The Huttig news., 1908-05-16

topic they fitted, up and down the
polite world of their day.
To Stella, striving to lose no word
it was new, intoxicating That's my
world, too" she thought. Il could say
things like those. l know a little OF
mythology and history" She won
dered why she had never used such
language with Alfred, why he had not
talked with her as he did now with
Miss Hamilton.
Stella lifted her head in a spirit OF
rebellion quite new to her She could
never acquire this subtle manner; and
she should not stand In Alfreds way
He would succeed From serving he
would socn advance to ordering. He
would need wife like Miss Hamilton
MIR. Croker called Alfred for some
questioning, and in his absence Miss
Hamilton turned to Stella. I'm
afraid I'm monopolizing this oppor.
tunity, Miss Anthony. It's my first
visit, you know
'It is my first visit here, also" Stel.
la replied.
your first?" Miss Hamilton's eyes
opened wide with not too civil ques.
ton. oh she laughed, IF you live
here and don't care enough to come
and see these wonderful things !
shan't let my conscience sit up nights
over my monopoly of Mr. Vincent
and the conversation" She turned to
smile at Alfred reappearing, and Stel-
a was without opportunity to explain
hat, despite enthusiasm and apprecia-
lion, the railroad grade was not a
proper promenade for girl alone
The young people Jagged. in spite OF
the call of the leaders, and arrived at
the camps to find them already alive
with men and beasts.
"Ob, must see the Chinese camps"
Miss Hamilton cried. I've heard of
them"
They were in time to see the cooks
serving from great cauldrons to each
man his little keller full of boiling
water There was also an array of big
black pots simmering over camp fires,
yet white and savory messes were
within, announced by attractive odors.
What do they do with those little
tubs?' Miss Hamilton asked, as she
saw the coolies disappear within tents
or brush shacks
Each man takes hot sponge bath
md dresses in clean clothes before
he eats"
is to-day any special occasion?"
she questioned, wonderingly
They do that every night in the
year They never sup in their work
ing clothes"
What an example to Americans!
My respect for the disciples of Con-
fueius has risen to a hundred"
She wished to stay to see the vel
low men in dinner dress" squatting
with their little bowls and chop-sticks
chattering over their elicey.e hut her
uncle sent back a second hurryine
summons that held a note of impa
tience; and Stella pushed ahead with
sure steps. following her temporary es
cort. But Miss Hamilton, unused t,
| rough going, and In spite of Alfred
watchfulness, turned her ankle ant
arrived at the road pale and veal
with pain. leaning heavily on his arm
Yet her gay bravery deceived her
uncle, though she clasped Stella's ex
tended hand sharply as the two men
lifted her into the coach.
1t was quite dark when they drove
up into the hotel brilliance. Stella
anghted after the others; yet she
heard Miss Hamilton's graceful thanks
to Alfred, saw the lingering hand
shake, the appeal in her eye, while she
leaned upon her uncle's arm.
Sally B. came out to meet them j;
and the lantern swinging n the even
ing breeze threw fantastic, dancing
shadows on the group. Suddenly Stel-
la felt out of it all, remote; for Alfred,
lifting his hat impressively, backed
away from the open door and did not
see her standing in the shadow, alone.