The Lexington intelligencer. [volume] (Lexington, Mo.) 1901-1949, 1911-12-16

lated and lastly the one which bids
the expectant maiden walk fearfully
around the house, with hair unbound
and mirror held in her hand, timidly
hoping to see the shadowy face of
her future husband peering over her
shoulder and reflected in the glass.
THAT would give a chap a fair
chance" observed the captain Sc
riously, when Mrs. Bliss had conclud-
ed. ANY fellow that really wanted a
girl, you know, could arrange it so that
he might peep over her shoulder just
as it struck eight bells"
THAT wouldn't be playing fair"
cried Kitty Gerrick. You wouldn't be
giving the fates their due.
Then there is hope for me-" re-
turned Capt. Aymer, with mock
solemnity, and as they laughed no one
saw the lightning-like glance that he
shot at their hostess If they had seen
1t nobody would have wondered, for
they did not know that Grace Gerrick
and the handsome captain were old
friends, and would have been more
than friends had not some misunder-
standing arisen between them. They
had not met for years until recently,
and the captain had joined the house
party more as a distant relative of
Tom Bliss than as a special friend of
Miss Gerrick. Not even the Blisses
suspected a blighted romance between
the two, although many wondered why
two such handsome and altogether de-
lightful people should have remained
unmarried.
After dinner there was music in the
drawing-room and the topic of Hal
lowe'en was not brought up again. AS
a long motor ride had been planned
for the next day and an early start
was essential, the company broke up
shortly after midnight.
Capt. Aymer went out on the YER
anda for a final cigar before going
VI to his room. The first quarter of
the was rising above the distant
mountain, and the broad path that en-
circled the house lay revealed. The
captain was thinking somewhat bitter
ly Of what might have been II the
fates had taken a kindly hand in his
affairs, when suddenly there was en-.
acted a little scene that wrung his
heart-so poignant that his memory OF
his first and only love.
Kitty Gerrick was tiptoeing cautious
ly around the house with her bach
toward him, a silver hand-glass held
before her face, the skirts Of her Ill
tra-modern gown he'd above the damp
ness Of the path-twentieth century
assurance and practical common sense
hand in hand with ancient supersti
ton. Coming softly behind her, TAX
ing her by surprise, was young Hazen
With a little sigh, he tossed away htf
cigar and Capt Aymer stole into the
house.
The great hall was deserted anC
one dim candle burned on q distan'
table. Standing near the stairway
with her back toward him, was Grace
Gerrick, adjusting a wave Of her beau
tiful white hair before a looking glas
that hung over a table.
Capt. Aymer hesitated one iLstan
and than with several quick steps h
stood behind her and their eyes me
In the glass. and were held unit
Grace turned the full glory Of her lov
ing glance to him. IF bad onl.
done this years before!" he sighed a
their lips met.
1T was my fault that you did not,
she cried softly. THAT is why ! stoot
there-and waited for you to come II
Il wanted you to have your chance!'
Kitty Derrick and her lover locke,
through the side lights Of the from
door and saw the two beautiful whit
heads so close together. Young Ha
zen's arm frightened about his sweet
heart.
81 shall never CAL It Jack O. Lar
tern night after this" breathed XII
ty softly, as they entered the house.