The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1906-03-02

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ed that far. It was beginning to rain
and the unhappy traveller, after wan
dering aimlessly up the avenue a few
blocks, sought shelter in a restaurant
and established himself dismally at g
corner table.
He ordered more dinner than he could
eat, paid his bill and sat on, needless OF
the evaporation Of the walters. The
afternoon passed. The proprietor Of
the place looked him over, concluded be
was sober and went away.
After supper he seized his umbrella
heroically, turned up his trousers one
fold and splashed out into the rain and
approaching darkness. AS he plodded
down the avenue he summed up his aft
ernoon's meditatiOns in one half heart
ed sentence, 81 wrote, though, if twas
agreeable to bOthp'
On toward Irving street he walked
slowly, watching the moving feet of his
fellow pedestrians, all that was visible
beneath his Overhanging umbrella.
Presently he found himself following a
black skirt whose damp hem slapped
dejectedly against reluctant heels. He
drew nearer. A black gloved hand ap-
peared holding a heavy bag. Ensign's
heart suddenly pounded In his throat.
He raised his umbrella in trepidation
and beheld the plump figure of Mrs.
Lizzie.
One long stride placed him beside her
with Irving street forgotten.
Lizzie Grey" he exclaimed, with a
joyful ring in his tone.
us that you, Ensign2" quavered a
tired voice.
The little umbrella was closed, the
baggage changed hands, and Lizzie,
giving a sigh deep with content, tucked
her fingers beneath his arm. No one
noticed them, no one smiled at them,
and Ensign arose to his full height
mentally and physically.
I'm all tuckered out" sighed Mrs.
Lizzie, with tears in her voice. She
drew unconsciously nearer Ensign and
pushed her hand farther under his arm.
TITS a rainy day to get around in"
he responded brilliantly. His manner
contained all the rays Of the hidden
sun, for his thoughts were taking a
daring but happy fight.
II guess it is" returned Mrs. Lizzie.
How far do you go?" Ensign asked,
and her reply brought him down from
his joyful height.
"Oh, it's only little ways-just to
Irving street. My niece telegraphed
me this afternoon that a-a-some one
wants to see me tonight, so 1 had to
come of in a hurry"
Why, am going to Irving street
myself" Ensign faltered and then add
ed in jerky tone, "2o1."
There was a quick movement under
his arm. why, there's where I'm go
ing. My niece lives thereP' cried Mrs.
Lizzie.
An idea occurred simultaneously to
both, and they stopped short. Mrs.
Lizzie's shoes fingered in a muddy
pool, while Ensign's broad back barred
the path Of a man racing home to din
ner. The man recoiled, damaged in
speech and feelings, but Ensign was
unconscious Of the impact"
'Then it's your advertisement" En-
sign cried, with such a ring Of relief in
his tone that Mrs Lizzie moved hastily
on, although her own voice sounded
brighter as she returned:
"And you answered itT'
Ensign wabbled his umbrella ioyful-
" into the eye of passing policeman.
IF I'd only known you was back OF It
I'd not felt like as If was attendin'
my own funeral day, 1 can tell your
Mrs. Lizzie increased her speed.
Folks tongues was that upsetting"
she began confusedly, ''that I thought
IL could get place as housekeeper or
companion to some nice LADY,
Mice Iady!' exploded Ensign. Com
panion to a nice ladyg'
his tone Of blank amszement enlight-