The Southern herald., 1912-07-26


Because I'm not wealthy. I'm INST
Carter Fairfax. Since she married
and came up there to live Grace
would do anything for position
WY 90 you suppose they sent you
here?"
Toto give me a happy time I
thought" Leslie's eyes were fun Of
tears The lights before the opera
house were all blur. She was glad
to creep into the shelter Of a taxicab.
and hide those traitor tears. even
nom his sight Why hould be seola
her so? Il seemed as If everybody
scolded her nowadays.
Give you a happy time" he re
peated, through his set teeth. Marry
you on to the man with the best map
OF his present holdings Dick said
be heard his mother say she hoped
trace would succeed In launching
you Why, sweetheart. your father,
the blessed old colonel. would kick
the top on his easket this minute If
he knew about this"
They mean well, Carter" Leslie
said slowly, We're awfully poor.
You know that"
But Lord Harry, so are we dear
What does that matter? Haven't
we got the dear Old ruins that stand
for home, and all the splendid acres
that We love every foot OF. Can't
we raise enough to eat at our own
tables, and feed the guest who hon
ors us by staying under the rooftree?
l rather guess we can. Wouldn't
you rather marry me, and come to
De mistress at White Chimneys, and
see me go to the legislature as nv
rather and grandfather did, and come
BACK with the same sort of a name
took there3 Wouldn't you. Leslie?"
The taxi had slipped across town
70 Madison avenue and up toward
the park. 1t looked dewy and mys.
terious and alluring. Leslie could
nave blessed the chauffeur when he
turned into its shadowy roads after
a long silence. Someway, several
things had happened during that
silence. Carter had taken her in his
arms, white velvet cloak and all
and had tried to kiss her. But she
was a shy sweetheart, and very eva
sive when 1t came to facing the real
issue. She hid her head resolutely
on his shoulder. and merely said.
very forcefully: "Carter!" Carter
ceased striving and was silent,
thankful that she even permitted
his arm about her.
Then the taxi suddenly appeared
to stand on its hind legs. At least
that was Carter's description Of It
later. 1t rammed into something.
reared and toppled over on the grass
sward.
Don't you dare give my name"
Leslie whispered as she found her
self safe and being lifted out in Car
ters arms. The other car was badly
damaged. So was the other chauf-
feur. 1t was an empty car. speeding
south Carter was very busy ex-
planning things to the mounted DO
liceman while his chauffeur righted
the taxi.
Whatever did you tell himr asked
Leslie, as he rejoined her, and they
walked slowly over to the east en-
trance.
Il told him anything to keep from
being taken down to the night court
with you, DEAR" he told her. 81 had
to protect you, you know It said my
wife and were here from Virginia,
and leaving in the morning. hoped
we would not be detained as wit
nesses. He said he would hold the
chauffeur"
Your wife?" repeated Leslie slow
ly How queer that sounds, Carter!
What If 1t were true? What If 1t were
all over and settled? | wonder what
Grace and mother would say"
What could they say, except that
you had dared to choose your own
husband. There's a cab. Shall hail
it?"
Il would rather walk The park g
the only natural thing I've seen so
far. love it tonight Go on talk
ing"
viii you marry me tonight Les
lie?" His arm was around her again.
They we're in the heavy shadows OF
the trees. Leslie lifted her face until
her lips brushed his chin.
Not tonight, dear, Tomorrow.
And then We'll go back home where
we belong. We're not even make be-
lieve New Yorkers, Carter. We're
pathfnders on a new road to happi-
ness"
Youthful Indiana Financler.