The Beaver herald. [volume] (Beaver, O.T. [Okla.]) 1895-1923, 1908-05-14

VINO iiFed opposite.
She came down the steps. crossed
the road, and then. as she reached Les
.er'E side Of the pavement. disappeared
from view beneath him.
Just my luck" be murmured III
she'd only kept TO her own side OF the
street could have enjoyed the sight
OF her for half minute at least.'
With a sigh of disappointment he
left the window, and went back To his
book and pipe
a minute later. his manseryant
came in. "A lady 70 see you, sir" he
announced.
Lester stared at the card on the
tray. Miss Claire Granuey," he
read Who is she-what does she
want?' he asked, somewhat irritably.
Il think she's brought a dog. sir"
hesitated Collins.
Think What do you mean By
Think II she's got dog"
Beg pardon. sir, but it's wrapped
up"
Lester Jumped up by Jovel it's
Jock! Some one must have found
him. and come in answer to my ad-
yertisement Show the lady in at
once"
He had barely time TO put his pipe
away and stir the fire when the door
opened. Lester stared. Before him
stood the identical girl he had been
watching from his wIndow-the girl
who lived opposite! She carried some
thing wrapped in shawl.
"Miss-Grantley?" he faltered, offer.
ing her a chair.
"Yes." she answered. n little shyly.
II think I've found your dog. |
only saw your advertisement this
morning. or / would have come sooner"
She began untying the shawl. "He
was 80 very frisky, and | was afraid
he might run away again." she ex-
planned, while Lester leant forward
expectantly.
Yes. that my Jock all over, He's
always running away. It's really most
kind Of you TO take so much trouble"
There, he's out,' she broke in, as
small brindled mongrel escaped from
the shawl. Save in size and coloring,
II was as unlike Testers valuable Alb
erdeen terrier as dog could be. But
he had no time to say so, for. as the
animal leapt to the floor Il seized his
extended hand between its teeth and
bit viciously.
"Oh, | hope he hasn't bitten youi"
cried the girl in alarm.
"No-its nothing he declared, re-
trf aN.ar I..F -.
grel.
"Oh, but he has, she insisted,
jumping up. DO let me look"
The touch OF her soft white fingers
thrilled him. She misinterpreted the
little satisfied ejaculation that escaped
him as her hand met his.
Now I've hurt you" she lamented
Hurt isn't exactly the word"
In the quick glance that she gave
his face she read her mistake.
Your own dog. too" she said. drop
ping his hand. How very extraordi.
nary!"
"Yes-isn't IT," he stammered.
She was so distractingly pretty that
he hadn't the heart to undeceiye her
The truth would only mortify her
pride, and perhaps bring the inter
view 10 an abrupt end.
It's n mere scratch" he went on.
'He-that is, Jock-always was a bit
uncertain, you know"
And yet" she declared, "he was
quite friendly with me-"
Does that surprise your he asked
with n smile OF much meaning.
But perhaps-perhaps you are not
very fond of him" she returned, ignor-
ing both question and smile.
Lester gave the small cur glance
of mlsgiving before answering. "On
the contrary, lin quite devoted to
him" he stammered.
Il don't mind confessing," she re
turned, that ! was very disappointed
when saw your advertisement You
see, he had followed me home
Naturally"
And | had got quite attached to
him"
"Would--would you like to keep
him?" he asked with unnecessary
eage?ness.
Il believe you want to get rid Of
him." she chided
Not at ALL" he protested; but II
you"
"You did want him back, suppose,
or You wouldn't have advertised"
"Of course" he said feebly
There was a short pause.
you'll let me give you some tea?"
he asked. partly with the object OF
changing the subject
She began by demurring, but gave
way. Lester pressed the bell
I've often wondered when we
should meet" was his next speech,
made in the nature of reconnaissance.
Have you really?" she responded,
taking cover.
81 see you every day, You know"