El Paso herald. (El Paso, Tex.) 1901-1931, 1910-10-19
The Herald's
Daily Short Story

up stairs just now. I believe she had
the basket when 1 met her.
But what on earth-why-the in
terfering busybodyl"
His jerky progress towards the
stairs made the girls shoulders snake
helplessly iii tell her-Tu fetch
her"
She's gone out, I fancy" said Miss
Gainsford indistintly. And she always
locks her door,"
But what am 1 do? I must start off
at once to meet sir John Goodbury.
There's hardly moment to spare. L
l.
In the distance she heard him as
cend and return, breathing heavily.
You're right! She doesn't answer.
I've knocked and knocked. Look here,
I simply must be at Victoria to catch
sir John. He's leaving by the boat train
tonight And can't go like this"
No, sir" agreed Miss Gainsford
gravely.
Here's the money. You just slip
along and get me a pair. will your
any sort. That shop round the corner.
in the main road. Size eight. As quick
as you can, please"
Miss Gainsford, however, did not take
the coins Her mouth twitched. but she
turned resolutely aside.
Excuse me- sir; but running er-
rands is not part of my duty"
Mr.. Shelton opened his eyes wide and
made queer noises in his throat
'N-no-no. But exceptional circum-
stances-realIy, Miss Gainsford, you
heard what I said about sir John"
Miss Gainsford shuddered deHcately.
We'll, I might reconsider the mat
ter if-'Miss Gainsford paused thought
IL ciz
slightly you can guess what I'm 60
ing to say. perhaps?
Yes: I CAM
eff y6Id reconsider your decision
about
Nothing of the kind, Out of the
question: That's a different affair al
together. I've no time to argue about
it now"
"once and for all. will you kindly
oblige me by"
Then you'll leave here at the end
of the week. Oh you'd have been dis
missed, anyway And now I'll find
someone else"
He limped past her, down to the build
ing's main entrance. Then she heard a
shout, and short discussion. From
the window q ragged figure could be
seen. Miss Fainsford sighed.
"Ha, hal I shall be all right in half
minute now! Fellow was loafing in
tie porch next door for shelter. He's
gone like a shot Very clever idea OF
yours, miss; but you haven't quite sue
ceededr'
AS the minutes passed Skeletons tone
became less confident.
He ought to have been back be-
| fore this" Miss Gainsford faced him
| bravely.
IF you gave him the money I should
! be rather surprised to see him back a.
I all He didn't look a very reliable mes
| senger.
He was rapidly growing desperate
| Miss Gainsford watched him furtively
! With a groan he stepped close tc
| her.
Miss Gainsford, do forget what I've
said; and please-please do"
Shall we discuss it?' she suggested
languidly.
"Er-yes, If you like But quick
/ quicki''
81 want. explained Miss Gainsford
plaintively, that is. your son wants
at know. He's told me-
And you don't like the idea? Why
| not, Mr.. Shelton? I'm sensible, and vel
| educated. Perhaps tou think ladies
never work for their living; otherwis'
I might claim the title. I'm good man
| nered too, you know, I'd help your sol
! in a lot of ways. I'm not bad looking
| either-am II" She flashed a glance
at him. And, last, Mr.. Shelton, I
| love Jim, you see; and Jim loves me!
| Mr.. Shelton choked down something
| in his throat. Then with his eyes OF
| the clock, he nodded.
| You're sure OF that7"
Certain now give me some NOR
money. please"
Money!"
"For-for those boots" said Miss
! Gainsford jerkily; and, clutching he
| umbrella, disappeared. She was bacl
| in two minutes.
Here they are! And there's a taxi
waiting. Will you be in time?"
81 believe hope so. Thank you
Miss Gainsford-thank you"
MY names Dorothy said the CIR
| softly. Let me tie that lace for you
Get back as soon as you can. I'll wal
! here"
Mr. Shelton stammered. OH there
no need. Er-what for, then?"
81 thought you might perhaps Xix
to take me home with you to dinner.
! Miss Gainsford whispered. 'Yo1
| haven't explained, yet. why you threy
| your boot away. And oh, 1 shall hav
such an awful lot to tell Jim."