The Marion daily mirror. (Marion, Ohio) 1892-1912, 1909-04-24

route again.
You will let me out now?" she
asked, pushing her hair from her fore
head with pathetically resolute at
tempt at trying to appear quite herself
again. Il don't care to drive farther
and | am so very much obliged. oh,
please, where are my scissors?"
''In my pocket" said Weyman men.
daciously for TIE precious bargain
had been lost. Il will give them to
you as soon as we have had lunch
His quiet, masterful tone had its ef-
feet. She yielded, and somehow Wey-
man felt no surprise when she be-
trayed an easy and unconscious ac-
quaintance with all the gracious little
ceremonies Of the table.
AS she ate and drank a most lovely
color came to her cheeks, and light
swan In her eyes like twin stars radi.
ating in reflection from the liquid
beauty Of companion lakes.
Once she laughed, little, low
laugh, and looked at her friend with
mischief in her glance, yet behind the
mischief touch OF returning sadness.
II am a very dreadful girl" she
said. IL am eating and drinking with
total stranger whose name / shall
never know"
my name is Robert Marshall Wey-
man. interrupted her friend.
She blushed. Indeed, Mr.. Weyman,
didn't mean to ask you for II.
would rather not have known. For
when people will never see each other
again"
Never is too big a word for us lit
tletmortals to play with The Powers
That BE defeat us whenever we use
It."
Not when a woman uses IT," said
Golden Locks calmly. you have rem
dered me great service'-she hest.
tated and blushed again this time hot.
ly but adorably as she thought of how
she had been snatched up in those
strong arms and restored to a chance
at the shears-"a great service" she
went on. but | ask for a greater
II YOU are gentleman, you will not
| ask my name, nor try to discover &c."
Unfortunately, ! am not a gentle.
man" said Weyman cheerfully, pour.
ing out more wine for her before the
watchful waiter could reach the bot.
tie, II am simply man. And to-mor.
row ! am coming to see you and bring
YOU the scissors myself ! am afraid
TO trust you with them after this
fatigue. You might cut your fingers
That night an excited and worn.out
| Golden Locks sobbed forth the whole
story to a wltitefaced, patient elder
sister, a sister who had once been
very fair herself, but who had long
since woven into the dresses Of more
| fortunate woman her youth, her beau
ty, and hope itself
And he just would know where
lived. He just would drive me home,
pursued Golden Locks. "And
couldn't afford to lose those shears
after all I went through for them
could I, dearest?"
GLADYS" said the other warningly
you will pay dearly for your wonder
full bargain IN you are not careful
Let me receive him, little one, moi
you"
Just as you like" said Gladys
scornfully. "Why should care?"
But the plans of the most cautious
too often defeat themselves Wher
Miss Strafford came herself into heI
tiny parlor, used generally to receive
her customers, light of instant recog
milton flashed into Weyman's face.
why it's Miss Julia Strafford!" h,
exclaimed II used TO see you Otter
at my uncle's place when | was {
youngster Of ten-when your siste
must have inhabited the nursery II
long clothes Don't you remembei
me?" Ora
81 am sorry you have placed me,
said Miss Strafford with grim frank
ness, though shaking hands "Yol
must perceive for yourself" sh,
added as they seated themselves
that I and mine have dropped out o
the race. We live, and we have ou
pleasures" she added, with proud dis
regard of truth which Weyman deepl,
respected, but we live so busily, al
wage-earners that we have no time
20 receive"
Except in case OF other wage-earn
ers, returned Weyman easily. Quit,
so. I'm one myself. Made ten dol
lars on a magazine article this weel
and expect to get some more for {
short story, Only I'm badly mixed
as to my heroine's gown-getting my
chiffon and buttons in the wronl
places, don't you know And | wan
you to advise me, YOU and your sister
whose shears ] must return"
He took out pair about the siz,
of those lost, but of exquisitely fine
workmanship.
"These scissors are grave respon
sibilty," he pursued Il must return
them to the actual owner. That is Al
dnwritten law concerning bargains
you know
"Oh, you are incorrigible," hal
sighed, half laughed Miss STAFFORD.
A year after the girl at the cologn,
counter was discontentedly watching
| 1.