The Athena press. [volume] (Athena, Umatilla County, Or.) 18??-1942, 1907-08-02

"You are little ahead Of time, l
think" she said, as they went down
the steps.
"Then you expected me?' said the
escort. He had pleasant voice and
decidedly respectful air. OF course
she must be reserved, but there was
no necessity for treating the man as II
he were a block Of wood.
"Of course expected you, but not
until 1880. My mother would have
gone with me tonight, but she was
suddenly taken ILL.,"
He nodded respectfully.
II am sorry to hear that" he said,
"and trust she will soon recover"
at is more painful than serious.
When she has these attacks she must
remain perfectly quiet. OF course, she
will sadly miss the theater."
And just then the car they wanted
stopped at the crosswalk and they
stepped aboard, the escort helping the
young woman with firm uplifting
pressure beneath her arm. AS she pass
Ell the conductor she handed him two
fares, an act that caused the young
man to frown little.
Presently the young man spoke.
Am l to understand that you have
tickets for this performancep he ask
cd.
'Of course" she answered shortly.
"I didn't know" he somewhat hum
bly, explained. you see, I've never at
tended the theater under just these
circumstances. If had known about
1t little beforehand / would have ap.
peared In the-the conventional garb"
Your system must be faulty" said
tie girl. 'I'm sure there was ample
time to let you know"
II received the message" he answer
ed, "bnt there were no particulars en-
closed" He turned and signaled the
conductor. "Here is the theater," he
said.
She was glad to notice that the the
ater people did not seem to recognize
him, and a moment later they We're
seated in the very excellent orchestra
chairs that John belmont had reserved
for her..
She took another glance at the es-
cort. He certainly was fine looking
fellow, and-was 1t possible? he was
bowling and smiling as he acknowledg
ed the greeting of some fashionable
looking people In the nearest box.
Emily Trevor felt her cheeks flush.
She didn't like this at all. He deserved
a rebuke. She leaned a little forward
Customers she asked.
"Why, no." he answered. Merely
friends"
He certainly was very presuming
young man. And there he was bowling
again to a lady across the aisle, quite
distinguished looking lady, too. And
Emily fancled that the distinguished
looking lady swept her with critical
glance and then looked back at the es-
cort as if she meant him to understand
that the young woman with him would
do. At which Emily flushed again.
The curtain rose and fell and rose,
and presently the dainty fantasy was
ut an end. The escort helped her with
her cloak and then they were In the
throng in the lobby. She noticed that
several people spoke to him and she
quickly decided that he must be a
member of some good family that had
fallen into financial distress.
The memory of the play was still
dominating her mind as they rode
home and she was silent most of the
way.
"You like the theaterr said the es-
cort.
II like good plays" she replied.
''There are other good plays to be
seen just now" he somewhat hesitat-
ingly remarked.
1t was quite apparent that he was
advertising his business. She would
give him a sharp reproof.
II suppose you would like to have
me engage you by the season." she
said.
He laughed.
II would be delighted" he answered.
He was quite brazen,
On the steps OF the belmont home
she turned to him.
"Come in," she said, "and will pay
YOU"
He didn't answer, but meekly fol.
lowed her into the hall.
As they entered somebody met them
at the library door. 1t was Emily's
mother.
"why, mommy," cried the girl, "are
you still up?"
"Yes, my DEAR" the older lady an,
swered. II was so worried l couldn't
sleep"
"worrledf And the neuralgia?'
enlightened away. My dear, there
has been some dreadful mistake" And
she glared at the young man, "Ten
minutes after you started a man called
and said he had been sent to take yoy
to the theater, And there you had gone
away with an entire stranger !"
The girl, her face flushing, turned tC
the stranger. AREN'T YOU a profession