The Somerset reporter., 1907-08-08
Matchmaking
By FRANK H. SWEET
Copyrighted, 1907, by Homer Sprague.
By FRANK H. SWEET



Ensconced behind his flower boxes on
the veranda, Tom Errett could look
lnto the neighboring garden and watch
her; for she. too. sought the cool and
sweetness of her garden. On Tuesday
evening she espied him. What man
could resist that smile? There was
silent, perhaps unconscious, invitation
In it that brought Tom to his feet and
to the wall.
Good evening, Mr.. Errett," said the
girl in white.
Good evening, Miss Smith," answer
ed the man on the wall.
"You look altogether too comforta-
BILE. l think we shall have to follow
suit and build a veranda.
Don't Use NINE" was on his
tongues end. but he only responded,
ut Is comfortable" Then the infor-
mallty of the situation was too much
for him. won't you come over and
try II" he pleaded
I'm afraid the wall is too much for
me-" she said, smiling demurely.
Tom was a man who never turned
back, his hand once on the pillow. He
dropped quickly to the ground, on her
side of the fence. ",-".~-,
I'm dreadfully lonely" was his
apology.
On Wednesday she was not visible,
and there was a void upon the earth.
On Thursday and Friday things re-
sumed the new glamour. On Saturday
the moon was a shadowy crescent
above the tree tops. The stars were
still yelled in sunset mists the air was
odorous with the scent Of mignonette
and sweet peas. Tom, expectancy
written in every feature, waited for the
futter of white amid the flowers, the
sound of a voice which was like no
other voice he had ever heard. At the
first signal Of her approach, he stepped
boldly on to the wall
Special delivery, sir" said a serv-
ants voice behind him. He opened
the letter, conscious that her eyes were
upon him. 1t was from the wife of a
college friend inviting him to spend
Sunday at their country place. He
glanced at his watch. There was bare
ly time to catch the last train. Then
his eyes fell upon her.
Answer, sirY
, "No-yes--wait a moment"
His eyes still sought hers.
"Can help your she asked sweetly.
'Will your" he flashed eagerly. May
go to church with you tomorrow"
The corners of her mouth drew to-
gether In wise little SMILE for Tom
had not impressed her as being
churchman.
Yes but it's early mass"
Tom did not finch.
Thanks" he said quietly, and, scrib-
bling a few words. he handed them to
the man.
To Mrs. Herndon Roberts. Holly House.
Columbia Heights N. J..
Another engagement. Impossible to go
Awfully sorry THOMAS ERRETT.
To Mrs. Herndon Roberts. Holly House.
Columbia Heights. N j.:
Your letter miscarried and came too
late Greatly disappointed. Will run up
next Saturday II convenient to you.
AUGUSTA SMITH.
Herndon Roberts, returning from the
Columbia links, found his wife staring
at the two kilograms with disappointed
eyes
"Fate Is against u.s." she groaned
'STom has another engagement-here's
his wire, and another from Augusta
says that my letter miscarried and
reached her too late. l shall write
them both special delivery now"
Going to her desk, Mrs. Roberts
penned the following notes:
Dear Tom-Dont make any engagement
for next Saturday or Sunday. II you have
one, break 1t. do. Tom. dear. We are go
ing to try the new links. can't think or
any stronger inducement Take the $40
by way of the Cortlandt street ferry.
AGNES ROBERTS
My Dear Augusta-Can't understand my
letter miscarryfng. but I won't cry over
spilled milk. although l was tempted to-
Delighted at the prospect of having you
with US this coming Saturday. Take the
$40 train by way of the Cortlandt street
ferry. Always affectonately yours,
AGNES ROBERTS.
The gatekeeper at the ferry shut Tom
from joining the hurrying crowd
dozen yards In advance.
Sorry, sir. but you're too late" he
said. "There1l be another boat In
few minutes"
Tom, suit case In hand. gazed help
lessly at the closed gate.
TOO late to connect with the 3:10,'
he said. This boat would have made
it." But his tone was listless.
The official eye still regarded him
coldly. SORRY, SIR" he repeated.
"Where were you bound forT'
Columbia Heights"
mo more trains for the Heights to-
day, sir"
"Wheres the nearest telegraph Of
fce?" asked Tom, striving to hide the
grin of delight which spread over his
face as the man spoke.
He sent his telegram to the Rob
crises. jumped into a cab and drove
home-elated. Disappointment await