Los Angeles herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1900-1911, 1908-09-13

lily up toward the little window in the top of the
cab, hesitated stopped short dropped back into her
lap. 1t would be fun to see where the bride lived.
The procession halted. Far down the line guests
leaving their carriages and mounting the steps
or big imposing house. Now was the time for es-
cape-but no; the street was blocked. 1t would be
necessary to stay in line and following the empty
vehicles to the first corner beyond the house Little
by little. the cab 1erked its way toward the spot
where the awning and the carpet ran down to the
curb
Why not? flush came into Priscillas cheeks,
sparkle in her eyes. Why not? All her trad-
lions inherited and acquired, to ofer conclu
sive answers to the question; but she put them
aside. Even the veriest Puritan may have his
ment Of madness PrisciIa's upon her. The
spirit of adventure had her in its grip, and she hung
the proprieties, the decencies to the wind. In so
large a crowd who would ever know? She had al
ways wanted to do something really shocking. Here
golden opportunity. the fates had cast 1t at
her feet
The cab was stopping magnificent being in liv-
cry opening the doors, the time for hesitation
was past young person, with the air OF We're
de We're, paid and dismissed mildly intoxicated
cabman, traiIed an Enthusiastically Partisan frock
along the crimson carpet, and ran the gauntlet of
more magnificent beings in livery.
A moment later she found herself alone in a
crowd and awake to her inquiry. Now that she
stopped to think the thing was horrible an offense
against every law Of good breeding. She must
cape. Panic descended upon her, she started to-
ward the doors and Just at that moment, pleas
ant masculine voice drawled into her ear. Awful
crush, isn't itY'
Priscilla gave little gasp of terror. Guilt WAS
written upon every line of her face, but the man
with the admiring eyes did not seem to notice her
dismay.
Lady Mary makes an attractive BRIDE" he was
saying when the culprt regained her selfpossession
suficient1y to listen. 'They say the old Duke has
been very keen about this match He does look
pleased doesn't her Do you know, you are look
ing bit tagged. Can get you anything?"
ragged" Frustrated was the adequate word;
and yet-and yet-a returning Joy of life was max
ing itself felt in PriscIas heart Had she not said
she would rather meet a nice man than see the ABB
bey7 Well. she had not seen the Abbey but there
man, and Indications pointed to his being
mice" PrtsciIla's spirits rose. He seemed like a
direct answer to prayer; and, though undeserving.
one need not be unappreciative. And she
smiled at him deliberately radantly fully realizing
that he was not bell boy. nor waiter, nor porter
quite convinced that she would not be allowed to
tip him for service rendered. He caught the smile
and exchanged another for it
q, 80 hungry as that1" he asked.
A4 "Famished"
He took possession OF her. steered her through
the crowd. found seat for her in little morning
out of the confusion and left her there while
he went on forage. She nestled back comfortably
among the cushions and watched him hurrying
down the hall. Even his back was likable such a
fine. straight, broad-shouldered, capable sort of a
back. There was who would get the best OF
whatever lay beyond tho dining-room doors. And
yet there was theory that the way OF the trans
horH Dxfan n1
of the transgressor like the descent to Avenus
was easy; and. SO It seemed, joyous, withal.
The Nice Man was hack In few moments bear
ing plumber that justified belief In him.
1.-The best could do short Of telling scores OF
Engiand's noblest and reaching the buffet over
their bodies" he said gayy.
1T looks delicious" Priscilla murmured; but
Unexpectedly a scruple had come out from
under the enaesthetic which had overwhelmed
it. with all of its kind and assuring the hungry
young that she couldn't possibly eat the
food of hosts who did not even know her. When it
came to the breaking of bread-weII, having swaI-
lowed camel one ought not to strain at gnat;
but every wrongdoer draws line somewhere Now,
the Nice Man different. He hadn't actually
been provided by the Duke. There would he no
mortal sin against the laws of hospitality In appro-
priating him, SO long as he himself was willing.
Apparently the Nice Man had curiosity in re-
gard to the girls name or home or friends. That
she had brown eyes with golden lights in them and
brown hair with distracting ripples through it, and
piquant, provocative face and a sudden lluminat-
ing smile that brought lnrking dimples into view,
seemed to content him: and, though he talked OF
himself, man-wse, the talk only Of his tastes,
his beliefs his Dreams and held hint of his name
occupation rank.
Funny how little one knows what an hour will
bringl" said the Nice Man, quite as earnestly
though he had not been evolving hopeless com
monpace. He apparently was addressing a paper
cutter which he had taken from the writing desk
and was lingering.
"A man goes along doing stupid things; and then,
some day. he starts out to do what promises to be
more than ordinarily stupid-and finds the mean
Ing OF life waiting for him just around the corner"
1t wasn't profound that the paper cutter was not
impressed; but the mans voice earnest and
there was seriousness about his mouth and the
eyes he lifted suddenly to Priscilla had look In
them that was not prescribed by the manual of po-
lite Mirtation The girl beside him felt sensation