he heard her mur
mur to herself, the delirious week
has begun.
Then she smiled gratefully up
at him, nodded. and followed the
hallboy into the office.
Her rescuer followed slowly.
Her face and figure and sprightly
manner had strangely attracted
him.
She had signed the hotel regis
ter and telegram had been
handed to her. As she read it he
saw her expression of dismay.
Not bad news, | trust ? he could
not help saying as she looked up
and met his eyes.
Read it, and flushing, she hand
ed him the despatch.
1t was addressed to Miss Eliz-
abeth Reed Monroe, and read
"Will be unable to inin you at The
Pines. Aunt ELIZABETH"
My chaperon, said Elizabeth.
So I suppose I ought to go back
tomorrow
No, indeed, Miss Monroe don't
think of it, he said I'll introduce
you around, and everyone will
understand how it happens you
are here alone. And by the way,
are you any relation of the Iyoe-
Monroes? They are great friends
of mine.
My cousins ! said Elizabeth.
We're you at their splendid house
party last Easter-just before Mr..
Monroe's sudden death?
/ was, indeed. And you?
You don't rememb ber seeing
me ? she asked archly.
Moo, yes-but surely ! do ? It'll
seems as if l must have known
you-always. Ah,yo are laugh.
ing at me-but you were there ?
We certainly are old friends, he
declared.
With a bewildering smile for
his only answer, Elizabeth en-
tered the elevator and followed
the hallboy to a small and lofty
room.
When Elizabeth appeared again
it was almost suppertime. She
had laid aside her muddy gown
and was dressed with exquisite
refinement and good taste.
AS she stepped from the eleva-
tor her quick eyes spied the
lounging figure of the "old
friend" evidently on the watch
for her.
Smiling radianty, she assented
to his proposition to walk around
tho niaZZaS. SincR the storm had