The Lamar register., 1907-08-07
after THE rain


A huge raindrop fell upon Rates
cheek. and. mindful Of her best hat.
she fed to the first doorway until the
storm should pass. II was only .
summer shower, but she wanted the
hat to wear at the picnic tomorrow
and she hurried for shelter.
1t happened to be the open doorway
of a business block. fire had emp
tied the place Of tenants and there
was a smell of wet, burned wood that
was unpleasant.
But still more unpleasant was the
fact that the doorway was already &C.
cupied and by Harris Hitchcock, Of
all persons.
IF my presence distresses you" he
said coldly. Il might find some other
shelter"
do not disturb yourself on my &C.
count" she said coldly. There is
plenty of room for US both"
1T will only be for few moments"
he said with a smile. These furious
storms seldom last
Kate made no reply to this state
ment Of self-evidest fact. She was de
termined not to be drawn into q con-
versation.
Hitchcock only smiled again. No
sense of guilt hung heavily upon his
conscience. He had made fun of
Rates favorite matinee hero, and she
had angrily declared that she never
again wished to speak to a man who
uo To thA Ciot ,f
artistic endeavor. He had attempted
to defend his position and had only
succeeded in angering her the more.
He knew how frightened she was
BY thunder showers. and every time
she shrank from the heavy reverbera-
tons he longed to take her in his arms
and comfort her, but he knew better
than to seek to force the conversation
when her every nerve was jangling.
But when an exceptionally heavy peal
rent the air, he sprang forward and
grasped her arm.
Don't be afraid he said, reassur-
lngly"That struck nowhere near here.
There is not the slightest danger"
Kate regarded him Indignantly. He
had sometimes teased her about her
b0oi VI A8AAAiu8, anu bue W8S A0Ouly
sensitive about her popularity.
In her overwrought nervous condi.
uon she believed that he was again
tormenting her and. at his touch. she
shrank back, her face white with
anger and her eyes blazing.
Since 1t appears that l am not safe
form annoyance here" she said, hot,
y. will you kindly permit mo to
pass?"
Hitchcock barred the doorway. II
will CO. he said, quietly. Believe me.
did not mean to offend"
Before he could step out into the
deluge she had thrust him aside. He
did not anticipate the novel and was
thrown OF his balance. Before he
could recover himself Kate stood in
the doorway. gathering her skirts in
bne hand.
Just at that moment dazzling flash
shot from the heavens and rent a tree
On the opposite side of the street.
while the discharge was accompanied
by a terrific clap Of thunder.
With a little cry Kate turned and
blindly sought Hitchcock. who sprang
forward to catch her. She threw her.
self. sobbing. into his arms, and he,
oblivious to all else. sought to calm
her. Gradually the sobs softsned, and
1t last Kate lifted her head.
You always said was q silly about
lightning" she said, smiling through
her tears. but I never supposed that
It would lead me to be quite 20 fool.
lsh."
Il can understand it." he said com
tortfngly II shall forget all about II
and consider that it never happened
We are still our friends the enemy
You don't suppose that can quar-
rel with . man, when I've been cry
Ing in his arms the past ten minutes
do your" she demanded. at was &
Judgment upon me for being 80 head
strong"
And you are not angry?" he cried
you were nice and didn't laugh,
she explained. I'm sorry I was &C
cross the other night Though she
added. you were not right IN saying
what you did about Mr.. Kernochan.
IF you had let me finish what
was going to say could have told yot
my reason" he said with q smile
Mrs. Kernochan, or Mrs. Cassidy
rather, IL suing him for divorce be
cause of his cruelty. am her attor
ney, which is how came to form MI
estimate of his character. He WAS II
Jail once for wife beating
Harry" she said. He bent hi
head to catch the whisper.
What is 1t, dear?" he asked.
You won't beat me when we'r,
married." she asked.
Il should cay not. Look, Kate, It'll
clearing up. Let's go and get thu
ring.
ut was such a lovely Storm" shs
sighed contentedly as they stepped
out on the street.