The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1911-01-27
THE DIVIDING LINE

OF triumph which Ehhcio Sv
pretend not to see. She noticed that
the assistant invariably handed her
the mail, that Elmers eluded an IN
PRODUCTION to her. that he not only
talked, but danced with the other
guests, and thereupon she was ire
sistibly impelled to conquest
Miss Lee, one morning. In riding
attire, deliberately waylaid Elmers.
who CHANGED to be alone at the desk,
buying a postage stamp to cover the
act.
cit is a splendid day. she ven
tured.
at is" was his courteous, but dis
couraging reply.
lis 1t far ride to the river?'' she
pursued "will have time to go
there and back before lunch?"
"Oh. yes said Elmers. forced into
talking. You can do 1t easily In two
hours-smooth going all the way"
That's good" she said brightly.
I'm a lazy rider--I hate bad roads.
She paused. but Elmers said moth
ing. She turned to go. Just then
Haddon came down the stairs and
she caught the look he bestowed upon
Elmers. She read 10. meaning.
Elmers. who had neither courted
nor desired Miss Lees favor. re-
scented doubly Haddon's attitude. His
fists clencffeu on the edge OF the
counter and he involuntariiy stepped
forward. The girl unconsciousiy
stretched out a OBTAINING hand. BY
her expression, Haddon realized his
mistake. Miss Lee. recalling herself.
moved away. Elmers kazed after her
quite hopeiessly, yet thrilled with the
memory Of her finger tips.
More and more annoyed by Had
don's air OF proprietorship. and
piqued by Elmers' continued avoid
ance, Miss Lee pursued the latter
most cruelty, TO the final forcing of
his hand. So, he told her most
bluntly.
Now, do you understand he end
ed violently.
Yes" she gasped
II he had planned revenge, 1t could
not have been more successful; for
Miss Lees pride was stabbed by the
revelation. But sudden respect for
this man brushed irritation aside. and
she recklessly added.
Il understand. but don't approve"
Surprised. and not wholly awake
to her meaning, he begaa. you mean
of my course" he asked.
Exactly" Waxing holder. she
transferred her attention from the
register to his face.
What do you WANT" he demand
ed. Can even @ man break down
impossible BARRIERS
1t was her turn to question. Where
do you draw the line?'' she asked.
still lingering the book. but looking
straight at him.
Right her." cried Elmers. He
banged his hand on the counter with
such violence that she hastily with
drew hers and jumped back slightly.
In an instant he recovered himself.
and both looked around TO see If any
one had noticed. Miss Lee flushed un-
comfortably to think tina. ne had been
the one To recall the difference in
their social station. With a sudden
revulsion of mood she moved away
abruptly.
That night he danced as usual with
many. excluding Miss Lee. But that
lady's mood again veered,, After all
she Was leaving soon, and consid
ering the reason that kept Elmers
from addressing hsr--perhaps--
Mr., James Hadden claimed a dance.
81 IL next = sia+. promised, ard corr
tinued her way toward Elmers.
SO you haven't come from behind
the counter YETI" she said.
Elmer flushed. The music was just
starting. From over her fan she
could see Haddon making toward
her.
do you know" she went on, as
Elmers, stung by the idea that she
was playing with him. made no an
swer. IF l were a man, and ! came
upon a dividing line. and wanted
very much more than anything else
in the world what was on the other
side, I'd" She paused deliberately.
For once Eimers dropped his as
sumed reserve, What would You
dor" he demanded.
IF 1t was q chalk line playing
with her fan and not looking at him,
Isssta wipe 1t otft. So
But suppose IL was higher, big
ger. stronger said Eimers.
Mr.. James Haddon was very close,
in an instant more at her side. She
closed her fan and turned toward
him. at the same time flashing a
smile on Elmers.
Leap IT." she challenged distinct
~, with a tinEe OF earnestness. az
,sha .gltdad. dewR, the room on Had
don's arm.
And John Eimers did leap it, II
proved to be a leap into luck as we'll
az love.