The Brandon news. (Brandon, Miss.) 1892-1961, 1907-05-02

doubtless my friend will take me to the
y. j. Daskam.
It was said in Blackley's, where
Mabel Greenwood worked, that the
part Of wise girl was to live quietly
and to save money. It was never de-
fined exactly how much or how little
was meant by living quietly. nor was
1t ever computed how much girl
might save by denying herself those
poor pleasures which her youth would
enable her to enjoy.
It may be said at once that Mabel
Greenwood did not live restricted
life: Neither did she save money.
She was a straight living, smart,
well equipped London girl. But
apart from her attractions, her ply
steal charms, her shrewd wit and her
experience, she had nothing. Her
capital was-herself. Unlike those
girls who had lived quietly and saved
money, she had no security against
the coming of evil days. And in the
spring of 1905 evil days came.
It was an April morning, and even
In the streets of London the spring
was triumphant. At many of the
corners there were flower girls bas-
kets piled up with spring flowers;
some of the passersby wore punches
Of violets, others carried daffodils or
jonquils.
At the crossing where the two busy
thoroughfares near st. AIMS Hospi-
tai intersect the traffic was passing
from west to east in a thick stream.
Mabel Greenwood stood on the curb,
waiting until the stream was broken.
More than one passerby turned and
looked at her as she stood there. Her
well poised figure, her dainty neat
ness in her dress, her clean cut pro-
file, and, above all, perhaps, the hap
py reflection of the springtide joy in
her face were causes which compelled
many to let their gaze linger. OF
this tribute Of the passersby she was,
however, wholly unconscious. Pres
emily, when the stream Of traffic was
checked she raised her skirts and,
displaying two neatly shod feet,
stepped out into the roadway.
Though there was no appearance
that an anxious thought troubled her
there would have been good reason
that April morning had Mabel Green
woods thoughts been heavy.
She had lost her post at Blackley's
Freedom from the slavery of the
counter, liberty to enjoy the April
morning, made Mabel Greenwood
happy, despite the melancholy reflec-
ton that she had lost her livelihood.
She was young, and she had trained
herself to enjoy her youth. When
she reached the curb on the hospital
side of the crossing her happiness
was crowned.
Archibald Cayley was waiting for
her. He had CHANGED to see her as
she stood waiting to cross; he had
watched her crossing. For the thou
sandth time he had marvelled at her
prettiness. hsdapplauded in his heart
her never failing air Of up-to-date,
attractive womanhood.
More than year had passed since
they first drifted together In the
stream Of London life in which their
lots were cast. and their friendship
had always been pleasant. never
Jared upon by those small olsen
chantments to which such friendships
are so cruelty liable. Cayley was
thankful that 1t had been so pleasant,
and a sudden stab Of regret pierced
his thoughts as he reflected that it
must soon come to an end.
When they had greeted each .other
she saw that he was surprised to see
her.
II am having days holiday" she
said lightly. I am very lucky, hap
pening upon such glorious day"
It never occurred to him that she
was concealing anything behind the
easy remark.
What are you doing?" he asked.
She confessed that she had no
plans.
Then let us spend the afternoon
In the country, come back and have Z
theatre at night. It's long time
since ! have had q day OF. rye q
few things to do In the hospital. but
they will not take long. Will you
meet me at Paddington bookstall,
say, at 2 o'clock!"
For q moment she hesitated. but
for q moment only.
She knew that she loved Cayley.
She knew also. dimly, in the back
ground Of her thoughts that some
day she would have to crush her love
down. But till that day came. why
should not their pleasant friendship
continue? It had become deeper on
her side. but that only meant that
when the end came she would the
more greatly suffer.
When she spoke her heart was
beating more quickly and more tu-
multously than she would have
cared to own.
1T would be splendid, she said,
frankly. But she let no tremor es-
cape into her voice.
Then you will be there at ~