The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1906-03-07


TO a day in midwinter. The usual ro-
bust old gentleman-which of us does
not know him?-was telling his friends
with much rubbing of hands and
stamping of feet, that it was fine,
healthy weather." and Cynthia Des-
mond regarded him wrathfully as she
passed him at the entrance to the
London railroad station A good day
for brisk country walk, but decided
iy not one on which to undertake a
three hours railway journey without
even a stop TO get hot cup Of tea.
With this dismal project before her,
Cynthia was not exactly in the best
Of tempers She was not miserable of
cOurse-that would be too absurd-but
things in general were inclined to be
irritating.
Despite the fur-lined travelling coat,
which reached almost to the end of her
short skirt, she gave little shiver as,
dressing case in hand, she crossed
the deserted platform and stepped into
an empty car in the waiting train.
And TO think she said, planting
her dressing case on the seat beside
her, burying her hands in huge fur
muff, and addressing her sister who
stood at the car door, that it is all
through that ahominable Miles that
am TO freeze in this car by myself
FOR three mortal hours; and, worst of
all, leave home for a month or more
and miss the Altons' dance and all the
other fun"
at is horrible" agreed Dolly Des-
mond, sympathetically. Truth to tell,
Dolly was of the opinion that the ''abo-
minable Miles" in question had an
equal right to apply the adjective to
Cynthia, for in their recent quarrel
there had certainly been six of one
and half a dozen of the other" But"
she went on, soothineiy, though il
won't be the same as being at home,
you are sure to have a good time with
Edith"-the married sister to whom
Cynthia was going. And you know
You said that to stay here now would
be unbearable."
$50 it would" declared Cynthia.
''The further away am from Miles
the easier | shall find ii 10 cultivate
spirit Of peace and tbankfulness."
Il think he might have gone away
for while under the circumstances,
remarked her sister.
Perhaps he couldn't get away just
now" said Cynthia quickly, unwilling,
woman-like, that anyone but herself
should abuse the man she loved or
had loved-she put it in the past tense
now
Perhaps not" agreed Dolly, who,
wise in her generation, knew that to
agree with Cynthia in her present
mood was worse than useless Good
by, darling. You'll be off in a minute
now
''Goodby!" answered Cynthia, little
tearfully. leaning out of the window
for a farewell kiss. Take care of
mother and keep the boys in order and
enjoy yourself, and don't, don't be
silly enough to get engaged TO any
man, be he angel in masculine form"
AT present." laughed Dolly, dis
playing all her dimples, mo one seems
eager to tempt me from the chaste
paths where | wander in maiden
meditation. fancy free but should any
daring person so endeavor I'll remem-
Der your warning"
She stepped back from the edge OF
the platform, there was the usual
amount Of shouting, and the train be-
gan to move. Suddenly there was a
Aosperate rush, the door of the COM
Dartment was violently wrenched
open, and a young man was precipi-
fatsd inside.
Il beg your pardon" he gasped
rather breathlessly, dropping into the
seat opposite her. He recovered him
self, took off his cap and flung it on
the seat beside him, took a glance at
the slight figure opposite, and realized
blRndly that he was sitting facing the
Giri who, few days ago, had given
Aim back, with the fervently expressed
wish that she might never see him
again, the ring he had with such tender
triumph placed on her finger only six
months before, the little ring that was
Iesting against his heart now.
81 need hardly say" he remarked,
stif1y, supplementing his former apo
7ogy, as he met the naughty gaze direct
ed at him through the white automo-
bile veil which was swathed around
her hat and tied beneath her small,
Hetermined chin, that l am as an
Aoyed as you cao be at this unfortu-
nate accident. OF course you quite un-
derstand that 1t was not my fault?"
Il suppose not" with icy ungraci-
BUSINESS.
You could hardly suppose" he went
On, Indignantly, slight angry flush
e1sing on his cheeks, that should