Aberdeen herald. [volume] (Aberdeen, Chehalis County, W.T.) 1886-1917, 1906-08-06
CHAPTER XIX.

CHAPTER XIX.
Had the keen witted Easton been asked
why he felt impeled to disburse ten
guineas for the benefit of the lessee Of the
Epic Theater, he would scarcely have
been able to make an immediate reply. In
his rapid, airy fashion he had picked up
and pieced together certain little bits OF
evidence tending to prove that the young
people with whom he found himself on
somewhat sudden terms Of intimacy were
| exceedingly interesting.
Matthew Mark Easton was leisurely
surveying the half-empty house when
Miss Winter. Helen Grace and Oswin
were shown into the box by an official.
His quick glance detected a momentary
droop of llelen's eyelids. A laundering
man would have made some reference to
Tyar's lateness of arrival. Easton did
no such thing. He proceeded to draw for
ward chairs for the ladies', and did the
honors with a certain calm ease which In
| no way savored of familiarity.
Il should like" said Miss Winters, un.
tying the ribbon of a jaunty little opera
cloak. 1.-THE darkest corner"
"Why!" asked Helen, almost sharply.
Because the piece is said to be very
touching, and invariably weep"
Sorry" said Eas,on; sorry it cannot
be done. But can lend you huge pair
| Of opera glasses"
But" urged Miss Winter. my tears
drop-audibly on the program"
We want the dark corners for the men
the background" urged the American.
holding chair invitingly. 1--WE love the
III AOW--- oh CrapoS"
Speak for yourself" said the sailor.
bluntly, pulling forward second chair
and seating himself Immediately behind
Miss Winter.
One great fault in Matthew Mark Eas-
ton was soft-heartedness. He was one Of
those mistaken men who hesitats to pun
ish a dog.
ut appears" continued Naston as ~
ars entered the box, that the piece 10
touching. We shall require your moral
support that calm exterior Of yours will.
l surmise, assist us materially to keep u
serene c0uutenance turned toward the
stalls"
Don't be personal" replied the Fin:
glishman. you may rely upon me at the
pathetic parts. 1t il some years siuce l
wept."
1.-THE last time did it," said The Amer
lean, thoughtfully, was when got my
ears boxed because another fellow broke
4 window"
Helen and Miss Winter laughed. They
all felt that there was hitch somc-
where. They were conversationally lame
and halt.
I'VE both told untruths about it," con.
tinued Easton, determined to work this
mine to its deepest. But mine failed.
while his succeeded. That was why
wept. Mine was not an artistic lie, |
admit but it might have got through with
little good luck. There il nothing so
humiliating as an unsuccessful attempt to
pervert the truth. Have you not found
that SO, Miss Winter? But Of course you
would not know. l apologize: am sor-
ry. OF course you never tell them"
"Oh, yes" said the lady, candidly, II
do"
At this none the curtain was drawn
up, and Miss Winter broke of suddenly
in the midst Of her confession. turning
toward the stage and settling herself com.
| fOrtably to watch the play. In 70 doing
she unconsciously drew her chair a little
further away from Helen. and thus left
her and Claud Tyars more distinctly
| apart.
Go be cOntinued.l