The Washington herald., 1913-11-23
DAILY SHORT STORY

lightly she would think he was not
serious. He was not as Sophisticated
as Carpenter when IL came TO dealing
with women. He had been so busy get
ting start in his profession that he had
found little time TO idle about in places
OF amusement. as his friend had been
able to do. He was sorry that he had
not cultivated the friendship of girls
Experienced men were more in demand
he had lately observed.
Other guests arrived at BriercIiffe in
the next day or two. and Nanette was
urged to join the house party. But she
personally managed her fathers big es-
tsbllshment and decided that she had
better remain at home. for then she
could enjoy most OF the festivities and
at the same time fulfIl her duties. Charl-
ton and Bob were both glad to learn of
her decision. for II gave them better op-
portunities to see her alone. The other
men in the house party had found her
too attractive to suit the two men who
had evidently started out to win the
girl
There were rides. drives. and all kinds
OF parties at the two houses, for Nan
ette made her new friends as welcome in
her home as she felt in theirs. Then
there were golf tournaments and dances
at the country club a few miles away,
so that the young people led a merry life.
In the midst Of all the fun Charlton was
summoned TO the city on important legal
business. There was to be a full moon
on the very night he had to be away. He
wanted to wire to the city and ask his
partner to assume his place. but the case
involved a good client OF his to the ex-
tent Of 100000 He had taken the case
and studied II thoroughly. He knew it
as his partner could not know 1t In time
for the trial Love is a luxury. duty a
stern necessity that must be paramount
in a strong mans life If he proves
worthy of trust and confidence, decided
Charlton, and made plans to leave. II
was almost twilight when he went to
Nanette's to say good-by.
She is down in the rose garden get
ting some late beauties" said her
father. Go right down and find her"
She was walking slowly toward him,
her eyes cast down, a basket OF rare
roses on her arm, while Carpenter bent
toward her. talking earnestly.
May interrupt you long enough to
| say good-by?'' he called.
Nanette stopped short ''Goodby?"
She looked at him wonderingly. Are
you going away?''
Carpenter generously left them. and
they turned and walked back along
the gravel path to an old sundial that
had stood there for a century. Far
below the terraced rose garden the river
wound its way through the fertile val
ley like a silver ribbon.
Charlton knew that ten days was too
short a time to WOO and win q girl
like Nanette Weatherby.
IL must go away" he stammered at
last AN important case. They wired
me today"
Il am so sorry you must go. We will
miss you
Her small hand rested on the marble
so near to his that he restrained himself
with difficulty from taking II in his own
and telling her how dear she was to him.
She would laugh at the idea Of love at
first sight He had always thought the
idea absurd, but he believed in il now.
1t was no myth that such thing could
be.
II am glad to know that shall be
missed-by you" He made the common
place statement. playing for time. He
looked down at her. all Of his heart in
his eyes. Tears sparkled on her lashes.
| ''Nanette" he burst out. what is the
matter, dear? Why are you crying?'
Neither of them knew just how II hap
pened, but she was in his arms then, sob
bing out the wonderful, unbelievable
news that she was crying because he
was going away.
'.Sweetheart," he cried. 'T was afraid
you would laugh at me when l told you
that 1 fell in love with you that day in
the road when 1 almost ran over you.
never stopped a car as quickly in my
life. seemed to have superhuman
power"
You did" She lifted her eyes. bright
as starlight. TO his. Cupid helped you"
she said, softly.