Evening journal. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1907-1913, 1908-01-04

winnowed sky of winters twilight,
blue as sapphires--Irish eyes! Her
hair was as dark and silken as plume
from the wings Of night. (Did | not
say that had some poetry in my sys-
tenn? The shape of her mouth
Never mind; can recall only the mad
desire to kiss It. A graceful figure,
proud head, slender hand, a foot so
small that / wondered if it really
poised, balanced or supported her
young body. Tender she must be, and
loving, enclitical rather than erect like
her authoritative companion. She was
adorable.
All this inventory of feminine charms
was taken by furtive glances, some
times caught--or were they taking an
inventory of myself? Presently my
appetite became singularly submis
sive. Hunger often is satisfied by the
feeding of the eyes. ] dropped my
napkin on the table and pushed back
my chair. My hostesses ceased con.
versing.
ladies' said I courteously, II Of
fer you my sincere apologies for this
innocent intrusion l looked at my
watch. Il believe that you gave me
an hours respite. So, then, have 80
minutes to my account"
The women gazed at each other.
One laughed, and the other smiled; it
was the English girl who laughed this
H. - f.,.
than any had yet heard.
pardon another parenthesis.
hope you haven't begun to think am
the hero of this comedy. Let it be
furthest from your thoughts. / am
only a passive bystander.)
Il sincerely trust that your hunger
is appeased," said the one who had
smiled.
1t is, thank you" / absently FUN
bled in my coat pockets, then guilty
dropped my hands. What a terrible
thing habit is.
You may smoke" said the Bou-
guereau child who was grown into
womanhood. Wasn't that fine OF her?
And wasn't it rather observant, too?
l learned later that she had a brother
who was fond of tobacco To her eyes
my movement was a familiar one.
with your kind permission" said |
gratefully. / hadn't had smoke in
four hours.
l owned single good cigar, the last
of my importation. | lighted it and
blew forth snowy billow of heavenly
aroma. | know something about hui
man nature, even the feminine side of
it. A presentable young man with
roll of aromatic tobacco seldom fails
to win the confidence of those about
him. With that cloud of smoke the
raw edge of formality smoothed down.
Had you any particular destina-
tion?" asked Gretchen.
None at ALL The road took my
fancy, and / simply followed it."
"Ahl that is one of the pleasures of
riding-to go wherever the inclination
bids. ride
We were getting on fanously.
DO you take long journeys?" ! in
quired.
often. 1t is the most exhilarating
OF SPORTS" said the Enchantment.
The scenery changes; there are so
many things. that charm and engage
your interest; the mountains, the wa
terways, the old ruins. Have you ever
whistled to the horses afeld and
watched them come galloping down to
the wall? 1t is fine. In England"
But her mouth closed suddenly. She
was talking to stranger.
/ love enthusiasm in a woman. 1t
colors her cheeks and makes her eyes
sparkle. grew bit holder.
Il heard wonderful voice as | APP
preached the CASTLE" said |.
Gretchen shrugged.
Il haven't heard its equal outside
Berlin or Paris went on.
"Paris?' said Gretchen. laying
neat little trap for me into which my
conceit was soon to tumble me. paris
is marvellous city"
There is no city to equal it. mas
much as we three shall never meet
again, will you not do me Ahe honor to
repeat that jewel song from Faust?"
My audacity did not impress her in
the least.
you can scarcely expect me to give
supper to stranger and then sing
for him, besides" said Gretchen,
chill again stealing into her tones.
These Americans." she observed to
her companion in French.
laid aside my cigar, approached the
piano. and sat down. struck a few
chords and found the instrument to be
in remarkable good order. played a
Chopin "Polonaise," l tinkled Grieg's
"Papillen," then / ceased.
THAT is to pay for my supper" I
explained.
Next played LIE Courier. and when
had finished that turned again, ris-
ing
THAT is to pay for my horses sup
per" said.
Gretchen's good humor returned.
Whoever you are. sir her tone no
longer repellent. you are amusing.
Pray, tell us whom we have the honor
to entertain"
Il haven't the vaguest idea who my
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