Montour American. (Danville, Pa.) 1866-1920, 1909-01-21
Not the slightest" he would Al,

Not the slightest" he would all
swcr. And so it went.
Then came the morning when Il
large, square envelope was laid by
Miss Eldrldge's plate. Her aunt, grow
ing old and feeble, had not the less
diminished her social activities. After
a long absence In Europe she had re-
turned to New York and requested the
pleasure of Miss Eldridges company
at -. Miss Eldridge put down the
invitation. white to the lips, her
heart bounding furiously. Pride urged
her not to accept, but a feeling
stronger than any self love swept over
the barriers of pride and brought them
low. The old inextinguishable hope
was there, vital and dominant as ever
On the great evening she arrayed
herself with trembling fingers. The
face her mirror showed was flushed
and radiant. 1t was as If her lost
youth had stepped back to crown her
for Il moment with the touch of all
sweet, imperishable things.
The professor was going to a special
meeting of the board of education and
had promised TO wait for her at the
car when it was time for her to return
Ten minutes before she arrived he was
at his post, pacing restlessly. Under
the thin flare of the street lamps his
face looked more tired and haggard
than usual. The glory, too, had faded
from Miss Eldridge's eyes when she
came. AS she met him she looked
quite worn. The professor guessed at
the reason instantly.
Wasn't he there?" he asked, throb
of commiseration in his voice.
Yes" she cried, with a little laugh
that was half sob-"yes: he was
there He-he came and talked to me,
and instead of-oh, professor, how can
l tell you! He isn't the least bit like
an Apollo Belvedere! He's grown
stout and little bald, and-and"- y
second sob stuck in Miss Eldrdge'S
throat.
But she had worshiped unreality SO
long that now she was determined to
have the truth at any cost. And
thought his remarks were exceedingly
glanced up at the professor and noted
the change In him.
why, professor" she cried, has
anything happened? Has
Yes" said the professor grimly, "a
great deal has happened. Tonight at
the board meeting | saw her."
Miss Eldridge's question came in a
startled whisper. And is she-still
the same?"
Yes. she is still the same. She has
preserved her youth, and you know
how preserved youth looks. I'd rather
have an honest wrinkle than all tho
He stopped and then went on more
izing pretty doll, endowlng her with
graces of the heart and soul that she
never for an instant had, while here
beside me oh, I've been blind as
bat, Miranda. blind as a bat, but I'm
going to make up for it If you'll let
me, If you'll listen to poor middle
aged suitor after your dreams of Apol-
10 Belvedere."
The glow had come back again to
little Miss Eldridge's face. Her eyes
were twin stars.
Let youi" she whispered. "Oh, to-
night. after my eyes were opened, /
thought OF you. and felt so desperate
ly lonely. for knew you had some one
else, while T.
The school board" said the profess
or irrelevantly. have raised my salary.
They've offered to make me principal
Of an outlying school where all the
teachers own their homes-beautiful
homes. with lawns and vine covered
porches"
The professor Strengthened as he
spoke and looked positively young.
And an hour later Miss Eldridge
opened the tiny window OF her sky
light bedroom and tossed out ncroSs
the roofs faded bunch OF violets that
she had worn on memorable night
twelve years before and cherished ever
since. Then she turned about with
happy sigh. for the dream was ended.
and In its place had come the sub.
stance Of reality.