The silver messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1890-1912, 1906-07-31
PERCY'S IMPRUDENCE
BY EVELYN vANpERzEE.

1t was the last Sunday at Princes,
and the skating rink was crowded with
eager skaters, who flew along the ice
to the enlightening strains OF the Blue
hungarian band
who's that girl?' asked man who
was watching this particular couple
with keen interest. Nobody seems
to know much about her"
"Chetwynd Hartop brought her, l
think; he's not generally over par
ticular, but she must be somebody, or
Preston wouldn't be seen with her
every Sunday like this!" replied his
companion HES not to be caught
mapping. BY Joye! she is handsome,
though. LOOK, they are coming round!
The coupe few past like lash OF
lightning, and were lost amoag the
crowd again.
IT'S the last Sunday" she ex-
claimed.
Yes, it has been rippin' meeting
you like this. | never thought we
should become such pals, you know"
Perez Preston answered, letting his
eyeglass drop from his eye. Il say,
I'd like to see more OF you. How is 1t
we never meet at the same houses?
II don't know the same people as
you do" she replied, land I'm always
so much engaged.
1T shant be the last time we meet,
he thought to himself, IF l can help
it. | say" he exclaimed, aloud, you
know these Sundays have been my
one relief from social boredom.
"You flatter me-" she laughed. But
l am afraid this one must be our last"
You are going away?" he asked,
looking at her keenly.
mo"
Then can't we arrange something
tomorrow"
You're very persistent" she ex-
claimed.
He smiled in sickly way.
Il am when l want to be, don't you
know. And I've made up my mind
about you. Are you going to the Went
worth's dance tomorrow EVENING""
81 don't know the Wentworths," she
answered.
Some people object to them," he
continued, "say she's peculiar, and all
that. l believe her father did make
his money in glue or something of the
kind, but since she married Went
worth, that has all been whitewashed
over. He's a rippin' good chap. Does
the thing splendidly with her money"
Money seems to be your chief
thought" she said. 81 suppose you
wouldn't be seen with anyone if they
were badly dressed, even though they
might be above you in rank?"
"Well, it would make fellow look
so small in the eyes of his friends.
Nowadays we judge so much by appear
ances, don't WEI"
And the opinion of the world is a
matter of such high Importance, isn't
it?"
He did not detect the sarcasm in
her tone. He was not endowed with
too much wit.
Il am not really like that, though
he fastened to assure her. Once
like a person, I'd stick to them
through thick and thin"
III remember that" she repeated
significantly. "One doesn't meet that
sort of a friend every day. But this
must be our last round, for the people
are beginning to leave"
Where are you going tomorrow
he asked, eagerly. She hesitated {
moment, then gave a little laugh.
Shopping" she said.
80 am l." She looked startled.
with my sister," he added, hur
riedly. Il often do" They boil
laughed.
Where shall it be, them" he in
quired again, as they stopped skating.
Il really must go now" she cried
well, if you insist, Gayford's at IL
Good-by."
"Good-by," he replied. Don't for
get" And they parted.
1t was some minutes past IL the mex
morning when Percy Preston and hi
sister entered Gayford's, Bond street
he looked eagerly round. Hats o
every description greeted him on al
sides, but he saw no signs of the par
ticular person for whom he was seek
ing. She had distinctly said l
o'clock, and it was now only fey
minutes past
He watched the door eagerly eacl
time it was opened to admit some ney
customer, but stilleshe did not an
pear. Would she break her promise
At last, in despair, he turned impa
tiently to his sister, who was busy try
ing on a large hat.
1T suits madam beautifully, doe
1t not?" exclaimed a voice at his side
He started violently. He woul
I know that voice anywhere. But sure
ly-no, it was impossible. He turne
in amazement, and took one look a
the tall, black-robed figure, wno wa
now trying on the hat herself in OF
der to show it off to its best advar
tage. For one instant they gazed 8
each other, he with horror, she wit
calm amusement. Then, without
: moments hesitation, he looked quick
ly away again, and made bolt for til
| door