The Morris County chronicle. [volume] (Morristown, N.J.) 1877-1915, 1908-06-23
THE OLD
FASHIONED WAY.


place at which it was possible to get
help.
Trenton and Miss Bassett sat in
side, sheltered from the storm and
wrapped in comfortable robes, while
the chauffeur hunted for the trouble
and slapped his arms around himself
to keep from freezing. 1t had not
been very cold when they started The
blizzard had come up suddenly, and
the snow was falling so rapidly and
drifting so badly that their chances
OF getting through would have been
very poor even ii the car had not
gone to the bad
What are we to do?'' Miss Bas-
sett asked.
We'll, we might get out and tramp
through the snow either to Woods
vile or to Midvale," Trenton re-
piled.
You do not seem to be taking
this matter very seriously"
Yes, | am. You don't know how
serious it is to me. happen to own
this car, and standing out here in
snowdrift all night isn't likely to do
it bit of good
I'm SO sorry that | am likely to
be the cause of financial loss to you.
1t had refused to come it would not
have happened
Yes, it would"
Il don't understand how it could I"
DO not flatter yourself Miss Bas-
sett. that l should have sat down and
fmoped If you had declined to come.
There were other girls who would
nave been glad to be invited"
Then suppose you had already
thought it out when you came to me-
Thought out what, please?"
You had gone over it all in your
mind-had decided If had declined
TO come you would come with one of
the others, since you had satisfied
yourself that you had only to ask any
OF them in order to receive an ac-
ceptance
No, to be candid. hadn't thought
much about it. There was no occa-
sion for that. You see, knew you
were coming .
Miss Bassett turned and looked
out at the binding snow that was
whlrling past. driven by wind which
was increased in velocity every min
ute. The chauffeur was standing
with his back turned to the storm.
apparently at the end of his re-
sources. He seemed to be half fro
zen, in spite of his big fur coat and
the cap that was drawn down over
his head.
Why don't you send him off in
search of help?" Miss Bassett asked
turning to Trenton.
II have been thinking of doing
that. am glad you have suggested
it."
II can't see why you should wait
Tor suggestions from mo in a case of
this kind
1t occurred to me that you might
think | was conceited if / sent him
away"
why should think that?"
~ sYou shouldn't, but I was afraid
you might. You see, l didn't want to
have you sit here and wonder, after
l had sent him off, what reason /
had for supposing that you preferred
me to him as companion. .
have no doubt that many chat
feurs are estimable men-much more
so than are the men whom they
serve; but have never been in the
habit of turning to them for social
diversion or companionship."
Trenton felt that it would be well
Tor him to turn his attention for a
moment to the chauffeur. He got
out and held a brief but earnest con-
ference with his man, after which the
driver started down the road through
the storm and in few minutes dis
appeared.
How long do you think it will
take him?" Miss Bassett asked after
Trenton, shivering and looking wor-
ried. got inside.
Il haven't any idea" he renlied
IF he gets through at all it will be
extremely lucky for all of us. The
storm is getting worse and worse"
Miss Bassett drew back as far as
she could in her own corner, pulled
Athe heavy robes arouns her. and
Hooked out at the world, which was
rapidly disappearing under an ava
lanche of snow. 1t was beginning to
get dark, although they had hardly
been on the road an hour, and it was
barely o clock when they had left
home.
Trenton watched her out of the
tail OF an eye, and made himself com
Portable in his own corner. Thus
they sat for half an hour in absolute
silence. It had grown quite dark.
ana Trenton began, at last, to won
der how long the lady was likely to
be able to keep from breaking down.
Just then he spoke:
There must. at least, be farm
mouse somewhere near here size
said
Very likely there Isl he replied
"Of course ! would NOT ask you to
put yourself to any trouble or in
convenience on my account, but If
you think it would be dangerous for
you to remain here alone ali night
you might accompany me in an en-
deayor to find some better place than
this in which to wait for the rescuIne
party"
II you care at all for nv advice
" wOui suggest that We remain hefe