Cut Bank pioneer press. [volume] (Cut Bank, Mont.) 1909-current, 1911-08-04
While the Auto Waits
BY o. HENRY
Copyright by Il. L. Nelson)

Promptly at the beginning of wi
light, came again t. that quiet corner
of that quiet, small park Of the girl
in gray. She sat upon a bench and
read a book. for there was yet to come
a half hour in which print could be
accomplished.
To repeat: Her dress was gray,
and plain enough to mask its impec-
cancy of style and fit. A large-meshed
veil imprisoned her turban hat and a
face that shone through it with a calm
and unconscious beauty. She had
come there at the same hour on the
day previous, and on the day before
that; and there was n who knew 1t.
The young man who knew it how
cred near relying upon burnt sacri-
fees to the great joss, Luck. His piety
was rewarded, for, in turning a page,
her book slipped from her fingers and
bounded from the bench a full yard
away.
The young man bounced upon 1t
with instant avidity, returning it to its
owner with that air that seems to
flourish in parks and public places-a
compound of ~gallantry and hope, tenn
pered with respect for the policeman
on the beat. In a pleasant voice, he
risked an i~nconsequent remark upon
the weather-that Introductory topic
responsible for SO much of the worlds
unhappiness-and stood poised for a
moment, awaiting his fate.
You may sit down, if you like" she
said, in a full, deliberate contralto.
Really, l would like to have you do
so. The light is too bad for reading. |
would prefer to talk"
The vassal of Luck slid upon the
seat by her side with complaisance.
do you know" he said. speaking
the formula with which park chair
men open their meetings, that you
are quite the stunningest girl | have
seen in a long time. l had my eye OF
you yesterday. Didn't know some
body was bowled over by those pretty
lamps of yours. did you. honeysuckle?'
Whoever you are" said the girl, II
icy tones. you must remember that
am a lady. | will excus the remark
you have just made because the mis-
take was, doubtless, not an Immature
one-in your circle. | asked you t
sit down; if the invitation must con
stitute me your honeysuckle. consider
it withdrawn"
81 earnestly beg your pardon" plead
ed the young man. His expression o
!; satisfaction had changed to one o
i. pentience and humility. ut was m,
: fault. You know mean, there ar
J girls in parks, you know-that is. o
course, you don't know. but"
, Abandon the subject, if you please
. OF course l know. Now, tell me abou
:. these people passing and crowdine
, each way, along these paths. Wher'
are they going? Why do they hurr,
so? Are they happy?"
!. The young man had promptly abar
! doned his air of coquetry. His cue wa
; o for a waiting part; he could no
; guess the role he would be eXpecte'
to play.
ut is interesting to watch them" h
replied. postulating her mood. 1T i
the wonderful drama of life. Some ar
going to supper and some to-er-
other places. One wonders what thei
histories are"
81 do not" said the girl; II am nc
so inquisitive. | come here to sit be
cause here, only. can | be e tn
, great, common, throbbing heart c
humanity. My part in life is cas-
where it's beats are never felt. Ca
you surmise why | spoke to yol
Mr.. -"
"Parkenstacker,'' supplied the youn
man. Then he looked eager and hope
full.
mo" said the girl. holding up
slender finger, and smiling slight!
you would recognize it immediatel,
1t is impossible to keep ones lame OF
of print. Or even ones portrait. Thi
veil and this hat of my maid furnishe
me with an incog. You should hav
seen the chauffeur stare at it when b
thought | did not see. Candidly, Their
are five or six names that belong /
the holy of holes, and mine, by tn
accident of birth, is one of them.
! spoke to you, Mr.. Stackenpot-"
"Parkenstacker," corrected tn
young man. modestly.
. Mr.. Parkenstacker, because
wanted to talk. for once, with a ma
ural no ~unspoiled by th
: d~espicable gloss of wealth and SUI
4 posed social superiority. Oh! you d
. not know how weary l am Of it
!. money, money, money! And of tn
! men who surround me. dancing lk
. little marionettes all cut by the sam
pattern. | am sick of pleasure, {
Jewels, of travel, of society. of lu.
uries of all kinds"
r II always had an idea," venture
6 the young man. ~hesitatingly. "ths
+ money must be a pretty good thing
. 1z-oo&onoa 10 En- ha docirad u,