The citizen. (Honesdale, Pa.) 1908-1914, 1909-11-26
Getting Even

house!" And the eyes OF the young
man bending over the register Of the
Wessex Hotel beamed. Haven't seen
her for three years. Pretty little
Qertie! How she used to care for
me-" And lighting a cigar he strolled
TO the smoking room and dropped
into a chair, reminiscent smile on
his face as he recalled the time when
he and Gertie Morelsnd were sweet
hearts-well, no, hardly sweethearts,
for there had been no understanding
between them. There was no doubt
but that she had cared for him, for
her brown eyes would sparkle and
her soft, fair cheeks redden at his ap-
proach. After he left his home and
went to the city they corresponded
for a few months, then gradually his
little country sweetheart was forgot
ten.
AS he descended to the parlor that
night he glanced quickly about for his
old-time friends, but they had not
made their appearance. II hope they'll
not look too countrifed," he thought.
81 hope l shall not be ashamed to say
I know them. But not a woman in
this room has eyes like Gertie's, or"
He stopped, wonder, admiration and
incredibility on his face, as tall,
Queenly girl, gowned in a wonderful
combination of white fluffy material
and pearls, entered. talking softly to
an elderly lady In black. With
charming grace and control she made
her way toward group of gay young
people, but ere she reached them her
eyes fell on Grayton, and with start
Of surprise she stopped, saying:
Surely, am not mistaken. This
10 Mr.. Grayton!"
He flushed, bit his lip, and finally
managed to stammer something, but
was again stricken speechless as he
clasped the warm little hand In his.
He heard the sweet voice, but could
distinguish nothing she said; his mind
was in a whirl with brown eyes and
red lips dancing before him. When
he bade her goodnight he fairly few
to his room to think Of her. He could
hardly believe 1t was the same girl
he had left so unceremoniously, and
his heart beat faster as he remem-
bered she had promised to go boating
with him on the morrow.
Would he ever forget that blissful
morrow! AS the boat glided noise
lessly along he leaned forward and
asked: "Gertie, you have forgiven
me for not answering your letter,
haven't your"
forgiven you?" she replied, ''to
be sure; long ago."
"And-and you remembered me?
There's no one in my place? You
are not-not engaged, are your"
She smiled and blushed and cast
her pretty eyes down df he could only
have seen and read the little CLEAN
In those eyes) as she replied:
mo; no one has your place. Will
confess / felt rather hurt when re-
time vowed, as girls will, to get even
with you at the first opportunity, but
you see-well, doesn't the fact that I
am not engaged prove I have not for
gotten you?"
The words, the bewitching glance
raised him to the highest bliss, and
he reached forward to take one Of the
little hands in his.
'No, no." she cried, drawing back.
''You must promise to be good or I'll
never go out with you again!"
Five days of the too brief week
few by. On the sixth morning, as they
stood on the veranda, he turned quick
ly to her, saying: "Gertie, must
speak; must tell you love you! /"
"Hush!" she answered, II shall go
right int
"But why?" he demanded. why
won't you let me tell you that !
love-"
A little scream Of Joy interrupted
him, and he gaZed in amazement at
the sight Of the girl to whom he was
So earnestly declaring his love rush
ing with the speed of a deer down the
lawn to the gate, through which a
tall, handsome fellow was entering.
His amazement deepened, and a
strange faintness stole over him as
6u0 uCl lips IhC hCWSOhA-
er's kiss and then started up the path
arm in arm with him. AS they reached
the steps she glanced at Grayton and
started. 20, WILL" he heard her say
'T want to introduce you to an old
friend and playfellow, one who has
made our stay very pleasant" AS in
a dream he heard the sweet voice
continue, "Mr. Grayton, let me intro
duce my husband, Mr.. William Ran
dali"
For a second Grayton gazed help
lessly, miserably at her, then as he
met the frank blue eyes Of her hus
band" he shook hands with him in
bewildered manner.
After few words of cordial greet
ing Randall started to the hotel en-
trance with a merry Coming. Ger
tie?"
"In a minute" she replied. MAN
ma IS there and will join you as soor
as / finish telling Mr.. Grayton my
views on a little matter which We
were discussing"