The St. Mary banner. (Franklin, Parish of St. Mary, La.) 1889-1931, 1909-06-12

| 10 the seventh heaven OF QelSnL.
1t was letter written as skillfully
as his own. Miss Manson expressed
herself as flattered at the compli-
ments paid her and was not averse to
eventually granting Mr.. Saunders re-
quest, but first she must be more full
ly assured of his worthiness, and to
that end suggested probationary
period Of correspondence.
Saunders fastened to acquiesce and
in reply he filled dozen pages which
brought back a scanty four. Miss Man
son was evidently not of belief
that it was more blessed to give than
to receive, but Saunders treasured
these brief epistles, perfect save in
one particular, and dreamed his dream
Of love.
The one Earring note was the hand
writing Saunders was sensitive to
penmanship end it seemed to him
that the style was more masculine
than Miss Manson's personality sug-
gested. He had expected a dainty,
wholly feminine handwriting and in
this. but only in this, was he disap-
pointed and when, at last. Miss Man.
son limited that his period of pro-
baton was about to end, Saunders
cup overlooked with joy.
The next development was a card
from Mrs. Shearer for a dinner dance
with ITO meet Miss Marietta Man
SON. in one corner. In his exuberancc
Saunders vowed that he would give
the postman a box og cigars on his
next trip, and then he went out to
order new evening clothes.
The function was week distant
and Saunders never knew how he
passed the time. He was one of the
first to enter the Shearer parlors,
but his face fell as he saw tall,
dark girl standing beside his hos
tess Wonderirgly he made his way
toward the chair, but his face light
cned again as Mrs. Vance came for
ward with his lady of the Pullman
car
Il want. you to know Miss Clyde
she said, as she laid OBTAINING hanI
on Saunders arm. "vira, permit me
to present Mr.. John Saunders"
Miss Clyde!" Saunders voice was
| incredulous. The girl laughed lightly.
Il asked Mrs. Vance to introduce
me before you met Eta" she said in
| a low voice. Il feel that an explana-
ton is due you, Mr.. Saunders. Eta
is my cousin and lives in Claverly.
was visiting her, and when / left
found that my suit case handle
was broken.
There was no time in which to
have it repaired, and Eta loaned
me hers. was to purchase suit
case between trains in Chicago and
ship hers back by express. She past
ed on a tag that I might have TO
trouble in Chicago, and it was he:
address, not mine, You copied on thu
train.
Il knew nothing of the correspcn-
dence until Eta came east ami
brought your letters with her. She
seems to have derived considerable
entertainment from the incident. She
is an inveterate practical joker.
and it was she who Saunders
glanced at the girl who stood smil-
ingly acknowledging the introductions
to the passing line Of guests.
Now he could understand the mys-
terry of the masculine handwriting for
there was something almost boy1sn
about Marietta's dark beauty. With
a groan he realized what a capital
story she could make Of the episode.
for there was a twinkle in her eye
that betokened both mischief and a
sense OF humor. With word of ex-
cuse to the girl by his side. he went
forward to face the music.
Marietta's hand clasped his in
frankly friendly grasp.
Il think know you." she said with
a smile. Don't worry, though. Vira
made me promise never to tell-and
I don't think that those letters went
entirely astray. That's a hint for
which you should be very grateful
More grateful than you realize
declared Saunders fervently, as he
gave place to the newest arrival and
went in search of Miss Clyde. There
was still hope that the Son OF STRAIT
egy might retrieve the situation. an!
more than ever did he desire his
lady of the car.-New Orleans Picay-
une.
THE TEMPLE OF EDFU.