The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1910-02-25
(Continued.) CHAPTER XI.
A Real Friend.

"Mr Taylor said Miss Foster the following morning, ''why do you ai- ways write your letters by hand and rever dictate them to me? I have lots of time to take your work" "Why, I'm much obliged replied Chester, "but to tell the truth Tn. bit awkward at dictating. I be- lieve that it's an acquired faculty 'You ought to practice then,'' the girl retorted. You are sure to need Lit later on. When there is 8 press of ! business it is the only way to get through with it fast 'If you'll forgive my blunders," said Chester, "I shall be glad of the opportunity I fancy it is like writ l ing on typewriter. Some people can compose beautiful fiction right on l the machine, while others have to ! write it out with their own hand first. doubt if I could ever acquire the faculty of composing directly on the 1 machine"
 1 Have you done much writing?" "A little bit here and there," said ] Chester negligently. 'I used to scrib- l ble for the newspapers when ] was an undergraduate" s'Ill have to get Mir. Ell1ins to try you on some prospectuses. He takes an, especial interest in that depart ment." "Much obliged said Chester, as he
 rose to go.
 l Don't go," said the girl. You're
 not busy. and neither am I. Why not
 sit down and talk for a minute"
 I'm studying the psychology and true inner nature of some railroad re-
 ports,'' answered Chester. "I find them almost feminine in their elu- ] siveness.''
 Girls aren't elusive" said Miss l Foster. You think so simply oe-
 cause you refuse to understand them.
 Is there anything you don't compre-
 hend about me?''
 "A great deal" replied Chester
 gravely. 1 .I should be very glad to explain. : Chester surveyed her with an amused glance, wondering why she
 wanted him to stay. She looked tris l and neat with her carefully piled 1 masses of bronze red hair, bringing out in startling contrast tue whiteness
 of her neck, and the tight paper cuffs
 with which she protected her sleeves from contact with her work. | Whats the first question:" asked
 the girl.
 But I nave hitherto cross-exarniE-
 ed you in valn," said Chester. Don't you remember that the first day we met you told me that you had not lyou left nome?"
 That was to cover my confusion
 at your interest in my welfare. More.
 over that was not personal. It is not
 my apartment or mode of living whici
 puzzles you, I presume, but myself Tt is all puzzling," replied Chester
 about girls.''
 q see," said Miss Foster. ''Bu1 here is an invaluable opportunity tc
 accumulate knowledge. Proceed with
 your examination
 why do you want me to stay
 here?'' asked Chester. I Because I like you," replied the girl.
 l But they say that women don't
 make very credible witnesses --that they don't say what they mean. Now
 should have been much cheered.' l Miss Foster stamped her foot with 1 impatience.
 That's the sort of thing men say to school girl at a dance," she said. Aren't you interested in real psy-
 chology?''
 l Chester felt trifle bewildered. 1T should not presume,' he replied, to intrude on such a short acquafnt-
 ance."
 'fTot even with ar invitation?'' l tI don't believe in that sort of an 1 invitation," he answered. 'tIt is like
 asking person to tell you what he really thinks of you. If he should l take you up in earnest the result ] would be severed friendship. I don't want to do that l | Don't you? You are bidding fair lto.''
 "You become more cryptic at every word" said Chester. why have you lured me into this labyrinth of fc- 1 rninine psychology" l ."Oh, go back to your railroad re- l ports.'' exclaimed the girl. "You are
 not interested"
 l Chester arose somewhat nettled. l TT assure you that you are mis- l taken he said. 'I am merely some l what at loss to know how to take |you.''
 k Was it for my sake that you threw Ethe tramp off the Broadway carr" l More enigmas," said Chester. '.The