The Wahpeton times. [volume] (Wahpeton, Richland County, Dakota [N.D.]) 1879-1919, 1909-05-06
One instant he hesttatsd. and the
next Ia heard her steps at the door.

L,
wen, his lantern and down came the
heavy window.cslrtains. while he rap
idly summed up his chances.
There was Just bare possibility
that he could keep up the delusion .
little longer: the master. OF the house
was about his own build. and had the
same closecroppet. fair hair.
Perhaps in the dimness. with his
back turned
Quick rs thought he wheeled into
position just as the door swung open.
There WAS IA moments silence.
In the stream OF light that flowed
from the hall the tail. broad-shouldereds
fsure could I've distinctly seen. stand.
ing mrtionlcss. with head bowed and
hands ciaspsd behind him. every fold
of the wr!l,iltins ovcrcoat expressing
melancholy and deep crn,rilton.
Ii was an effective and touching pic.
turr.
The steps paused on the threshold.
| HoliinS his breath. the Burglar wait
ed. his senses krenly alive to The soft
rustic of feminine draperv behind
him. TIE tain, scent of orris that filled
the air
One minute passed. two. then
| There's no need to look so tragic.
John" trhe tone was crisp. even con-
descending. yet the Burglar felt a
thrill Of reliefD The matter really
isn't worth thinking about. much less
discussing. 1t was quite unnecessary
to slam tina, door," (Her tone was
dignity Itself II wouldn't have men,
toned the subject again for y the
world
She paused. and the Burglar heaved
. sigh. a tragic. dispairing sigh. He
felt that 1t was the proper and artistic
thing to do at this juncture. Though
she'll find me out in a moment" he
told himself. grimly. and reflected that
! II was Just as we'll that the rifled side.
board stood in an alcove and out of
her range Of vision.
Lets make up. jack" Ito his in
pulsive step toward him. I've no
doubt you thought me very silly and
childish this morning. but did want
that dress. You see, dear. l haven't
had anything new for two whole
years.
Her voice trcmbled little, and the
Burglar shift, ed uneasily from one
foot to another. He felt profoundly
moved and very uncomfortable.
"Of course, it isn't THAT mind
strict economy" she fastened on, lone
servant and spending the summer in
town, and ali that. But sometimes I
confess do long for pretty things-a
and-and silver"
(She thought she saw the broad
shoulders wince.)
Don't think it's your fault, dear old
boy" Her voice was a caress. Il
know how hard you WORK from morn
ing till night in order 10 make both
ends meet. and deny yourself every.
thing for my sake. Why, you wouldn't
even have that overcoat now, IL I
hadn't bought 1t for you myself on
the sly out Of Uncle Georges check.
You're the very best man in the world"
(And her hand fell affectionately on
his sleeve)
This was going little too far
With hoarse, smothered ejacula.
ton, the Burglar turned swiftly from
her and made for the door in two
strides.
The black bag stood in the shadow
OF the portiere, but he only kicked 1t
impatiently out of the way as he went
out. leaving the mistress of the house
alone.
Jack. oh. Jack!" she cried in terror
as something fell heavily in the hall
outside. and running to the threshold,
she gazed horror-stricken at long,
black object that lay on the floor at
her feet.
The Burglar closed the front door
and walked down the steps minus an
overcoat. but with stately mien that
betokened conscious rectitude.
Don't mention It," he said gracious.
ly to the master Of the house. who
stumbled against him on the curling
and apologized profusely.
In the glare of the electric light he
looked tired and overworked.
Poor devil!" soliloquized the Bur.
glar. compassionately (he himself
hated work.; Il wouldn't care to be in
his Shoes"
And then as cold wind from the
avenue struck him, he added, rue.
fully:
But Golly! Id like to be In his
overcoat!"
Fabulous Fees Of the Methodixer.
| The "methodizer" Ia com naratixol,. a