The Washington herald., 1913-11-12
DAILY SHORT STORY

wound over her hat and face, APP
preached timidly
"Afr. CrawleyT inquired a sweet
voice with an accent OF surprise. why
why A slender gloved hand
drew back the concealing veil. and the
newcomer sat suddenly into the chair
placed for her. Mr.. BellI''
The man at the desk could only look
his astonishment His startled gaze
was riveted on the flushing face of his
companion. There was fash OF white
teeth as Lola Minton's smile deepened-
'Mr. BellI This seems to be tre-
mendous surprise for US both. I came
to see a Mr.. Crawley."
You never answered that advertise
ment, Miss Mintonr said Warden
bluntly.
She nodded slowly. He got up and
closed the once door beyond into which
he had seen the stenographer curiously
peering. Lola Minton, even In plain
black and veiled, was an impressive
figure.
Let me explain my presence here"
said Warden. which he did in Few
words.
Lola looked irresoIute for moment
Il am looking for a position. am
all alone in the world, and must look
TO the future" She spoke hesttatingly,
as IL II were an EFFORT for her to make
| the confession.
But your reIatives-the De Mesas?"
"Oh, know what you will think II
I do not tell you. l could not live with
them-it was impossible!' She gripped
her hands nervously together. II ex-
pected to be treated as member Of
the family-as an equal, OF course
They wanted to make a servant of me-
They were horrid! And those two girls
I-Delphine and Dotty-why, they just
seemed to hate me-"
Warden smiled knowingly. He could
imagine what effect the sight Of Lola's
beauty might produce on her cousins.
MY aunt would not have been 50
unkind. but she is a mere puppet in
the house"
And you're living alone. unprotect-
ed?' asked Warden. And they permit
you to do this, and to earn your own
living?"
'It is my own choosing. Better this
than such charity as they offered me.
But / am not exactly in need, Mr.. Bell
| Only thought-I didn't want to be Idle:
| and Mr.. Crawley's advertisement seemed
attractive" Lola was smiling again, and
carrying herself with her old spirit so
you see, we won't meet this winter, after
ALL Mr. Bell We're not in the same social
set"
.Tf YOU mean the De Mesa set, I don't
know that I'm crazy about it myself.
laughed Warden. II have something to do
besides dancing and drinking And you
seem to forget that We have met-right
here"
''ohr' said Lola
The young man looked at her earnest
Iy. His dark eyes were shining and his
lips set
II don't know what you'n think Of me-"
he began, speaking in low, rapid tones
but must say it 1t has been my one
thought since you left me on the pier TO
see you again Since the moment met
YOU. life has seemed different to me- Now
oh. I can't bear the thought Of your be-
ing in trouble and alone. II makes me say
the things that are in my heart; to be
rash where had intended to be diplo-
matte. Lola-since We met- have hoped
for the chance to win you
He was leaning forward, eager, seri-
Gus, agitated- What II he had made mis-
take? Lola regarded him with wide-open,
wondering eyes The roses In her cheeks
deepened to a lovely blush; her lips
curved softly: then she held out her
hands In a shy, impulsive gesture.
1T is all surprising-shockingly 50" she
murmured But at least"-her eyes met
his gaze happily-"you have a chance,
Warden" -
When Mr.. crawley hustled into his
outer office. his stenographer looked up
alertly.
7 guess Mr.. Bells engaged a party for
you," she said
Warden sprang to his rect as his friend
came in.
I'll resign the seat Of honor" he said.
This is Mr.. Crawley, Miss Minton-
The dramatic critic beamed politely on
the radiantly attractive young woman be-
fore him.
Then am to understand you are en-
gagged, Miss MInton?' he remarked with
cheerful courtesy. 'T congratulate"
That's right" cried Warden. Con
gratuIations are in order, old man Miss
Minton is engaged-she's engaged to me-
(CopyriSht l9lz)