Waterbury evening Democrat., 1906-04-26
FLO'S YOUNG
 MAN
 By J. J. BELL (Asshor q We Mscosssor.")
lsos. by Jsssph 5. Bowlss.)

. '
 'Bother!" said Flo to herself; then aloud; q thought you were going to
 play football this afternoon"
 IT changed my mind," returned the
 boy, who stood looking down upon her. "Of course, if you don't want me, Flo, I'll clear out"
 "Oh, you can stay if you like. I don't
 mind," she said, after moments hesi- tation.
 Thank you," said Jimmy, with grati- tude out of all proportion to her un- gracious concession. He seated himself beside her, and an awkward silence followed.
 Flo shook back her dark hair, and drew her short skirt over her trim ankles, while she wished for the thou sandth time that she were IS and the possessor of unlimited hairpins and long dresses. At IS Flo felt she had scaled the heights and sounded the depths of human joy and sorrow-so far, at least, as love was concerned. Cecil Herrick was doubtless responsible for this, though it is possible that any other equally good-looking young man of 25, had he paid the same attention to the girl during the past month as Herrick had done, would have awakened sim liar sensation in her breast
 Flo had given her heart to Herrick for ever and ever, and she believed that Herriok's was hers for the same in- definite period. Still, at the present moment, she was not . little annoyed with him for not keeping his appoint ment at the accustomed trysting- place. But something, she argued, must have delayed him. Al for Jimmy. the boy at her side, 1t was simply disgusting of him turning up when he was not wanted.
 Jimmy, aged IS, of the hard muscles and the soft heart, lay looking blankly across the heather, and wondering what on earth he could say to Flo. He re- the afternoon . month ago when he and she had rested in the same nooks She had been very kind to him then. By chance he had touched her hand as 1t plucked idly at the heather, and-oh, the wonderful experience! It had slipped into his and lain there for the rest of the afternoon. But that was before Herrick came.
 T met that chap Herrick as was coming along" said Jimmy, presently. He asked mo to-er-say good-by to you for him."
 "what7" cried Flo, startled in spite ,f herself.
 Hes going to town with the four o'clock train, you know"
 Has he had bad news, Jimmy" shs lsked, anxiously. after pause.
 He didn't say. Didn't look like it. anyway. He said he was tired of Dove lale."
 Flo winced, grew pale, and finally Of course, there must be some Perhaps-perhaps Jimmy was ,uly teasing her. l 9ailqT''R'@ '@
 T suppose MT. Herrick will be back tomorrow" she said, complacently.
 q saw all his luggage on the way to he station," said Jimmy, now too mis- rable to look at his companion. I'm orry told you," be blurted out.
 MT. Herrick seems rude," said Flo, almly, but there's sure to be a good eason for his going. Whats the time, immy2"
 He extracted his silver watch, an ath- tic prize won during his last term at chool. Ten minutes to four"
 T didn't think 1t was so late" said To, somewhat shakily.
 Would you have liked" began mmy.
 "Oh, it can't be helped" she inter. upted, bravely.
 The boy took courage and glanced st | CT. Her face frightened him. A lump anne into his throat. Flo" he said, imping up, q can catch him if I run.
 He can get the next train st :so. Will you wait. Flof"
 She nodded without looking at him. minute later she saw that he had cached the yellow road and was rum Ing swiftly in the direction of the yil- Ige. Flo assured herself that her great tt triumph was at hand. She turned nd stretched herself on the heather, Id her face in her arms. and waited. Jimmy dashed into the village station Ist as the train drew up. There were W people on the platform and his keen re immediately caught sight of Her ck.
 ''Hulio. Jimmy" said the young man, ,sily. as the boys eager fingers -asped his arm.
 ''Mr. Herrick." sasped Jimmy. here's another train in an hour and . ,if. I wish you'd wait"
 -sorry. old man, but must be in town
 time to dine with c fellow haven't 'en for ages. I've just wired him. But ,u'l come and see me when you're in Iwn. Jimmy"
 Flo" began Jimmy. nsrvousiy. whats thatf" asked the other, Iarply.
 -Flo-I think Flo would like to see 'u, Mir. Herrick"
 The young mans face flushed hotly, 1t he smiled. Do you think co. Jim yT
 Please don't go with this train. . said e boy.
 But I must. old man There's the Znal down I'd better get ins;da Bye e. Jimmy" i -Mr. Herriek. . stanneret the boy, fn , Flo wants to see you-she , int say so-but knor she coes" M