The Mena weekly star., 1908-07-09
THEIR KIND ASSISTANCE


 they made matchi"
 Of course, the fact that marriage able man takes marriageable woman for a pleasure outing does not nee essarily signify matrimonial inten- lions on the part of either. The resi- ients of the Crosses, however, were following the unwritten law to the ef feet that man over 40 is not allowed simple dallying, the prerogative or selfish youth, but must have serious intentions If he seeks feNinine so- ciety
 Besides being middle-aged, Killing ton was a widower, which added point to the affair. He did not live at the Crosses, but every one knew of him his wealth, his real-estate business, his aversion to automobiles and his famous horses.
 As for Miss Perkins. she was such a handsome woman that 1t had always been matter of curiosity how she escaped matrimony. When she re- turned from that first ride she was met by smiles heroically casual, un- conscious smiles.
 Such a lovely day for drive!" chirped Mrs. Jones. I'd make him take me again, Miss Perkins,"
 Miss Perkins stood, tall and serene, her cheeks pink beneath the fluff of her silver pompadour, glint of amusement in her dark eyes.
 T shall. Mrs. Jones; certainly shall!" she promised that matron, who delightedly spread the news that Miss Perkins was going in for the af- fair seriously.
 Every woman in the hotel at once jumped to man the guns. Wear your gray! Wear your gray!" breathlessly prompted Mrs. Smith, the second time Rillington and his trot- ter drew up In front of the Crosses. You are a dream in 1t, Miss Perkins, with your hair"
 Mrs. Alberts tapped on her door just as Miss Perkins started forth Miss Perkins" sah she, wont you wear these corals ef mine-with the gray. you know-please dol" A hand mysteriously beckoned Miss Perkins as she smilingly passed down the hall. It belonged to Mrs. Don. caster, who had the only three-room suite at the Crosses.
 Miss Perkins," called Mrs. Don caster, when you come back why don't you bring him up to my parlor You can just as well as not and it's 90 much pleasanter and more secluded than the reception room downstairsi wsh you would!"
 When later Miss Perkins bade Rill- ington goodby at the curb and came .n alone the watching women groaned. They agreed that she showed amaz. ingly small command of the situation. And I had put out all the family photographs and made my parlor just as attractive and homelike as pos siblel" mourned Mrs. Doncaster. 'He boards, you know!"
 Miss Perkins remained provoking ly cheerful and uncommunicative. She betrayed none of the varying moods houdi hO O POi ioOh III tAC ooP VI - sentimental situation. Once when Riilington had not appeared for a week the Crosses was nearly hyster teal with repressed anxiety. That is with the exception of Miss Perkins The pink in her cheeks never wavered and she ate her full three meals a day.
 Indignation grew in the hearts of the feminine boarders. With all their help-proffers of corals, front parlors and sisterly advice-she seemed not to make any marked progress toward the matrimonial goal.
 Mrs. Jones, with a determined set to her jaw, was waiting for Miss Per kins when she returned from that last .:de. As she told the other women. If anything definite were going to hap pen 1t would happen then, after that weeks interval, which probably marked a lovers quarrel.
 Welt" cried Mrs. Jones, playfully. darting from her corner of the recep- ton room as a spider dashes out for its prey. Well, Seems to me you and Mir Rillington must have had a lot to talk over. You were gone near. ly three hoursl Is-can't-that is. when are wto congratulate you. dear Miss Perkins,"
 The same amused glint came into Miss Perkins dark eyes that had long fingered there.
 Now" she said. gayly. I'm con graduating myself, for I've got the dearest"
 In the artful pause Mrs, Jones ,lasped her hand to her heart.
 Dearest house on the north shore you ever saw" went on Miss Perkins Mir. Rillington had number for sale and I've been all this time decid ing which one to buy! I'm tired of boarding and want home of my pwn!"
 Mrs Jones came to an hour later. Aud all the time" she murmured ieebiy to herself, Fall that horrid man vas thinking of was the financial ,rofit he was going to make! I would not have believed it of him!"--Chicago Daily News.
 Forethouqht.
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