Barton County democrat., 1906-11-23

Al the Willoughby she let me help
her descend from the electric, waited
until | sent it away, walked beside me
into the building Ny man, Sanders,
had evidently been listening for the
elevator; the door opened without my
ringing, and there he was, bowling
low. She acknowledged his welcome
with that regard for appearances
that training had made instructive.
In the center of my-our-drawing-
room table was a mass Of fresh white
roses. where did you get emp
| asked him, in an aside.
"The elevator boys brother. sir"
he replied, works in the florists shop
just across the street, next to the
church. He happened to be down
stairs when | got your message, sir.
So was able to get few flowers.
I'm sorry, sir, l hadn't little more
time"
You've done noble" said l, and
shook hands with him warmly.
Anita was greeting those flowers
as if they were friend suddenly ap-
pearing in time of need. She turned
now and beamed on Sanders.
"Thank you, she said; thank you"
And Sanders was hers.
Anything l can do-ma'am-sir"
asked Sanders.
"Nothing-except send my maid as
soon as she comes" she replied.
Il shan't need you," said |.
"Mr. Monson is still here" he said.
lingering. Shall send him away,
sir, or do you wish to see him."
"I'll speak to him myself in a mo-
ment," | answered.
When Sanders was gone, she seated
herself and absently played with the
buttons Of her glove.
Shall bring Monson" | asked.
"You know, he's my-factotum."
81 do not wish to see him. she
answered.
You do not like him."
After q brief hesitation she an
swered, mo" Not for worlds would
she just then have admitted, even to
herself, that the cause of her dislike
was her knowledge of his habit OF
tattling, with suitable embroiderieS,
! his lessons to me.
restrained strong impulse to ask
her why, for instinct told me she had
some especial reason that somehow
concerned me. l said merely:
Then | shall get rid Of him"
Not on my account" she replied
indlferently. II care nothing about
him one way or the other
"He goes at the end OF his month e
said |.
She was now taking of her gloves.
Before your maid comes" | went On,
"let me explain about the apartment.
This room and the two leading out
Of it are yours. My own suite Is on
the other side Of our private hall
there" \
She col0red high, paled. saw that
she did not intend to speak.
stood awkwardly, waiting for
something further to come into my
own head. Good night" said | f.
nally. as if l were taking leave Of a
formal call.
She did not answer. left the
room, closing the door behind me.
paused an instant. heard the key click
in the lock. And | burned in a hot
flush Of shame that she should be
thinking thus basely of me-and with
good cause How could she know,
. how appreciate even if she had
known? You've had to cut Deep"
said to myself. But the wounis'n
heal, though 1t may take long-yery
long" And went on my way. no;
wholly downcast.
; | Joined Monson In my little smok
ing-room. Congratulate you," he
, began. with his nasty, superclious
grin. which of late had been getting
, On my nerves severely.
, Thanks" | replied curtly, payins
no attention to his outstretched hand
, Il want you to put a notice Of the
|, marriage In tomorrow mornings Her
, aid"
Give me the facts-clergyman'i
Aame-place. and so on" said he.
= Unnecessary" l answered. Jus
our names and the date-that's all
You'd better step lively. It's kts
= and it'll be too late If you delay"
; With an irritating show Of deiib
Grafton he Lit fresh cigarette befor,
setting out I heard her maid come
After about an hour went into tn,
halEpo light through the transom,
, Of her suite. returned to my owl
!, part Of the fat and went to bed In tn
spare room to which Sanders ha,
moved my personal belongings
J, That day which began In disaster
,, In what q blaze Of triumph it> ha,
ended! slept with good conscience
had earned sleep.
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XXI.