The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1911-04-21
BY BELLE MANDATES
Copyright, 1911, by Associate,
I r.

N~|fSif6het SoiAp Wy <aSSUClalpu
Literary Press
Jim Chalmers was tinkering with
his car while his chauffeur stood apa-
thetically looking on.
There said Chalmers with n last
triumphant turn of the wrench She q
as trim as a trigger now, and you can
Just run me down to the Stone build
ing. Langley bet that / couldn't 40
TINS Job OF repairing myself
AS he walked through the lobby of
the building to the elevator he look ed
ruefnliy down at his clothes. His
trousers lacked creases. A soft dark
flannel shirt, and old cap and work
Ing gloves were mot the make -a,, that
might be expected for one in his posi-
ton, but 1t was his favorite working
regalia.
The elevator was down. the door
open. but no operator WAS to he seen
Chalmers stepped within few mo-
ments later young woman, tall and
with imperious bearing, entered.
The tenth floor" she said, IN a
musical voice.
Chalmers accepted the situation.
slid the door shut, and in an instant
the car shot UP with such speed that
the successive numbers of the floors
looked like a sum in addition. The
passenger looked little startled. but
the elevator stopped at the tenth floor
with a jolt she turned to him.
would you mind waiting for me
viii be gone only moment, and
am in great haste"
Certainly vas the courteous re-
ply.
Chalmers watched her meditarng-
~ as she walked down the corridor
with easy grace. At the door or a
studio of mi oh 4, VA
opened the door. one mEute--two--
three--four Meantime the elevator
bell was peaiing forth regular
chime, but Chalmers complacentiy
waited. She came mp of the studio
and down the corridor.
Il had no. idea" she said depre-
cafingiy, that You wouiC wait all TINS
time"
lie assured her gravely that it had
been no trouble to wait. This time
he realized that an automobile anG
an elevator were run on a different
plan. and the descent was comfort
abls gradual. In the lobby an angry
crowd waited. The ire Increased
when the operator stepped out and
walked down the lobby. The Young
woman came hurrying after him.
Take this. please, and thank you
Tor waiting so long"
She handed him a quarter Of a
dollar.
Thank you" o said
She hurried oat OF the building.
The youth who ran the elevator came
hreathlessly in. In his wake came
Langley. whose entrance recalled to
Chalmers his e-rand. y few moments
later they were whirling away in
Chalmers car.
Have you met Miss Randall Yet.
Jim" asked Langley tn the course
ot the conversation. she is visiting
here from Pittsburg."
No; and j probably shall not have
the opportunity To- meet her. | un-
Gerstand she told Mrs. Wilmerth that
she did not care 10 have me pre-
sented."
do sou want tn know why %
Il confess 10 an average amount
Of curiosity"
Mrs Wilmetth set you forth In
glowing coiors. said you belonged to
the idle rich, who despised working
people or any one who looked to
effort for "a livelihood. overheard
the conversation myself. ] am Eo-
ing 10 take 1t upon myself 10 ex-
plain 10 Miss Randall
''No. pray DON'T said Chalmers
quickly. II shall doubtless meet her
IA the course of events. and / think
Time aud circumstances adjust errors
better than explanations
Chalmers was the last arrival ut