The Washburn leader. [volume] (Washburn, McLean County, N.D.) 1890-1986, 1907-03-22

gowns and pretty wearers, and in the
center of them the portly figure and
triumphant face Of Mrs. Darlington
Sells. Beside her, immaculate in white
flannels, stood Burton Sturgis, a tall.
thin man with a commanding profile
and dark hair lightly touched with
gray.
Hes just as l imagined he would
be-" murmured Marion. ''even to the
little bored look that settles around his
eyes and the quick way he has Of
throwing back his head"
Every nov and then a group of girls
/ would drift up to her table with little
ordinations and thrills of laughter.
"Oh, thank you. Miss Page! How cool
and deliclous! Oh, girls, isn't Burton
Sturgis fascinating, and aren't his
books too lovely for anything? Let's
go back and talk to him again." And
the group would break away from
Marion and return to the ring that
surrounded the great man From time
to time Marion caught snatches Of
their feminine chatter. Your charm
ing books, Mr.. Sturgis! Adorable!
Quaint! Delicious!"
Presently Mrs. Sells broke away from
her circle and waddled up to Marion
with Burton Sturgis in tow.
my DEAR" she wheezed, "let me pre-
gent Mr.. Sturgis. Mr.. Sturgis, Miss
Page. See that he has enough, Mar
ion," and, playfully waving her pulgy
hand at them, she went back to her
other guests.
at is a thirsty day" said Burton
Sturgis. taking the sherbet cup that
Marion held out to him DO you
think you could manage to put in In
other cherry, Miss Page? I'm awfully
fond of cherries"
"But they're so elusive" laughed
Marion. "They always seem to slip
out Of the ladle. 1 just think I've
caught one and then it gets away"
"It's like the small boy and the
minnow." agreed Burton Sturgis, his
bored look giving place to a smile.
'There! You've missed it again" as
a refractory cherry with a little splash
sank to the bottom Of the bowl.
81 doubt if you could do as well!"
cried Marion.
"What do you bet?' he said boyishly.
"Two waters and half a macaroon."
"Done".' He seized TIE ladle aud was
in the midst Of an excited dipping
when Mrs. Sells came toward him like
a ship under full sail.
'They're calling for you, Mr.. Stur-
gis," she said, land this room is too
small to hold them all. We shall be
mobbed if we don't hurry"
File put down the ladle with a regret
full look. 81 suppose I'll have to. then"
he said and followed her with tagging
steps.
Marion leaned her chin on her hand
and looked after him. Her moment of
moments was over. She had met her
idol face to face, and not one word had
she spoken of all that his personality
and work had meant to her in the past
TWO years. A flush passed across her
face. II might at least have told him
that l had read his books" she said to
herself. '.but it's too late now. I've
had NY chance and lost it. What a
little stupid he must think me if he
thinks of me at all"
Then the line of chattering guests be-
gan to thin. One by one they were de-
parting. Mrs. Barrington-Sells' round
face was lit with contentment. 1t had
been a most successful afternoon.
Gwen she had something to say to
him." thought Marion disconsolately.
There was a quick step ut her side.
She looked up. 1t was Burton Sturgis.
"Well, that's over" he cried. with a
shrug Of delight. "And. heavens, but
I'm glad to be back in this corner
with you! Do you know, Miss Page,
you're the only girl this afternoon who
hasn't said Quaint, lovely. charming
and deliciousv I'd like another cher
~, please. And will you do me a
favor?"
Delighted" cried Marion gayly.
"I've decided to stay over another
day, and there's a place near here I'd
like to show you if you'd care to see it.
Will you come driving with me to-
morrow"
For an instant his eyes held hers.
Understanding, humor. camaraderie and
a something deeper than all these pass
ed between them.
II should be glad to-" said Marion.
High Priced Elections.
A century ago elections in England