The Marion daily mirror. (Marion, Ohio) 1892-1912, 1908-03-30
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The Imprudence
Of Percy Preston.
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just escapedv Percy Preston ex-
claimed, as he and his partner
swerved quickly to the right just In
time to avoid collision.
II was the last Sunday at Princes.
and the skating rink was crowded
with eager skaters, who few along
the ice to the enlivening strains OF
the Blue Hungarian band.
who's that girl?" asked man
who was watching this particular
couple with keen interest. Nobody
seems to know much about her"
"Chetwynd Hartop brought her,
/ think; he's not generally over par
ticular, but she must be somebody,
or Preston wouldn't be seen with her
every Sunday like this!" replied his
companion. Hes not to be caught
mapping. BY Jove she is handsome,
though. Look, they are coming
round"
The couple few past like fash
OF lightning, and we're lost among
the crowd again.
ITS the last Sunday" she ex-
claimed.
Yes, It has been rippin' meeting
you like this. | never thought we
should become such pals, you
know!" Percy Preston answered,
letting his eyeglass drop from his
eye. 81 say, I'd like to see more of
you. How Is II we never meet at the
same houses?"
IL don't know the same people as
you do" she replied, "and I'm al
ways SO much engaged"
IL get so beastly bored with them
all" he continued; you seem differ
ent, somehow"
II suppose you don't associate
with many people outside your own
set?" she asked.
mo, one never knows what dread
full people may claim ones acquaint-
ance, II one isn't particular. Shall we
reverse?"
IL think It's better to take people
for what they are and not who they
are" she exclaimed, and he did
not see the sneer on her face. He
was too busy steering them safely
along.
That's all very we'll in theory,
| but It doesn't work." he answered.
Society won't stand that sort of
thing A fellow must think OF ap-
| pearances.
''The opinion of the world is a
matter OF such high Importance,
isn't it,"
He did not detect the sarcasm in
her tone. He was not endowed with
too much wit
II am not really like that.
though" he hastened to assure her.
, "Once l like a person, I'd stick to
them through thick and thin"
The band was playing one Of
Strauss's valses. Percy Preston felt
almost romantic.
Where are you going to-mor-
row." he asked eagerly. She hest
tated moment, then gave q little
laugh.
Shopping" she said.
$50 am l." She looked startled.
with my sister," he added, hur-
riedly. II often do" They both
laughed.
Where shall It be them" he in
quired again, as they stopped skat-
ing.
IL really must go now" she cried.
well, II you insist. Gayford's at
twelve. Good-by."
II was some minutes past twelve
the next morning when Percy Pres
ton and his sister entered Gayford's.
Bond Street; he looked eagerly
round. Hats of every description
greeted him on all sides, but he saw
no signs of the particular person for
whom he was seeking. She had dis
tinctly said l2 o'clock, and 1t was
now only few minutes past,
He watched the door eagerly each
time 1t was opened to admit some
new customer, but still she did not
appear. Would she break her prom
Use? At last, in despair, he turned
impatiently to his sister, who was
busy trying on large black hat.
1T suits madam beautifully, does
1t not?" exclaimed a voice at his
side.
He started violently. He would
know that voice anywhere. But
surely-no, It was impossible. He
turned In amazement and took look
at the tall, black-robed figure, who
was now trying on the hat herself In
order to show 1t off to Its best ad-
vantage. For one instant they gazed
at each other, he with horror, she
with calm amusement. Then, with
out a moments hesitation he looked
quickly away again. and made bolt
for the door.
Good heavens" he muttered.
What an escape! Thank goodness
no one saw, | could never have
looked Society In the face again. To
} think that she was a--By Jove! I've
never been so taken In before"
; THANK goodness" she was think
Ing, though she felt a strange
choking in her throat. "one doesn't
meet friends like that every day"
J But aloud she said
J ITO what address shall ! send t.
madam? The gentleman seems to
! have gone"
This, by the way. was the firs,