The Topeka state journal., 1906-04-11
TIE EVENING STOR r

CBy Frank H. sweet.)

l.
There was a swift turn with scarcely
any slackening of speed, the two outer
wheels an inch above the ground as
they swung the corner. then the auto
mobile settled down to a long. straight
run.
DO you think we can make it, Mr..
Townsend? ?' the girl asked anxiousIy.
Make it," lightly: "of course we
can. It isn't over ten or twelve miles,
and we can go at a snail's pace and do
that in thirty minutes; and those
clouds yonder are not half way up the
sky YET
The girls face showed relief.
4 suppose it's foolish, she said;
but 40 hate to get caught in a rain
And-and you knOw-or rather prob
ably you don't knoW-it's sort of life
and death affair for a girl with a
brand new hat and costume to get mix
ed up in a shower Every true woman
can sympathize with the girl who saved
her hat at the expense of month un-
der a doctors care
Wen save your without the ex-
pense of so much as a hatpin," he re-
But he reckoned without thought of
the month.
Ten minutes, and the clouds had not
rolled up appreciably higher. Then
suddenly a rain drop splaShed against
water that dropped an ostrich feather
toward her eyes. The girls hands flew
to her hatpins. But before they could
be withdrawn the rain was coming
down in torrents, and the hands fell 10
her side with a tragic motion OF help-
lessness. It was already too late for
the last Both shot quick glance De
hind. There were no dark clouds
rolling UP and above them On all
sides save where the clouds were creep
ing up in front the sky was blue. But
overhead a slight patch of mist mad
obscured the sky, but not so thickly
as entirely as to shut out the blue. The
man scowled understandingly.
Its April" he said. and crack
opened in the sky just wide enough for
a cloud to pop out Human foresight
isn't proof against that. And your dress,
too. I'm sorry, Miss Ellis"
Yes, so am T." quizzingly, her good
humor quickly returning. THE costume
was only sent home this morning, and
I counted on it helping me out at the
house party next week What shall we
do?'
t'seorch for shelter. have already
doubled speed. There s a white spot
showed under some trees in the dis
tance, that's a house, I think NO
as they rushed nearer, Its a small
hotel. Wen stop there
Another two minutes and they had
swung from the road and across the
lawn, UP to the very door, without re-
gard to path or grass, and Mr.. Town
send threw himself from the car and
lifted her almost bodily to the shelter
of the little piazza Then he started
back toward the car
I'll run up to the city md get you
a change of clothing" he called hur-
riedly Il can go to your home and be
back in half an hour. Meanwhile go IN
somewhere away from the air.
But she threw up~a hand protestingly.
What nonsensei'' she cried. THE
shower'n be over in five minutes See,
its already breaking away; and just as
soon as the sun is out It Will be warm
again. I would rather go on with you.
She glanced down at her wet garments
r11eflilIy 1T wouldn't be any satisfac-
ton staying here" she added. You
may see If you can borrow me some
kind of wrap, though.
He hesitated. then stepped with her
into the hotel. Leaving her in the par
lor he went to the office As ne entered
a young lady appeared at side door
After a moment their eyes met, then
both sprang forward
Edith he cried delightedly; Wnen
did you arrive?"
Last night. We didn't stop over at
Washington. as planned. One of our
partv knew about this quiet little ho-
feI. and we came straight here for a
few days rest. It's funny to meet you
so soon, though, but it saves me send
ing a message into the city after you.
Ny friend leaves tomorrow, and were
planning little home party tonight as
a sort of farewell. No; never mind
your clothes" as she saw him glance
down at them significantly. I'VE can
find change for you in the hotel. You
can't leave US now We've got you. On!
YOU dear boy" bending forward sud
denly and kissing him, regardless of
the two or three men in the room I
am glad to see you. Now stay here
just a minute while run up and get
Jennie. She wants to meet you"
Hold on. wait a minute called
Mr. Townsend, suddenly recollectfng
himself. But the young lady was gone.
He returned to the parlor. the wrap
forgotten. His companion was not
there.
1.-THE lady you came in with has just
left" said an attendant. "She asked
about a train for the city, and I told
her one was at the depot just ready to
start. The depot's right behind the
hotel There as the putting of an en-
gine came to them. tits going now.
She left this note
Townsend snatched the note, and
read.
Mr.. Townsend: I was standing by
the door and saw the girl kiss you For
an instant WAS surprised Then I re-
nnembered I had known you only a
month. Thank you for the auto ride.
Sincerely, RUTH ELLIS"
Townsend smothered an exclama-
ton, and sprang down the steps TO his
automobile, not even stopping to pick
up his hat Three minutes later the
young lady re-entered the Office
Where's the gentleman I was talk
ing with a few minutes age? 2" she
asked Of the clerk.
Gone off in his auto" the clerk re-
piled politely. Seemed in hurry"
The young lady stared. then her eyes
filled with tears. and she turned hur-
riedly and left the room.
Meanwhile Townsend was defying all
consequences of speed in his mad rush
to the city. forgetful that the train was
being rapidly left behind. When he
reached the residence of Miss Ellis It
was stopping at a way station three
miles away. He slipped into the vesti-
bule vet and miserable
A half hour later her carriage drove
up and stopped beside his automobile