The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1906-01-03

| 1t acted just this way once before
we've lived here only a week-and the
janitor said it was ell right after he
fixed it, but it won't open now"
An oppressive silence was broken by
the return Of the boy. The janitor,
had gone out and his wife said he
would be back in an hour or two and
she would tell him.
can hour or two" echoed Katharine
in dismay. "The concert will be over
by that time"
"lf we had 4 ladder, Miss Harrison"
said Mr.. Payson. "Ah! I have a
thought. Excuse me; III be back in
4 minute" and he turned quickly
away.
"Oh." what will he think Of me?"
moaned Katharine. "ThiS is awful"
and she went into the room for an
other try at the knob, which, however,
proved futile.
The sound Of steps called her back
to the balcony. What in the world.
The carriage, Mr.. Payson on the box
with the driver, was coming straight
toward her. AS it stopped, Mr.. Pay
son stood upon the seat, from which
he could just reach to climb to the
balcony. AS he came over the rail,
he said: .
we'll just pretend I'm the ianitor
for a minute, while I see if I can do
anything with that refractory door,"
and he stepped into the room. FIis en-
tire manner had changed, and Kath-
airline stood in Amusement at the vision
of the paragon of propriety in her room
on his knees before her door-knob.
What was more, he was running on
with merry nonsense the while. in q
way she could not have imagined pos
sible. He was obliged to give up the
|. problem. however, and returned to
the balcony.
Il see, but n way for you, Miss
Harrison" he said. "Ill ask the driver
to stand at the horses heads, and if
you can climb over the rail-it's not
very high-Ill stand on the seat and
help you down. Can you manage it,
do you Think" His eyes were dane
ing with fun, as he looked into hers.
Could it be that the precise Mr.. Paysor
was enjoying this escapade?
II can do it all right" admitted
Katharine. "but, yes, 1 will. I mustn't
disappoint Harry"
Hope it won't hurt your gown" he
said, as he sprang lightly down to the
seat. That's it; very gracefully done.
Now, take car your dress doesn't
catch. There, that was dead easy.
Now wait a minute. Here you are on
t&ra frma. Miss Harrison's carriage"
as he opened the door with a flourish
and q very low bow. Then, to her sur
prise, he mounted to the balcony again,
went in, turned out the light and
closed the window.
."Now we are all right" he said, as
he settled himself comfortably beside
her. and the carriage rolled along.
I'VE shan't be very Lite, either; only
~fashionably So"
Thank you so much" murmured
Katharine, unsteadily. He turned
quickly to her.
"Why, you poor little girl! You are
trembling! Don't take it so hard. Ac-
cidents will happen. you knew, and
'alrs we'll that ends WE'LL Cheer up"
and he smiled SO genially that she ma
turally responded. Suddenly she
started up.
"Oh, stop him quick" she cried.
i've forgotten my music! What a
stupid"
Payson told the driver to turn back,
then said:
Il don't wonder that you forgot it.
But I'm equal to another raid on our
ROOM"
"You must have it. I suppose?"
Il could get along. but my accom-
panist-" The carriage stopped at
the entrance.
us there a balcony of the music
room, too"
Yes"
"Then that's dead easy If the win
COW IS unfastened. If not, glass is
brittle" They drove to the side of
the house and stopped, by Katharine's
directions.
"The music is on the piano in my
music-roll," said Katharine, as he
entered the window.
1.-THE telephone is ringing three" he
called as he reappeared. "Is that your
%numberY
yes" answered Katharine.' "Prob-
ably Harry is getting impatient"
Shall I answer it? We might as
we'll relieve his mind. Or no; I can
find the door and let you in, if you
drive around to the front"
So it came to pass that Katharine
was let into her own home by Mr..
Payson, who, smilingly babe her wei
come, the telephone mes nwhile ringing
wildly.
"Hello!' Yes, this katharine. No.
but we're just staring. No, but we've
oeen hindered. Oh, no matter how.
Yes, we'll come right along now. Good
by"
ut was Harry" she continued, "and