The Press., 1909-01-20
By CEcILY ALLEN.
Copyrighted, 1908, by Associated
 Literary Press.

and watch the violet eyed angel take her departure.
 Polly Hess walked through the sharp November air, feeling oddly be- wildered.
 'It must have been the place, and her name is Baxter, but Pm afraid her prices are way beyond me. She must be dreadfully smart, and I sup pose she has to go out late to thea ters and things to see the styles, but she ought to be up by 10 o'clock. Maybe she has a good forewoman. Anyhow, am coming back. Dear me, it must be lovely to be able to buy frocks without figuring on the rent the dressmaker makes you help to pay"
 At $50 Roland Baxter strolled into his mothers drawing room. The tea things were arranged on a convenient table. but the afternoon lowered, and guests would probably be few. Mrs. Baxter closed her magazine.
 Anything wrong at the office, Ro- landY" she inquired.
 "No. Just thought I'd knock off. It's a hideous afternoon downtown, and pretty women around a tea table can make you forget the worst wealth er."
 His astute mother was for once nOn- plused. Roland a willing sacrifice on the altar of her afternoon tea table! And then the maid announced Miss Hess.
 "Oh, dearw mOurned Mrs. Baxter as she laid down her magazine. "I won der what charity she represents"
 Polly Hess paused, bewildered, in the doorway. Then, with a laugh tinged with dismay and just a little hysteria, she cried:
 "Oh, now I know there is some thing wrong. Please, please forgive me. I've made such dreadful mis- taEo" #
 Mrs. Baxter stood midway between her chair and her flushed guest.
 Perhaps if you would explain'-
 'Yes, do let me explain. Twas l looking for a dressmaker, and Mrs. Graves1-
 Mrs. Graves! Do not say anotAer word. I can say 1t for you. Mrs. Graves admired a new frock I was showing her yesterday. She asked me for the address of my dressmaker You asked her about a dressmaker, and she gave you my address when she thought she was giving you the dressmaker's. That's just like her." The two women laughed in concert and then suddenly paused. Both had caught the rumble of masculine laugh ter and realized that Roland had risen and was standing, altogether expect ant in attitude and expression.
 My son, Miss Do tell me your name and stop for cup of tea," mur- mured Mrs. Baxter, eager to relieve the girls embarrassment. Miss Hess? My son. Roland, light the alcohol stove and ring for some of that straw berry jam you love-"
 Mrs. Baxter meant only to undo the mischief wrought by her voluble and inaccurate friend, but in a few min utes she was sincerely interested in her charming if unexpected guest
 They had mutual friends in Denver, and POlly's great-grandfather and Mrs. Baxter's great-uncle had fought in the same regiment during the war of 1872.
 So 1t happened that Roland Baxter was just wondering whether the am. 6rOS3a of the gods and strawberry jam sandwiches were interchangeable terms when somewhere far off a soft chime struck five times.
 With the exquisite flush which was one of her best points Polly sprang to her feet.
 'YOu've, been so perfectly charming. Mrs. Baxter, that I've lost all track of time, and now it must be quite dark"
 Mrs. Baxter was bending her head in listening attitude. Roland, that sounds like sleet. It must be stOrming" Young Baxter hastened to the win ! dow and uttered an exclamation of ! dismay. ''The worst ever. You can't think of going out in it., Miss Hess" "Oh, but I must! Please telephone for cab. Mother will be so anxious" Baxter rang up the nearest cab sta lion.
 Whats that? You wouldn't send a horse out in this storm? Are you run hing an animal society or a transpor- .ation line?'
 Brief silence, then prolonged whis- le. and the receiver was hung up with decision.
 "NO venturing out for you, Miss X, dess," he remarked, with unconcealed Iatisfaction.s Its; a blizzard. the sort Ve usually get In February, and ips