Reporter and farmer. [volume] (Webster, Day County, Dakota [S.D.]) 188?-1946, 1907-05-02

relief. 1t was so comfortable to be
taken care of again, and there was a
new briskness in VIII Benton's man.
ner that brought comfort.
When the Benton Milling company
had failed he was an idle and none too
resourceful fellow. Now he spoke ana
acted with decision. and she was sorry
that She had said mo" when he had
nut the all important question to her.
Their arrival at the transfer point in
terrupted her day dream, and as they
changed to the Eighth avenue car he
became more laxative. He sketched
for her an outline of his struggles. a
bare outline Of his experience to which
her own mind added the embellish-
ments, and almost before she knew it
he was signaling the conductor.
The Bellevue stood n smoke stained
and gaunt wreck Of what had been A
fashionable apartment house, and a
fire patrolman in the lobby was the
only sign OF life,
."rhey didn't leave no address," he
laughed ''They were in too much of a
uuIIy thCt II oiltN thC uDtlOt
thought Of that. The others just went
to the hotels or to friends. The furni-
ture is all here. They had - Surance
and they can't move II unit SS.e adjust
ers get through. Try the postoiice."
The substation gave no better result.
The carrier declared that he would not
be permitted TO give an address, but
admitted that as yet he had received
nc Instructions for forwarding mail.
At the police station the desk ser
geant te~lephoned headquarters, but no
alarm had been registered yet. "May-
be II will come in" he counseled.
"Why don't you go and get dinner and
come back? | may have something for
you then"
That's So laughed Benton. ''You
must be pretty hungry after all this
walking. Let's go down to the circle
and have something to eat. 1t will d.
us both good"
Across the table Elsie's depression
vanished. VIII kept chatting of every
thing except her portion, and it seemed
like old times back home when a party
of young people ran up to town for
the theater and had supper afterward.
1t was not until the coffee was reach
ed that he became serious again.
what shall we do" he asked, in
case the alarm has not been sent out?
/ think you had better go to a hotel.
wire your mother and wait for her
answer. There's a hotel up the street
here. | know the proprietor, and he
will see that you are well looked after"
ut will be so lonesome she said.
with a little shudder. 1T is the first
time that | have ever been in New
York, and it is all so strange"
II used to live down In this section
Of the town" he said. There is a min
lister | know-I don't want to seem 10
take advantage of your plight to repeat
my proposal, dear, butt should be the
happiest man in New York if you
would say Yes"
For answer her hand stole across the
table and clasped his. You are sure
1t is love and not pity?' she asked.
at has always been love-" he said.
81 never accepted your decision, and it
has helped to make a man of me-"
LET us 60" she said simply. But
Benton understood.
Half an hour later they emerged from
the quiet rectory.
"Shall we stop at the station?" laugh
ed Will.
"Auntie might be worried" she said.
And they turned their steps toward the
green lights. The desk sergeant smiled
as they approached.
They're waiting for you just around
the corner" he said, naming an apart
ment hotel. "Tbey were in here just
after you left. | told them you were
coming back. Miss Linton, isn't itY'
no" said Will proudly, Mrs. viii
liam Benton now
And as they descended the steps Ell
sic Rugged his arm.
II WISH" she said, 1--WE could find
that conductor that found you for me,
Will"
ITS not every conductor" he laugh.
ell back, "who puts a girl off a street
car into matrimony. bless his hearth