The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1910-12-24
THE RETR0GRADER
CopyrigA. 1909, by Benz. B. Hampton
By Marion Hill


~ HE big warm parlor was costly dim except
for the radiant circle cast by its lamp.
i In the roseate center of the illumination, and
ground sat pretty Margaret Van Dyne in ':.' mental
state of accentuated pensveness.
Miss Van .Dyne had assured, fresh beauty which
did not in the least depend upon the concession of a
gown. though she had the gown, too,-had it on and
it was beautiful Aso-she was waiting for her
sweetheart, Charles Lawlor nice chap and particu-
But Miss Van Dyne's face harbored ANYTHING but
waitinss most delicious aavor-that favor Of anxiety
which gives gambling charm !, to the period and rob.
tre,hed what else possible for him for hsri
consider herself neglected and to get furious pro-
portion. She was not the kind Of a girl who had
ever been kept waiting for minute. nor was she in
the least the kind Of girl who would ever become
10 and G put the blame her
a wonder why in the world ! ever became en-
:sl. ss here ys II. DIAMOND t s~hs s
like the heart of love sent back of fiery
answering CLEANS.
excitement. Heaven know. didn't need it And |
rainy weather. simply had excuse. Well, it has
certainly turned out a mistake. Now that ! am en-
Not to anybody. Even the other men have dropped
their adoring speechlessness and talk to me con-
dcscendingiy as 1t they were my uncles. The boys
mere word. Now they chat with me casually when
they please instead of when / allow. And he is
worse than any of them
She heard step in the corridor. and Strengthened
sxpectanty, but shrunk lstessy when she realized
it was Kitty, the maid
Kitty staggering under heap of carriage wraps.
came to standstll in front Of her young mistress.
well! What?" demanded Miss Van Dyne. incon-
sequentially sharp. Whoever intrudes upon griev-
ance is remote enough from the to escape
singing
Il thought, Miss that you dined out" hesitated
Kitty Kitty was well worth her wages II takes the
posititous instead of certain.
"Dined out'-where? demanded Miss Van Dync,
inderenty refusing to extricate her mind from the
pleasing anguish of revery
AT Mrs Brierly's miss"
The mere name of this honorable hostess seemed
whip angry color into the face of the expected
Il wasi but I'm notp' she cried fercelv.
"Mrs Briery's" she thought, as she watched the
imperturabe back of the retreatng Kitty. THAT is
where met him first At dinner too. never want
to see the place again. don't have to. There are
enough other places! There are enough other men
too-nen who would sufficiently prize opportunity
to keep their engagements with me. How late is he
now?"
She flung frowning inquiry at the mantel where
an indiscreet little Dresden clock was exposing the
fact that she had been neglected for full eleven
Yet hearing the unmistakabe approach of Charles
Lawlors footsteps, the frown her face deepened
instead of lifting She scored the glad beat of her
second later, assured of his welcome, eager with
the eternal eagerness of the lover, Charles Lawlo,
stood on the threshold He brought sense of stimu
lation with him He seemed to radiate the fresh
strength of outdoor Efe-the urge of ambition, and
love and courage He all that is best in mar
and lover; moreover, he was carrying big bunch OF
Peg! you darling, how awfully lovely you lookP
he cried as the rose-shower took her.