The Evening statesman. [volume] (Walla Walla, Wash.) 1903-1910, 1906-07-26
CauSbf In
HIS Otvn Trap
(Original.1

| WluoW cap, so / judged she was q
widow, and the little girl was her
daughter. Presently the two arose and
were going away, when noticed lying
On the bench fat pocketbook. called
to the lady, grasped the pocketbook
and, rushing after her, handed it to her,
with one of my most deferential bows.
She was astonished at her own care
lessness and profuse in her thanks.
| l walked on with her and in the
course OF conversation she told me
that she was from the country and not
familiar with city ways. That was ap-
parent from her permitting me to join
her, though her little girl was some
thing Of a chaperon. Considering the
lady's age she was certainly unso-
phisticated. She had evidently been
warned as to the low state of morals
In the metropolis, but had not the
slightest idea how to guard against
them. I assumed a sort Of protector
ship, telling her that it was not exact
ly proper for lady to walk in the
park unattended, and if she would per-
NIT would very gladly be her escort.
She timidly accepted, as though not
quite certain whether it would be safer
to do so or proceed alone.
Il will show YOU" said, chow care
full one must be here. Do you see that
girl ahead, walking with that youth
the girl with the shapely figure, lace
collar, white hat and ostrich feathers?
Well, the chances are, when pass her.
she will smile at me"
''The bold thing! 1 think I'll go out
by the first gate. didn't know they
allowed such people in the parks"
When within a few yards Of the girl
ahead 1 coughed. She turned and on
seeing me smiled smile Of surprise
and, giving the lady 1 was with hasty
glance, went on her way without no
ticing me further
upon my word" said my compan-
ion in establishment "Who would have
thought it? And such a refined, limo
cent face"
We slowed our steps, and the girl
and the youth went on. Once the girl
turned to look at me for a moment,
though knew she was looking at the
woman 1 was with.
1.-TWO to one,' 1 said to my compan-
ion, that if we pass her she will be
on her dignity and won't notice me.
Suppose we try her"
Without asking the lady's consent l
increased my pace. She did the same,
and presently we passed the couple
ahead. The youth looked at me with
an amused smile, but the girl paid no
attention to me whatever. She was not
even Indifferent; she was wrathful.
did you notice how mad she look
ed?" remarked. THAT was all put on.
Having given me smile to start me,
she assumes to be offended that
should notice her. That's to tangle me
up all the more"
''Oh, dear, l don't wonder that people
say horrid things about the city.
wouldn't live here for anything"
''It's pretty bad place. admit"
Mamma" said the little girl,
there's an ice cream sign. Can't we
SO and get some?"
mo. Hush"'
we Cdu, i Sdltl, duO, dSs
Stunning the right to direct our move
ments, 1 turned in to THE Inn," as
they called the restaurant We seated
ourselves at a table and were waiting
for refreshments when the girl with
the white ostrich feather came in with
her young attendant and took a table
very near us. She was evidently much
miffed about something and gave me q
whitening glance.
"She keeps it up WE'LL" l said.
"Just think Of her boldness in follow
ing US in here"
My companion was sitting with her
back partly toward the girl with the
white feather. but noticed that the
latter was scrutinizing her. Presently
the widow turned her face sidewise,
ed the girl looked at it long and ear
nestly. Then, suddenly rising, she
came toward us and stood over the OBJ
ject of her interest.
Aren't you Helma Winsor% she
asked.
The widow looked up and, seeing the
girl with the white feather standing
OcSlOc ucE, ltd udoalcO IRE lIOuu uck
eyes, then. recognizing her, said. Eyes;
Ind you are Bessie Dexter"
II was. l am now the wife Of that
scamp who has been gallivanting with
you. He didn't dream that he had
taken up one of his wife's school
mates"
'Why," said the widow, turning an
Indignant glance upon me, hes been |
pointing you out as something awful"
l was caught in my own trap. 1 sup
pose l should have made apologies to
both my wife and her old schoolmate,
but the ludicrous features Of the case
Overcame me, and. putting my head
down on the table. laughed immod- !
srately.
"Oh. he's always playing his jokes.
Helma, you must come home to dinner !
with US. l see by your cap that you
have been married and bereaved This |
is my brother Tom. We all walk in |
the park afternoons. had an appoint |
ment to meet this joker here, but l