The Caucasian. (Shreveport, La.) 1900-192?, 1910-03-24

glossy dark brown hair showed its
coils beneath cheap hat of black
straw whose only ornament was q
velvet ribbon and bow. She could
have posed as a model for the self re-
specting working girl of the best type.
A sudden idea came into the head of
the young architect. He would ask
this girl to dine with him. Here was
the element that his splendid but sell
tary periodic feasts had lacked. His
brief season of elegant luxury would
be doubly enjoyable IL he could add to
1t lady's society. This girl was
lady, he was sure-her manner and
speech settled that. And in spite of
her extremely plain attire he felt that
he would be pleased to sit at table
with her.
These thoughts passed swiftly
through his mind, and he decided to
ask her. 1t was breach of etiquette,
of course. but oftentimes wage earn
ing girls waived formalities in matters
of this kind They were generally
shrewd judges of men and thought
better Of their own judgment than
they did Of useless conventions. His
$40, discreetly expended, would en-
able the two to dine very well indeed.
The dinner would no doubt be won
derful experience thrown into the dull
routine of the girls life, and her lively
appreciation Of 1t would add to his
own triumph and pleasure.
II think" he said to her, with frank
gravity, s.that your foot needs long
er rest than You suppose. Now, am
going to suggest a way in which you
can give 1t that and at the same time
do me favor. / was on my way to
dine all by my lonely self when you
came tumbling around the corner. You
come with me, and Wen have coy
dinner and a pleasant talk together,
and by that time your game ankle viii
carry you home very nicely, / am
sure"
The girl looked quickly up into
Chambers clear, pleasant countenance.
Her eyes twinkled once very brightly,
and then she smiled ingenuously.
"But we don't know each other. It
wouldn't be right, would it," she said
doubtfully.
There is nothing wrong about 1t"
said the young man eandidly. I'll
introduce myself-permit me-Mr.
Towers Chandler. After our dinner,
which / will try to make as pleasant
as possible. win bid you good even
ing or attend you safely to your door,
whichever you prefer"
"But, dear mep' said the girl. with
glance at Chambers faultIess attire.
"In this old dress and hatr'
Never mind that" said Chandler
cheerfully I'm sure you look more
charming III them than any one we
shall see In the most elaborate dinner
toilet
"My ankle does hurt yet" admitted
the girl, attempting limping step. 81
think will accept your invitation. Mr..
Chandler. You may call me Miss Mar
IAN"
"Corne, then, Miss Marian" said the
young architect gayiy. but with perfect
courtesy You VIII not have far to
walk There is very respectable and
good restaurant in the next block You
will have to lean on my arm-so-and
walk slowly. It is lonely dining all by
oneself. I'm just little bit glad that
you slipped on the ice"
When the two were established at
well appointed table with promising
waiter lowering in attendance Chan
der began to experience the real Joy
that his regular outing always brought
to him.
The restaurant was not so snowy or
pretentious as the one farther down
Broadway which he always preferred.
but it was nearly so. The tables wer
well filed with prosperous looking din
ers, there was u good orchestra play
Ing softly enough to make converse
ton a possible pleasure. and the cuisine
and service were beyond criticism. His
companion even In her cheap hat and
dress held herself with an air that add
cd distinction to the natural beauty Of
her face and figure And 1t Is certain
that she looked ut Chandler. with his