The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1908-07-23

I
FIRST half of tie next waltz, aud us she
placed her hand In his he said, as
Nelly Briggs had done before him:
Il suppose II all seems foolish to
you. guess you're used to men In
dress suits and all that"
Carol thought of the men who
danced with their hats on the back OF
their heads and only smiled In reply.
I'm thinking OF coming to the city
next fall,' continued Seth. II guess
need little polishing up"
You're better or where you are"
said Carol wearlly. IF you'll take my
advice you'll stay here"
''of course we can't all be as clever
as you and get ahead as fast" he said
stiiiy There's Tommy Madigan.
think he has the second chance at
this dance
Carol knew as well as Seth that
Tommy was not next in turn. but she
accepted the exchange and went
whirling about the hall with him,
while Seth sat In a corner glowering
upon the crowd OF dancers and fierce
" assured himself that he was foolish
to imagine that girl like Carol would
care for a country fellow like himself
after she had met so many smart men
IN the city.
Humbly he admitted the truth of her
suggestion that he could not make
progress In town, and he succeeded in
becoming thoroughly miserable.
He was glad when the two piece or
chestra struck up Home. Sweet
Home" and the girls hurried to the
dressing room for their wraps. He
waited at the door for Carol.
May | walk home with your" he
asked as she came from the dressing
room in her smart coat and furs.
Tiff you won't be cross again." as
sented Carol. slipping her arm through
his. "You know very we'll" she added
as they descended the stairs, that
Tommy Madigan was not next on my
list, and yet you got angry because !
urged you 10 stay here at home in
stead of trying your luck in town"
Il know ! was foolish" he asserted,
a little sadly. I'D stand no chance
with those city bred fellows. You al
ways were clever and could get
ahead"
ut isn't that" explained Carol. I'm
going to tell you all about it, Seth. It's
all been big mistake. Everybody up
here supposes that am doing so well
that | can afford to come home for
rest without waiting for the summer
vacation. That's not 1t at ALL"
But you're here. and it's only April"
he reminded her.
"rm here" she went on. because !
broke down trying to live and dress
myself and do everything on 81 a
week. had to have nice clothes or !
could not get a place had to put my
money on my back instead Of into my
food. They have no use for a girl who
does not convey the impression that
the office is prosperous one I'm sick
and tired of 1t all, and loathe the idea
of going back"
"You wouldn't care to stay on here
he declared incredulously. "You don't |
have half the fun. This was big |
event tonight for us. Just contrast 1t |
with the times you have in town.
81 have; that's what makes me so
miserable she confessed. I'm town
don't 60 to the great balls you read
about unless it's to stand outside in
the street and catch glimpse of the
rich people as they go in. My balls are
In halls smaller than this town hall, |
and they're horrid. When / go to the
theater, It's to climb to the top gallery |
to hang over the rail and see only a
part of the stage"
"And you'd rather stay here in
Broadwater" he asked. You'd rath- |
er live in this sleepy old town than in
the city, with all the lights and life"
Carol looked about her. An April |
rain that afternoon had left the air |
cool and sweet The scent Of moist |
earth and Of growing things filled the |
air with fragrance, and the moon
touched with kindly light the little
huddle of houses cleaning white |
against the soft new green of the bud
ding trees.
Then she thought of the city, with
its noisome streets, the trenches |
smelling of gas pipes and sewers, of |
the reeking payements and the harsh |
glare Of the electric lights.
She contrasted the quiet of the night
with the hurrying, jostling throng of
human..y men and women who never
were rested, who thought only Of
themselves and had no time for 9th
ers.
"You don't know-the CITY," she said, |
with a little sob in her voice. Its a