Perth Amboy evening news., 1906-08-06
PERCY'S I~MPRUDENCE
by r vANDERzEE.

1t was the last Sunday ~
and the skating rink was cro"ueu Win
eager skaters, who few along the ice
to the enlightening strains Vi 'ne due
Hungarian band.
Who's that grip asked q man VINO
was watching this particular coupio
with keen interest. Melody seems
to know much about her"
"Chetwynd Hartop brought her' l
think; he's not generally over par
ticular, bat she must be somebody, OF
Preston wouldn't be seen WIN ner
every Sunday like this!" repiieu ms
companion. He's not to be causn
mapping. BY jove! she is handsome:
though. Look, they are coming rounu!
The couple few past like a nash Oh
lightning. and were lost amoag the
crowd again.
IT'S the last Sunday" she sx-
claimed.
Yes, 1t has been rippin' meeting
you like this. l never thought we
should become such pals. you know!
Percy Preston answered, letting MS
eyeglass drop from his eye. i say,
Id like to see more of you. How is 1t
we never meet at the same houses?'
1T don't know the same people as
you do;'' she replied, "and I'm always
so much engaged" ,
1T shan't be the last time we meet"
he thought to himself, IF can help
it. / say" he exclaimed, aloud, you
know these Sundays have been my
one relief from social boredom
"You fatter me-" she laughed. Bit
I am afraid this one must be u last
You are going away?" he asked
looking at her keenly.
NO"
Then can't we arrange something
tomorrow"
You're very persistent" she ex-
claimed.
He smiled in a sickly way.
Il am when / want to be, don't you
know. And I've made up my mind
about you. Are you going to the Went
worth's dance tomorrow EVENING""
81 don't know the Wentworths," she
answered.
Some people object to them," he
continued, SAY she's peculiar, and all
that. l believe her father did make
his money in glue or something of the
kind, but since she married Went
worth, that has all been whitewashed
over. He's a rippin' good chap. Does
the thing sp~lendidly with her money"
Money seems to be your chief
thought" she said. Il suppose you
wouldn't be seen with anyone II they
were badly dressed, even though they
might be above you in rank?"
well, it would make a fellow look
SO small in the eyes of his friends.
Nowadays we judge so much by appear
ances, don't WEI"
And the opinion of the world is a
matter Of such high Importance, isn't
lit"
He did not detect the sarcasm in
her tone He was not endowed with
too much wit.
Il am not really like that. though"
he hastened to assure her. "Once l
like a person, Id stick to them
through thick and thin"
"IIl remember that" she repeated,
significantly. "One doesn't meet that
sort of a friend every day. But this
must be our last round, for the people
are beginning to leave"
where are you going to-mOrrow?"
he asked, eagerly. She hesitated a
moment. then gave a little laugh.
Shopping" she said.
80 am l." She looked startled.
with my sister," he added, hur-
riedly. Il often do" They both
laughed.
Where shall II be, Them" he in
quired again. as they stopped skating.
81 really must 60 now" she cried.
well, II you insist, Gayford's at IL.
Good-by."
"Good-by," he replied. Don't for
get" And they parted.
IT was some minutes past 10 the next
morning when Percy Preston and his
sister entered Gaytord's. Bond street:
he looked eagerly round. Hats OF
every description greeted him on all
Sides. but he saw no signs of the par
ticular person for whom he was seek
ing. She had distinctly said II
O'Clock, and 1t was now only a few
minutes past.
He watched the door eagerly each
time it was opened to admit some new
customer, but still she did not ap-
pear. Would she break her promise ?
At last, in despair, he turned impa.
tiently to his sister, who was busy try
ing on . large hat.
'It suits madam beautifully, does
Il uot?" exclaimed a voice at his side
He started violently. He would
know that voice anywhere. But sure
ly-no, it was impossible. He turned
in amazement, and took one look a
the tall, black-robed figure, VINO wa
now trying on the hat herself in or
der to show 1t of to its best advan
tage. For one instant they gazed a
each other, he with horror, she Will
calm amusement. Then. without ,
moments hesitation, he looked quick
= again and mazda a holt fou ~.