New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1911-07-30
l 4


sidewalk public school, four factories and two news
papers All that in six months It's hummer, | can
tell youl'
As he paused for breath she sighed. "And yet you
speak of romancc'
"Romance! There's no romance in that. That's Just
get up and get. | had to hustle, Mrs Cheyne. Ia
promised these people the water from the mountains
on certain date but couldn't do IT, and the big ditch
wasn't finished. | in a bad fix; for I'd broken my
word Those people had paid their money, and they
threatened to lynch me- They had a mass meeting;
and were calling some ugly names when | walked
in. Why they didn't take Shot at me then don't
know; but they didn't. got up on the table, and When
they stopped yelling began to talk to EN- didn
know Just what to say but knew had to say some
thing and make good-or 90 out Of town IN pine box
began by telling EN- what great town "rayVlle was
going to be. They only yelled, Where's our water!
told them it coming. They tried to boot me
down; but kept on.
"Weren't you afraid!
"You bet | was; but they never knew 1t! tired TO
think of a why they didn't have the water ana
in moment they began to listen. ! told EN- there was
thirty thousand dollars worth OF digging to be done.
told EN- it would be done too; but that didn see
why that money should 60 out Of Wrayvie to lot OF
contractors in Denver I'd been saving that work tor
the citizens OF Wrayvlc | was prepared to pay the
highest wages for good men, and If Wrayvlc SAID the
word they could begin the big ditch tomorrow.
"What did they do? .
"Thev stopped yelling right there, and knew had
EN- going In a minute they started to cheer Before
| finished they were carrying around the nan on
their shoulders. Phcw! but that took some quick
thinking
MRS. CHEYNE had started forward when he began
Il and as he went on her eyes lost their sleepy look
her manner its anguor, and she followed HIM to the Gnd
in wonder. When he stopped, she sank back III hcr
corner smiling, and repeated :,
"Romancc What romance is there left IN the world
for a like YOU!
He looked up at her with his baby stare. and then
laughed awkwardlv. "Yourc making fun Of me, Mrs
Cheyne. I've been talking too much, ! reckon.
She didn't reply at once, and the look IN her eyes
embarrassed him He reached for his cigarette case
offered il TO her and when she refused took one him.
self lit it slowly, gazing out of the transom opposite
81 hope | haven't tired you, Mrs. Cheyne. Is
dangerous to get me talking about myself. never
know when to stop.
tanned in my life. | don't believe you know how IN
tercsng you are. .r.,
He turned toward her, embarrassed and still incredu-
lous "You'rc very kind he muttered.
"You mustn't be 50 humble she broke IN sharply.
"You weren't 50 a minute ago. like you best when
YOU are telling of yourself
81 thought id like to talk about you.
She waTed a hand in depreciation. "Me! Oh, no!
We can't come to earth like that. leu me another
fairy tale n,,a.. ,,,o,o MOP,
ooh YES" she laughed 81 believe you; but to me
,bo,'re fairy tales lust the same. It easy tor
YOU to do wonderful things! | wish you'd DO some
coniurng for me -.
aOh there isn't any magic business about me; but
III try. What do you want most;
She put an elbow on her knee and gazcd at the
blossom in her fingers. Her voice too fell a note.
"What | think want most she said slowly, Us
way out Of this" She waved the blossom vaguely IN
the direction of the drawing room 81 m SICK OF 1t AL
Of the same tresomc people the tireSome dinners
dances, teas We're 50 narrow cynical 50 deeply
cnmcshed in our small pursuits! I'm weary-desper-
ately weary Of myself.
"Youl"
Eyes" And then with a short unmirhul laugh,
"Tha,'s nv secret. You didn't suspect it, did YOU
"Lorl, no." and after pause. You're unhappy
about him."
"Chcvne? Oh no. He's the only thing am happy
about Have YOU ever been really bored, Mr.. Wray;