The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1908-09-15

/ NGItt utlt uui NkuAut bAuk Ou
Lyndon. "Been lonelyS"
Haven't had a chance" lauglN,
Ella. Everybody that's passed fel
called upon to sit down aud keep M
company"
Il don't wonder" was Lyndon
frankly admiring comment
Not one OF them," announced Ell'
condemningty, had the sense to SO,
that wanted 10 be by myself--to rest
You are either exceptionally percep
tive. Mr.. West, or exceptionally cal
| lous."
West, who had thrown himself wea
rily down on the grass. looked up Ii
time to catch the mischief In Elias
sparkling eyes.
Il am exceptionally perceptiye." b,
affirmed laughingly. 81 knew YOU
didn't want me to stay"
"But you are quite sure am glad
you are back?'' she teased.
Whatever Lyndon had In mind TO re
ply was not spoken.
Jump he shouted excltedly. "A
balls comingw
Ella grasped his hand and sprang up
Just as a swiftly driven ball brushed
by her skirt. Then. still holding Lyn'
don's hand, she hoped on one foot to
a nearby stump.
1T struck you." gasped Lyndon
You are hurt. .WhereT'
Ella. convulsed. raised her handker.
chief to her face.
1T is your bandit Is bleeding" he
exclaimed. "Let me see III thought
1t was your foot"
At this dramatic moment Stearns ap
peared s,ith a glass OF water.
I'm sorry was so long, Miss Mar,
den." he began apologetically.
West snatehed the glass from him.
"You were miraculously quick" he
said gratefully Here, Miss Marden.
ne began, drink this"
But Fila, who was apparently sob
bing. could not be induced to lift he'
face from her handkerchief.
Just leave her to me, Stearns.
crged West She'll be all right In Z
few minutes. And thanks ever 81
much. old man."
Stearns, utterly fiabbergasted. hu'
well aware that he was quite de trop
walked slowly of.
Hot upon the heels of his involun
tary retreat Brayton loomed into view
Here's the ball. Miss Marden." he
called vietoriously.
Who cares about the ballT snapped
Lyndon. go find the one who sent II
if you want to make yourself usefulI''
well. what's the matter with your
demanded the angered Brayton.
AT this climax Ella lifted her face
II was certainly fiushed-whether with
Weeping Lyndon West was a bit in
loubt.
Thank You, Mr.. Brayton." she salti
tumbly. 1T was awfully good of you
D hunt 1t for me- Now please go on
yith your own game or you won't r"
lble to finish before dark"
Brayton, though mystlfied, took hi
.onge like thoroughbred.
For a few eloquently silent second
Ella and Lyndon looked at each other
lyndon with the air of man VIII
ias been the victim of a practical jo,.!
nd Ella with an expression half mis-
.hievous, half embarrassed.
Perhaps you can explain" suggeg
d Lyndon at length.
"Um, hunt | can" Ella assentp'
DO you mind going back to where v
we're sitting? ! think left somethiu
here"
Lyndon went on the errand. Heso0i
-eturned, carrying Elias tan boof
langling by its lacings.
IF the beautiful Cinderella will per
nit" be begged, kneeling before her
at isn't cinder at ALL" shifted Ella
cornfully. "Tt's nail"
. W HiIS bs nuOh, WIN lne dlu VI ~
tone or two. pounded down the refrac
DRY nail Ella made clear to him the
and denouement Of the after
looms events.
The boot finished, Lyndon agaiE
.egged the privilege of putting IT on
he lady's dainty foot
The lacing process was executed
With great precision but when 1t came
0 tying the knot Lyndon hesitated.
'Shall 1t be true lovers knot, dear
st?' he asked, looking up at her with
rave affection.
Ella laughed. She couldn't help IT,
lyndon was so serious and she was SO
appy.
'Is that the same as a beau knott
he asked him archly.