The times and democrat. [volume] (Orangeburg, S.C.) 1881-current, 1908-07-03

the family. It might have been his big,
handsome self, his wholesome good ma
ture. coupled with dogged patience
in waiting for Kate. that was subty
bringing the girl to realization Of his
e:sfu::.y. dero-ion. T'.is '.hH'"-- of &c
cor. therefore. Oh ine Ca; q. al G;.ys
for an outing naturally aroused Curl
osity.
Kate's days were passed in big
department store. Many persons stop
ned ut her counter md made pur-
chases. Some were fine people. and
from snatches Of their conversation she
CLEANED mental visions Of their luXuri
Gus mode of living. Frequently she
looked out covetously on to their beau
tiful plane Of life.
She often wondered how people get
rich.
But today she was for once. to be "a
real swell lady," as Susie Mullins had
expressed it
''Now, look a-here, yez two" inter-
'rupted Kate's mother, coming to the
tgirps assistance at the breakfast table.
"Kate's goin' to Coney wild Susie Null
Inns an two raie gintlemen as has axed
the gir-ruls. an thin as has autimo-
heels too Shure, if she wants to be
a-goin' wild quality instid av the loikes
av Mike Peters-an' I'm sayin' nothin'
again Mike. ayther. God bless him
why can't she?"
The question at issue seemed con-
vincingly answered with a strong in
timation that no further discussion
was desired. The meal was finished
peacefully. but not without some in
ward resentment on the part Of kate's
father over the seemingly unwarranted
sidetracking of Peters.
Later a gay little. automobile party
sped swiftly through the city streets,
across the river. over vast stretches of
lowlands and on to the fantastic wood
en- city by the sea.
It was still gayer little party as it
indulged in. the pleasures and revels OF
the place. The light heartedhess of
youth made the day one of irresponsi-
bilities and freedom. and the cloudless
sky ard the life giving sea breezes
were in accord with the blissful mood
and high spirits Of the merrymakers.
Not even q passing thought was CIV
en- to the unconventional circum-
stances Of their meeting.
obo fO
garage, made some purchases Of Kate
one day.
"She is very pretty" said Ricard to
himself as he noticed her delicate fea-
lures. crowned by auburn hair.
When she looked up to more clearly
catch the address he was giving for
the delivery Of his purchases he saw
that her eyes were Of deep blue, and
there was hidden laugh in them.
He smiled at her boldly with his great
brown eyes.
The little flush. scarcely perceptible,
and the slight parting Of the lips tele-
graphed to Ricard his victory.
He found other occasions upon which
to visit the store, never forgetting to
pass Kate's way. An acquaintance fol-
lowed, into which Susie Mullins was
introduced, and the Fourth of July trip
was planned.
may invite my friend Mathot!" he
asked
"surew chimed the girls unhesitat-
ingly.
Kate was swept to heights of ecstasy
by the fattering attentions Of Ricard.
He was tall and handsome, 1.-the, dark
and had winning features.
Mike Peters became merely an occa-
sioual thought.
It was evening at Ceney Island The
little party had dined on the balcony
Of big hotel The quieting influence
Of twilight had hushed their irrespon-
sible chatter. and they sat dreamily
watching the shifting scene before
them.
The ocean sighed and broke softly
on the gray sandy beach.
In the distance the lighthouses fash
ed their warnings to ships plying their
lonely ways over the dark waters.
Away of at the horizon the big moon
peeped-hesitatingly. so it seemed. for
a continuous performer-then. reassur-
ed by the long silvery reflection upon
the waves, rose bravely to the occa-
sion.
Kate was as if charmed.
Ricard sat complacently smoking, his
eyes feasting on the changing beauty
Of the girls face.
Susie and A1athot strolled away.
Then the witch Of fire appeared.
Little lines of white light shone out,
moving indefinitely about like illumi-
mated snakes. They reached upward.
outward and encircling; they outlined
buildings: they crept high, leaving no
BILE towers: they wrought stirring en-
blems commemorative of the day: they
lighted the highways; they pointed to
the scintillating places for the nights
revels. and they traced great piers
stretching far into the sea.
Coney was depicted in exquisite sill
houette
Suddenly the air was filed with fam
buoyant glory.
Myriads of explosives shot skyward
up. up. swiftly at first, with Kissing
sounds. High in the heavens they fall
tered q bit as If in search Of stellar OBJ
iects against which to dash themselves.
Then. bursting into gorgeous displays