The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1908-03-13

With a rustic that Jared on nerves al
ready at a tension.
Nancy felt that she must scream. She
had slept little the night before afta'
her interview with Philip, and when Al
last she had been able to dose or she
had been aroused b read the telegram
calling her home, From then until
train time 1t had been steady con-
fusion, and the meeting with Philip
N the car had added the final touch to
her nervous condition.
As he returned from the diner to seek
the car ahead she half started from
her seat, but sank back in confusion,
II would never do to tell Philip that
she needed him. He would think that
she was seeking to reopen the question
Of last night, and he would suggest
that the need was permanent.
But as the minutes dragged past
Nancy's discomfort increased. and at
last she signaled the porter and direct
ed him TO 50 after Graham. The por-
ter grinned understandingly as he went
forward to the cafe car and presently
returned with Graham, whom he pre-
sented with the proud air Of accom-
plishment worn by the magician who
extracts a rabbit from a hat.
"You are mp Philip asked. with
grave concern, as he noticed the drawn
lips and the feverish sparkle Of her
eyes. " "
"Not ILL.," she explained, but ! shall
be presently II have to sit here and
listen to the wailing Of those children,
with no one to talk to- thought
perhaps-you wouldn't mind doing a
act and talk to me for lit
tie while"
philanthropy becomes pleasure
when 1t assumes so inviting FORM"
he declared, with a smile, as he sank
into the seat beside her.
Graham was capital conversational.
st. and almost before she realized II
The porter had begun to take down
he berths, and Graham glanced at his
watch.
Don't go yet" pleaded Nancy. and
Graham smiled.
II was going to ask permission to
walt until after the next stop" he said.
We can take a little walk on the sta
ion platform and get breath Of fresh
lir before we face the smother Of the
,erths."
There's the whistle now" said Nan.
" as she reached for her hat.
The train slowed down. and present.
y they were pacing up and down the
platform. There was a sharpness In
he air that was grateful after the
car, and Nancy was sorry
when the warning came to get aboard
lgain.
The porter from Graham's car ap-
,roached them as Nancy resumed her |
ieat- he handed Graham telegram.
II wired your father for more par
iculars," Philip explained when he
lad read the message. Your aunt |
rom San Francisco Is visiting your |
'ather and wished to see you before |
,he returns to the coast"
"Is that allT Nancy's face express |
I'd the relief she felt. isn't 1t odd
never thought of that? But / never
old you that was worried about IA.
her." she added.
Not in words" he admitted. Il
,ould see 1t In your face. And now
hat your mind Is set at rest shall
ay good night"
Nancy watched him until he had al.
most reached the end of the aisle; then
he ran after him, catching up with
lin just as he reached the vestibule.
rs that all you wanted to sayf' she
lsked as she swayed lightly toward
lin.
Not all wanted to say" he re-
,lied, "but all that was permitted to
ay."
"The rest is permitted, and the an
wer is Yes this time" was the i'm
,ulsive reply. "I'll marry you even II
Auntie Merrivale does want me to-"
And Graham's eyes smiled compre-
as he bent and kissed the
osy lips. He was not appreclative Of