The Celina Democrat. (Celina, O. [Ohio]) 1895-1921, 1910-12-30
Without Introduction
By cLARIssA MAcKIE
Copyright 1910, by Associated Literary Pross)

know the supper is to be delicious to
night"
I'VE win have our share" said
Claiming decidedly. Il viii return
in a few minutes, II you viii wait.
He was gone then, and Nan looked
after his tall form with growing ad
miratipn. For several years she had
been familiar with Howard Chan
ning's name, She knew that of ali
the eligible men her clever mother
had in mind as possible husbands for
Evelyn and Florence, Charming stood
highest In Mrs. Bowring's esteem.
1t was tedious waiting for the two
older girls to marry and make way
for her own appearance on the social
stage. She was twenty now, yet Mrs.
Bowring had postponed the coming
out of her youngest and most beauti'
full daughter until another season.
Once or twice before this Nan had
watched a similar scene in the ball
room, but the meeting with Howard
Charming made the present occasion
one not to be forgotten. The music
seemed sweeter than she had ever
heard it before, the lights we're more
alluring, the scent of flowers more
exquisite. and somehow she did not
seem to care whether she ever came
out Officially" or not. Tonight she
lived for the first time.
Once more the hangings we're part
ed and Claiming entered. bearing a
carefully prepared tray.
Supper is being served now he
said gayly.
Claiming set the tray carefully IS
tween them on another chair, and to
the soft strains of a solitary harp in
the opposite balcony they ate their
first meal together Most of the
dancers had adjourned to the supper
room and they were quite alone in
their retreat.
When the meal was concluded they
felt like old friends Charming told
her of his youthful escapades, Of his
college days, and the busy present
day ups and downs in the Street. Nan
related a free, open-air life on her
fathers country estate and subsequent
years in the schoolroom,
followed by a European tour, accom-
panied by a stern German governess.
Next year was to witness her formal
COM 7g out.
"This is my real coming out party,
she said prettily.
I'm glad I came" smiled Chan.
ming.
"An unlimited guest!"
"An unwelcome one, perhaps1"
She blushed rosily and shook her
head. Claiming decided that her face
was like the pinkest oleander blossom
Just above her dusky hair. 81 am
very glad you came to my party, Mr..
Charming. / was feeling very dull
and lonely am afraid l must go
now. Mother would be so vexed If
she knew-especially- She arose
with sudden haste and turned toward
he door. A recollection of what she
lad done-the conventions she had
Jared, seemed to assail her with. sud-
len misgiving.
Especially" Charming had arisen
llso and was looking down at her
rom his six feet of confident strength.
Nan was saved the trouble of an
iwering his question, for Just then
Ter little fiuttering hands went up to
Ter heart with a frightened gesture
IS the curtains were parted and the
Majestic figure Of Mrs Bowring con-
ronted them.
Nancy" she exclaimed sternly,
what are you doing here? And Mr..
do not understand" Her
rown relaxed into a puzzled smile as
Ter eyes met those of Howard Chan
ling.
Confession is good for the soul,
diss Man," he suggested, with a com
orting little laugh; "let us tell your
mother about our adventure am
ure she will forgive u.s."
Nan did so, her face suifused with |
harming bushes, and Mrs Bowring, |
stute woman of the world, noted |
interest, and inwardly re-
DICED. Forgiveness was merely a
natter of words. She had granted |
Ian absolution at the first glimpse Of |
face.
Nevertheless, she carried Nan OF to
ed, with an invitation to Claiming
D come and drink a cup OF tea the
ext day.
AS Nan followed her mother
trough the doorway, Claiming hold
lg back the curtain, leaned forward.
Especially" he asked tenderly.
Nan reached back and plucked a
ink oleander blossom from the tree.
Le held out his hand and she dropped
he flower in 1t and was instantly
one.
And Claiming wore the flower
ONE and dreamed of the earliest day
hen he might come again and carry
weet Nancy off forever.