Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1913-07-27
BY WILLIAM ]. HAMPTON

young man from Pactolus; but he did not
display his disapproval. as she pretty?' he
asked.
swell, you go and look at her." said Hun
ter. "The fact is, she is SO pretty that I'm
almost afraid you'll fall in love with her
yourself and become my hated rival. Still,
I have such confidence in her and the cir
cumstances are such that I am willing to
take the risk He laughed CONTINUOUSLY,
and the other laughed with him.
II don't know, cbout this business" Car
ley said, making as if to 60.
3It's all right, urged Hunter. $50 ahead.
She doesn't know you, and you don't have
to do anything but walk through the car and
back"
$50 be it, he caid after little more per-
suasion, rising and shaking himself in prepa-
ration for his friendly service, @and if never
come back don't be surprised or panied.
Pretty girls are very attractive to me-
3By the way said Hunter, grasping him
suddenly by the arm, 3you don't happen to
know Miss SIMPSON, do your
"Never heard of her in my life, until you
told me of her. the young man asserted,
with his right hand up.
"Then good fortune crown your efforts!"
laughed Hunter, playfully pushing him along
the aisle as far as he could reach.
HE discovered Miss SIMPSON as described,
! except as to the elderly man with her.
She occupied the seat alone, and was gazing
out of the window. The young man smiled
and walked the length of the car and back.
He stopped moment at the door before
going to his own car, and with sudden turn
went direct to the young woman.
II beg your pardon, he said to her. "This
is Miss SIMPSON, believe? | am Mr.. Car
ley of Pactolus.
"Oh-ah, yes,r she responded, startled by
the unexpected call, and looking up at him
with an uncertainty of welcome that was not
encouraging. "I-am-"
@If you will permit me to sit down, Miss
SIMPSON, he interrupted politely, but with
a firmness that was not to be resisted, u can
explain; for l am quite sure you do not
recognize me-"
"My uncle is with me, she said, not offer
ing place, "and he may return at any mo-
ment, as he has gone into the smoking room.'
@Your uncle the young man began,
and checked himself before the young wom-
an had observed. ooh, yes,' he went on,
II think your uncle would enjoy the expla-
nation have to make even more than you
would and he prepared to sit down, de-
spite the absence of an invitation. She made
room for him weakly.
NOW, ne SAID, making n1lnSeu CO1IlIOTC-
able, and speaking as father or guardian
might, which treasured her amazingly, 3may
l ask if you know Mr.. Hunter, the assistant
cashier of the First National Bank of Con-
way?'
aOf course do, she answered, forgetting
all her previous doubts. @He is my cousin.
@May ask what he looks ikeo"
@Don't you know him." and the doubts
came back with chill to her manner.
Her questioner smiled mysteriously;
something like the old inquisitors, she i'm
agined. Il am not sure that | do. Will you
be kind enough to describe him?'
She wondered by what right this strange
man should ask her these questions; but
possibly her cousins good name was at
stake, and she had such confidence in him
that she would gladly tell all she knew of him
to anybody in the wide world in any circum-
stances.
@He is one Of the best men that ever
lived she said, and stopped as though that
told the whole story.
Her inquisitor laughed again; this time
indulgently, and she felt nettled by it.
"Yes," he said; @but that doesn't describe
what he looks like. Will you tell me of his
personal appearance"
This was worse than inquisitoria1, it was
police, and she hesitated. Still, she was not
afraid for her cousin, and spoke out fearless
L., Il = -,