Greene County herald. (Leakesville, Miss.) 1898-current, 1906-01-12
A BALCONY SCENE
By CAMILLA J. KNIGHT.
s,oG> Kaharn mnuten and he turned ouicl

away.
oh" what will he think of mew
moaned Katharine. ''This is awfulr,
and she went into the room for an
other try at the knob, which, however
proved futile.
Inc sound of steps called her back
10 the balcony. What in the world
Inc carriage, Mr.. Payson on the box
with the driver, was coming straight
toward her. As it stopped, Mr.. Pay
son stood upon the seat, from which
ne could just reach to climb to the
balcony. AS he came over the rail
he said:
We'll just pretend I'm the janitor
for a minute, while 1 see if 1 can do
anything with that refractory door,
and he stepped into the room. His en-
tire manner had changed. and Katb-
arlne stood in amazement at the vision
of the paragon of propriety in her room
on his knees before her door-knob,
What was more, he was running on
with merry nonsense the while. in
way she could not have imagined pos
sible. He was obliged to give ND the
problem, however, and returned to
the balcony.
L see but one way for you, Miss
Harrison" he said. "Ill ask the driver
to stand at the horses heads. and if
you can climb over the rail-it's not
very high-I'll stand on the seat and
help you down. Can you manage it,
do you think?" His eyes were dane
ing with fun, as he looked into hers.
Could it be that the precise Mr.. Payson
was enjoying this escapade?
Il can do it all right" admitted
Katharine. "but, yes. l will. I muslin.
disappoint Harry"
Hope it won't hurt your gown" he
said, as he sprang lightly down to the
seat. That's it; very gracefully done.
Now, take care your dress doesn't
catch. There. that was dead easy.
Now wait minute. Here you are on
terra firma. Miss Harrison's carriage
as he opened the door with a flourish
and a very low bow. Then, to her sur
prise, he mounted to the balcony again,
went in, turned out the light and
closed the window.
Now we are all right" he said, as
he settled himself comfortably beside
her. and the carriage, rolled along.
I'VE shan't be very Lite, either; only
fashionably So"
Thank you so much" murmured
Katharine, unsteadily. He turned
quickly to her.
"Why, you poor little girl! You are
trembling! Don't take it so hard. Ac-
cidents will happen, you knew, and
'all's well that ends WE'LL Cheer up"
and he smiled SO genially that she ma
turally responded. Suddenly she
started up.
"Oh, stop him quickw she cried.
1--WE forgotten my music! What
stupid"
Payson told the driver to turn back,
then said:
II don't wonder that you. forgot it.
But I'm equal to another raid on your
room.''
"You must have it, 1 suppose?"
Il could get along, but my accom-
panist-" The carriage stopped at
the entrance.
us there a balcony off the music
room, too?''
Eyes.
''Then that's dead easy if the win
dow is unfastened. If not. glass is
brittle" They drove to the side of
the house and stopped, by Katharine's
directions.
"The music is on the piano in my
music-roll" said Katharine, as be
entered the window.
''The telephone is ringing three" he
called as he reappeared. is that your
number?'
Eyes" answered Katharine. "Prob-
ably Harry is getting impatient
"Shall answer it? We might as
well relieve his mind. Or no; l can
find the door and let you in, if you
drive around to the 'front.'
So it came to pass that Katharine
was let into her own home by Mr..
Payson, who. smilingIy babe her vel
come, the telephone meanwhile ringing
wildly.
'.Hellow Yes. this Katharine. No,
but we're just starting. No. but we've
eeen hindered. Oh. no matter how.
Yes, we'll come right along now. Good
by
1T was Harry she continued. "and
he's wild to know why I'm not there
her cheeks flushing as she remembered
Harry's peremptory question: Have
you AMI Payson eloped?'
AS they neared their destination, Mr..
Payson said:
Suppose we keep the events of the
evening to ourselves. Miss Harrison?
Not that you have anything to be
ashamed of; but I know what your
life will be if Harry Thayer gets hold
of what has happened"
He is an awful tease" said Kath-
arine II never thought, but I'd have
to explain, though. It's kind Of you
If we could avoid telling
"Of course we can. It's agreed, then.
that it's a secret between u.s."
Harry had no time to question as he
dragged Katharine into the dressing
room. saying:
i've had to change the program now
SO as to bring your first song later.
'Don't be cross. Thayer," said Mr..
Payson. "Our delay was absolutely
-, = -; "A III - - 1900 ,x .,