The Evening statesman. [volume] (Walla Walla, Wash.) 1903-1910, 1906-07-06
caught In
His OSUr1 TrQp

sunshine. the budding plants, the sing
ing birds. On the bench beside me
was pretty woman of perhaps thirty,
with little girl. The lady wore a
widows cap, so l judged she was
widow, and the little girl was her
daughter. Presently the two arose and
were going away, when l 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 APP
parent from her permitting me to join
her, though her little girl was some
thing Of chaperon. Considering the
ladys 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. l assumed a sort Of protector
ship, telling her that 1t was not exact
~ proper for a lady to walk in the
park unattended, and if she would per-
NIT l 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
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! l think I'll 60 out
by the first gate. I didn't know they
allowed such people in the parks"
When within a few yards of the girl
ahead l coughed. She turned and on
seeing me smiled q smile of surprise
and, giving the lady was with hasty
glance. went on her way without no
ticing me further.
upon my wordw said my compan-
ion in establishment "Who would have
thought it? And such a refined, inno-
cent face"
We slowed our steps, and the girl
and the youth went on. Once the girl
turned to look at me for moment,
though l knew she was looking at the
woman l was with.
1.-TWO to one" l 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 I
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 a smile to start me,
she assumes to be offended that l
should notice her. That's to tangle me
up all the more"
"Oh, dear, don't wonder that people
say horrid things about the city. I
wouldn't live here for anything"
Its pretty bad place, admit"
Mamma said the little girl,
there's an ice cream sign. Can't we
go and get some?
mo. Hushw
Certainly we can," l said, and, as
Stunning the right to direct our move
ments, 1 turned in to 1.-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 table
very near u.s. She was evidently much
miffed about something and gave me
glance.
"She keeps it up WELL" said.
"Just think of her holiness in follow
ing us in here"
NV companion was sitting with her
back partly toward the girl with the
white feather, but l noticed that the
latter was scrutinizing her. Presently
the widow turned her face sidewise.
and the girl looked at it long and ear
nestly. Then, suddenly rising, she
came toward us and stood over the OBJ
Iect of her interest.
aren't you Helma WinsOr" she
asked.
The widow looked up and, seeing the
GIRL with the white feather standing
beside her, first flashed fire from her
eyes, then. recognizing her, said, Eyes;
md 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
sointfng you out as something awful"
was caught in my own trap. l sup
pose l should have made apologies to
both my wife and her old schoolmate,
but the ludicrous features Of the case
Dvercame me, and, putting my head
down on the table, l laughed immod-
erately.
"Oh, he's always playing his jokes.
Helma, you must come home to dinner
with us. l see by your cap that you
,oro Nov, M vriod ou6 horoavo6 This