The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1907-03-10
BY HELENA SMITH DAYTON.
copyrighted. 1907 by NJ NJ Cunningham

You see. it happened to be my house.
Goodnight, Mr.. Dwyer" Her foot
tapped the lower step nervously.
But. Miss Hazleton," protested, "al-
low me to see you quite to your own
door"
Here I am waving her muff airily
toward my house. ! almost gasped.
Isn't there some mistaken" I ventured
Did you imagine I lived in a tree. like
Peter PAM She laughed, doubtless
thinking 1 was awed at the splendor Of
her abode
This gave me an idea. Perhaps the poor
child had humble quarters and in her
pride sought 10 play a ruse. Rather iron
ical that she should select my house!
Ny acquaintance with Mary HazletOn
had consisted OF many encounters at my
cousin Bellies studio. a couple of Philis-
tines. we often chattcd in Bellies coy
corner, drank Bellies tea, and amused our
selves watching Bellies guests-all alleged
celebrities. Indeed, we talked of every
thing but Miss Hazleton. Nor did Belle
seem to know much about the girl which
was not strange, for Belle often took UP
an attractive girl, made her welcome at
the studio. and pressed her into service as
a model Belle, like all extravagant per
sons. has her own ideas on economy.
On this particular evening had CHANGED
upon Miss Hazleton hlrrying through
the streets. and had taken it upon myself
10 see that she arrived at her destination
in safety. After walking blocks, often re-
tracing ground. was naturally puzzled
when she stopped before my own door
and cOOlIy informed me she was home.
had hoped some tine to offer it to her.
Good night, Mr.. Dwyer, and thanks
/ for coming so far out Of your way, she
said again.
May l not see the princess enter in
safety?' I asked. thinking this would
bring her into a very small corner in
deed
You are too solicitous. Mr.. Dwyer,
+ she said sweetly. I think I viii sit on
( the porch a few moments-alone.
Il too. like to sit on porches. I limited.
Come up then" she invited, promptly
( But YOU mustn't disturb my" The
Sentence trailed off.
/ I was charmed with her daring
wanted TO tell her. one might shout with
out fear Of disturbing old Martha. who
was doing" for me until mother and the
/ servants returned.
1 sat down on the top step. Listening
90 her clever chatter, I advanced theory
after theory 10 myself to explain her mo-
tives. Even when possible plot against
F the silver spoons suggested itself,
couldn't judge her harshly 4 lady
burglar, Well, we've had some mighty
I pleasing ones lateIy-in books and on the
stage. I was on the point Of Offering
myself as a confederate against my own
silver when she once more said.
You really must go now, Mr.. Dwyer.'
May ] come again. I queTied-
III see YOU at Bellies she eluded-
Belle sails for Europe Wednesday" J
reminded.
[ Mary looked dismayed,
so / may come up here instead fol-
our usual chat on the arts?"
-'So-no-no"' she cried.
DO ! infer that you wish 10 drop the
acqUaintance-when Belle sails?' I per
sisted
''No-ol-nO,'
Then ! shall hope TO find you here to-
morrow. Much more romantic than send
/ ing in ones card and all that sort OF
thing I explained lamely.
Il love unconventional things agreed
/ Mary. suddenly enthusiastic
I walked briskly down the street
stopped at the first shadow, and looked
/ back. Mary came down the steps anC