West Virginia argus. [volume] (Kingwood, W. Va.) 1877-1946, 1908-11-19

He stood stu as a granite cliG.
in Cactus City, trying TO select one on
which to build house for his wife to
be, who was Just then I'm the dressing
room taking off an evening gown OF
lavender aud tulle.
Take your time, Mr. Platt," said
Zizzbaum. Think It over tonight.
You won't find anybody else meet our
prices OH goods like these. I'm afraid
you're having n dull time in New York.
Mr.. Platt. a young man like you--of
course you miss the society OF the
ladies. Wouldn't you like a nice young
lady TO take out TO dinner this even
ing? Miss Asher, now, Is very nice
young lady; she Will make It agreeable
for you"
"Why, she doesn't know me-" said
Platt wonderingly. "She doesn't know
anything about me. Would she goi
I'm not acquainted with her"
"Would she gof" repeated Zizzbaum,
with uplifted eyebrows. sure, she
would go. | will Introduce you. Sure.
she would GO"
He called Miss Asher loudly.
She came, calm and slightly con
temptuous, In her white shirt waist
and plain black skirt
"Mr. Platt would like the pleasure OF
your company to dinner this evening""
said ZlZZbaum, walking away.
'Sure," said Miss Asher. looking at
the ceiling. I'D be much pleased.
Nine-eleven West Twentieth street.
What timer"
"Say O'clock"
"All right, but please don't come
ahead of time. | room with n school
teacher, and she doesn't allow any gen
tlemen to call I'm the room. There isn't
any parlor, so you'll have to wait in
the hall. I'll be ready"
At half past Platt and Miss Asher
sat at table in Broadway restau-
rant. She was dressed in plain, filmy
black. Platt didn't know that 1t was
all part of her days work
With the unobtrusive aid Of n good
waiter he managed to order respecta-
BILE dinner minus the usual Broadway
preliminaries.
Mise Asher flashed upon him n daz-
zllng smile.
''Mayn't have something to drink 2"
she asked
why. certainly" said Platt ANY
thing you want"
"a dry Martini" she said to the
waiter.
When 1t was brought and set before
her Platt reached over and took IT
away.
"what is thls?" he asked.
"a cocktail, Of course"
II thought IL was some kind OF tea
you ordered. This is liquor. You can't
drink this. what is your first namef"
ITO my intimate friends" said Miss
Asher freezingly, "lt IS Helen"
Listen, Helen" said Platt, leaning
over the table. For many years ev-
cry time the spring flowers blossomed
out on the praIries got to thinking Of
somebody that I'd never seen or heard
of. 1 knew It was you the minute /
saw you yesterday. I'm going back
home tomorrow, and you're going with
me. ! know IL. for saw It in your
eyes when you first looked at me. You
needn't kick, for you've got TO fall into
line. Here's n little trick | picked out
for you on my way over"
He filcked two carat diamond soil.
talre ring across the table. Miss Asher
hipped It back TO him with her fork.
Don't get fresh" she said severely
I'm worth 100000 said Platt. "T1l
build you the finest house I'm west
Texas"
you can't buy me, Mr.. Buyer" said
Miss Asher, 'if you had S1OO.OOOOOO.
didn't think I'd have TO call you
down. You didn't look like the others
TO me at FIRST, but see you're all
alike"
"All whoT asked Platt
"All you buyers. You think because
we girls have TO go out 90 dinner with
you or lose our jobs that you're priyi-
legged TO say what you please. Well.
forget II. / thought you were differ
ent from the others, but see was
mistaken"
Platt struck his fingers on the table
with gesture Of sudden. Illuminating
satisfaction.
I've got it! he exclaimed almost
hilarlously. "The Nicholson place over
on the north side. There's Zig grove
Of live oaks and a natural lake. The
old house can be pulled down ana the
new one set farther back"
Put out your pipe" said Miss Ash.
err I'm sorry to wake you up. but
you fellows might as we'll get wise.
once for all, 60 where you stand I'm
supposed to 90 20 dinner with you and
help Jolly you along so you'll trade
with old Zizzy. but don't expect to
6nd me I'm any Of the suits you buy"
do you mean to tell me-" said
Platt, that you 90 out this way with
customers and they all--they all talk
to you as hayeT