The Washington times., 1906-04-29

IN gray. Sne sat upon
bench and read a book, for there was
yet to come a half-hour in which
print could be accomplished.
To repeat: Her dress was gray,
and plain enough to mask its i'm
peccancy of style and fit. A large
meshed veil imprisoned her turban
hat and a face that shone through it
with a calm and Unconscious beauty.
She had come there at the same hour
on the day previous, and on the
day before that; and there was one
who knew it.
The young man who knew it how
cred near, relying on burnt sacrifices
to the great joss. Luck. His piety
was rewarded, for, in turning a
page. her book slipped from her
fingers and bounded from the bench
a full yard away.
The young man pounced upon it
with instant avidity, returning it
20 its owner with that air that seems
to flourish in parks and public places
"a compound of -gallantry and hope,
tempered with respect for the po-
liceman on the beat. In a pleasant
voice he risked an Inconsequent re-
mark upon the weather-that intro
ductory topic responsible for so
much of the worlds unhappiness-
and stood poised for a moment,
awaiting his fate.
The girl looked over him leisurely;
at his ordinary. neat dress and his
features distinguished by nothing
particular in the way of expression.
you may sit down, if you like
she said. in full. deliberate con-
tralto. Really. l would like to have
you do so. The light is too bad for
reading. ! would prefer to talk"
The vassal of Luck slid upon the
seat by her side with complaisance.
do you know" he said. speaking
the formula with which park chair
men open their meetings, that you
are quite the stunningest girl
have seen in a long time I had
my eye on you yesterday. Didn't
know somebody was bowled over by
those pretty lamps of yours. did
you, honeysuckle?"
Whoever you are" said the girl,
in icy tones. you must remember
that I am a lady will excuse the
remark you have just made because
the mistake was. doubtless. not an
unnatural one--in your circle
asked you to sit down; if the invi-
tation must constitute me your
honeysuckle. consider it with
drawn"
Il earnestly beg your pardon"
pleaded the young man. His ex-
preston of satisfaction had changed
to one of penitence and humility.
1T was my fault. You know
mean, there are girls in parks, you
know-that is, of course, you don't
know, but
Abandon the subject, if you
please. OF course, l know. Now.
tell me about these people passing
and crowding, each way, along
these paths. Where are they going?
Why do they hurry so? Are they
happy?"
The young man had promptly
abandoned his air of coquetry His
cue was now for waiting par, he
could not guess the role he would
be expected to play.
II 10 iiltl tSlAnE W WATCH tueill,
he replied, postulating her mood.
1T is the wonderful drama of life.
Some are going to supper and some
to-er-other places. One wonder
what their histories are"
Il do not" said the girl; Il am
not so inquisitve. l come here to
sit because here only can be near
the great, common. throbbing heart
of humanity. My part in life is
cast where its beats are never felt.
Can you surmise why l spoke to
you, Mr."
"Parkenstacker," supplied the
young man. Then he looked eager
and hopeful
NO" said the girl. holding up a
slender finger and smiling slightly.
You would recognize it immediate