The St. Mary banner. (Franklin, Parish of St. Mary, La.) 1889-1931, 1911-08-12

tated a second. and her grey eyes
seemed to analyZe Benton. She
stretched out her hand cordially, for
Benton's was a face that women
trusted "Mr. Hartley couldn't have
| sent you at more opportune time.
| had stayed in tonight expecting my
| mother and father to come in on the
train from New York, but have just
| had telegram that they will not be
here until midnight. SO there was the
| prospect of a lonely evening"
Benton gazed, and thanked the gods
| and Hartley. The soft. slim lovl1-
ness of her was wonderful!
! She sat on the divan near him.
mirthful twinkle In her eyes. Mr..
| Hartleys card says that you are prac-
tically perfect-with the exception Of
prediction for practical jokes"
Poor old chap! It's shame the
way I've imposed upon his good ma
ture, for no matter how much the
laugh was on him, he always saw the
point of the joke and enjoyed 1t. He
has vowed he will get even with me
sometime, but l am not losing any
sleep over his intention"
Miss Dilton's smile of appreciation
came near developing into a giggle.
Il think we may credit him with hay
ing made a successful effort her
eyes full of mirth.
! Benton looked at her in surprise.
did he write anything else on the
back Of the card?" he asked quickly.
Nothing at ALL See!" she held it
up before him. But I am safe in
prophesying that you will acknowl-
edge that he has paid of all old
scores"
HAS he 'phoned to you since he
left me?" His tone was puzzled.
mo, he hasn't telephoned. Shall I
tell you the point of the joker" she
leaned forward, smiling.
He gazed fascinatedly at the white
ness Of her throat where the Dutch
neck Of her white gown left 1t ex-
posed. I'm consumed with curiosity"
"Well-suppose l told you that Mr..
Hartley didn't telephone me tonight.
that he never has 'phoned to me, and
that, Furthermore l never met him in
my life, nor had ever heard his name
until you sent up his card tonight"
He rose to his feet in establishment.
What" he shouted.
Never" she responded laughing.
Il hope you are as good-natured az
you represented him to be-for the
joke is certainly on you"
His face flushed with shame. What
must you think? If you will allow me
a moment to make humble apologies
will make as graceful retreat as
the circumstances permit"
Miss Dilton smiled and pressed the
electric button beside her. Il have
always had a weakness for playing
practical jokes myself. and this seems
an unusually good one. Suppose. since
W, have already met and conversed at
length without proper Introduction.
you remain until John brings some
sandwiches and tea. and you can tell
me some Of the college tricks that
led to the just retribution that has be-
fallen you tonight"
His relief was visible on his face.
Hc SOOS udtO uOt OAly UCCA AACASi-
full" he said softly, they have been
most amazing kind"
Three months later Benton entered
the lobby Of his hotel and ran into
Hartley. Hartley's face expanded In
his old-time grin. Glad to run into
you again, Benton, have you been
stalled here ever since l left you at
the station last fall?" he asked.
Not exactly all the time. / have
been stationed In New York as usual,
but have run down to Philadelphia
some few dozen times" Benton an
swered.
Thought you didn't know anyone in
town."
Benton smiled and led the way into
the grill room. Didn't. until you
gave me that card Of Introduction
Hartley slapped him on the shout.
der energetically. $50 you really went
to call on herr" he howled gleefully.
Yes, indeed! And l have called
dozens Of times since"
Hartley's eyes opened wide. by
love! l have been wanting to meet
that girl for the last two years. and I
didn't know q soul among her &C.
quaintances. You don't know the good
thing you have stumbled into, Bent.
old boy. she is the SWEETEST Of the
swell. and practically tho belle OF the
city. let's call bygone bygones." he
said pleadingly, land fix up some plan
to have me meet her"
with the greatest pleasure-but
you will have to postpone it few