The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1911-01-27
BY GRACE DE PIMA.
Copyright. 1911, by Associated
ry~a~s

Literary Press.)
The first time he saw her she was
with two men--presumably her faith
er and her brother. Following came
hotel porters carrying grips and golf
bags. He bestowed only a passing
glance, for 1t was mail time, and the
desk was surrounded by an impatient
crowd. II had been warm all day.
but now q refreshing breeze had
sprung up, and after a short stroll
he was again in a mood to observe
the life about him.
He next saw her after dinner,
standing In the lobby with the man
he had assumed to be her brother.
She seemed to know o great many OF
the people and to be popular; even
strangers lowered near to be intro
duced.
With opportunity to observe, him
self unnoticed, he discovered that che
was fascinating, but not handsome:
that her voice was low. but carried
well; that her whole bearing betoken-
ed pride OF birth and blood. and that
she danced easily. What aroused his
curiosity most was that she danced
very often with her brother. who
hardly noticed any one else. 1t oc-
CURED TO him to look up the regis
ter: "'Coi. Lee. Miss Dorothy Lee.
and--Mr. James Haddon.' Just why
the revelation disturbed him, as with
swift instinct he readjusted the reia-
tionship. he could not tell.
In drifting fashion he found him.
self thinking OF her often during the
evening and again the next morn
ing. In an Idle moment, his eye rest
ed on her descending the stairway
with Haddon. The two men looked
at each other. and a strange express
sion passed over Haddon's face. At
the same time. he drew nearer to the
girl. with an unmistakable air OF pro-
prietorship. But John Elmers held
his ground. fixing his aaze on Miss
Lee. who was unconscious of the lit
tie byplay.
Any mails" she queried.
Elmers handed 1t to her. As she
glanced at the writing. the eyes OF
the men met again. Something in
Haddon's gaze Elmers took for an in
suit. and his own all unconsciously
sharpened to a glare. Thus. all in an
instant, they became enemies on no
tangible grounds.
Miss Lee bestowed no attention
upon either man, but sauntered out
TO the porch. Haddon was at her side
when she finished her letters, and they
spent the morning at golf.
John Elmers was one OF those I'M
fortunate men without a great head
for business. and minus the wealth
10 Justify this deficiency He had
never risen above the position of
hotel clerk, and never would. A long
struggle had ended in convincing him
OF this. and upon the discovery he set
himself to the fulfilling OF that Office
with a conscientiousness that amount
ed almost 10 a fault
In every other respect he was
splendid fellow. He could drive a
golf ball. bring down shot. sit n
horse with the best, and although oc-
casions TO display such skill we're in
frequent. the knowledge of his ability
gained him popularity with the men.
As to the women. they found him
weii-spoken and good blocking. also an
exceptionally good dancer. When not
on duty he sometimes mingled with
the guests, and having dismissed the
idea Of astounding the world. Set about
getting the best out of life that IL
could offer him.
Liking all the women OF his>~ac-
auaintance equally we'll and equally
little. he could not tell why Miss
Lees arrival had upset his genera
attitude OF satisfaction. He found his
thoughts dwelling constantly upen
her. and a strange little excitement
within him whenever mail time
brought her to the desk. Nearly al
ways Haddon came with her.
One day he awoke 10 the absurd
but perfectly clear fact that he, John
Elmers. hotel clerk was In love with
Miss Dorothy Zee, an exceedingly
wealthy young woman. OF aristocratic
ancestry. and whose pride was stamp
ed upon her face and manner.
After the first shock he mapped out
a DEBATE course. In pursuance, ."lse
shifted the duty OF handing out her
mall. and deliberately avoided A So
eial introduction TO the fascinating
Miss Lee. His course was directed
wholly by the motive of self-protec-
ton. and he could not foresee the eff
feet IL would produce on the girl.
Miss Dorothy Lees great pride
should have prevented her taking no
tfce OF hotel clerk. but at the same
time Miss Lees vanity was outraged
by the very clerks attitude. too
marked to escape her observant eyes.
Haddon, too, noted II, with n smirk