The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1906-09-19
ONE MANS
PRESUMPTION.

CA Short Story.)


The plaintive echo of the muezzin
drifted through the open window
where Mrs. Widening stood watch
ing the big, red sun drop behind the
pyramids as the Egyptian sky melt
ed pink and saffron into a lurid after
glow. The quiet was intense, and
the woman was congratulating her.
self upon the restfulness of Shep-
heard's hotel before the season had
fairly opened, when a sharp rap broke
the drowsy stiffness.
She opened the door to a messenger
bearing a tray OF letters and cable
grams, directed to James Wildmer-
ing.
Pardon, madam, a mistake in sup
posing Mr.. Widening your hus-
band"
mot for me-" she reiterated; then,
impulsively-"ind out for whom they
are; if the gentleman is tail and Of
dark complexion, tell him that these
were brought to me by mistake, and,
boy-say that | am dining within
half an hour. Hurry"
g. Kitty Widening was bewildering-
" beautiful tonight. She was wear
ing one Of those soft, fluffy, white
gowns with it's indescribable ruffies
and masses of foamy lace that make
womankind so persuasive.
AS Mrs. Wildermering drifted down
the veranda to a table secluded by
tropical foliage, she knew intuitively
that the sender Of the roses was
watching, and was not surprised TO
receive his card bearing a scrubbed
message to be allowed to join her.
Kitty was a oma Of quick re-
sources and infinite tact. She smiled
acquiescence, through the interven-
ing space, into the mans expectant
eyes.
"How good of you!" he exclaimed,
grasping her welcoming hand.
II am glad to see you, Jim-im-
mensely glad" she drawled in the
low sweet voice that always had
the power to thrill him.
pray, what turn of the wheel OF
fate has brought you here so early
In the season." she asked, blushing
under his constant gaze and admiring
his clear-cut profile and splendid
physique as he stood before her.
II simply drifted into Cairo; l had
no idea of finding a friend here, least
Of all, you, Kitty. l have lost all
traces Of old friends during my long
s~ojourn in India"
Dine with me and let me tell you
the news. Bring your chair over this
side; one can't be confidential across
a table," she said, d~aringly.
why did you not marry Nc
Queen?" he persisted.
This time she met his eyes bravely.
perhaps Mr.. Mcqueen did not
honor me with a proposal Of mar
riage, or-perhaps l did not love Mr..
Mcqueen as a woman should love tho
man she is to marry. Believe either
way you wish. 1t is embarrassing to
be questioned SO persistently."
Kitty's cheeks glowed as she open
ed and closed her fan systematically;
then lifting her shining eyes to his
she said, with charming naivete:
"All women have their limitations,
and oh, Jim, l believe / am going to
cry"
kitty" he v%entured, leaning to-
ward her, "if you continue looking at
me like that l shall demand COM
pound interest for all the misery |
Rave suffered these past five years.
Dear me, it is the same old story;
I thought time had dulled all roman.
tic passion in me; l thought it pos
sible to meet you as a friend, but |
was a fool, Kitty" he went on hus-
kily, "you are Incompatible; l am
mad about you tonight, and my in
ner consciousness tells me you are
not pretending but have suffered long
CROUCH. Let me read your heart
through your eyes; they could not
Ne."
MOI" she smilingly demurred,
flushing in happy bewilderment and
surprise. Then recklessly, she went
on. why do you say these things
TO me? Whv do you remind me Of
of all l ought to forget?"
Her glorious yes flashed a chal-
1enge; then a deathly pallor spread