Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1913-02-28

AobhS
Just like me: we're twins" he re-
piled absently. his eyes dwelling on
the Mercury.
The description accorded so oddly
with his appearance. as he stood in
his rumpled attire, his serious face
stained and darkened with dust. that
there was a universal roar of laughter
For shame. to SANDER LADY,"
jeered one.
Doesn't she ever wash her face.
Floyd?" called another.
Cant you support her without max
ing her heave coal for living?" gibed
a third.
Floyd laughed with the rest, glanc-
ing down at himself
You never saw me dressed for the
OPERA" he tossed back. as he went In
search of water.
Stanton descended from his car.
flung his mask and gauntlets on the
seat, and followed his mechanician.
He found him, presently. emerging
damp and refreshed from additions
performed in a bucket with the aid OF
some cotton-waste.
will you come to lunch with me?"
Stanton asked abruptly.
Floyd paused, regarding him in
grave surprise and hesitation.
Thank you" he began.
Stanton made an impatient gesture,
his eyes glinting steel-blue behind
their black lashes.
do you want me to apologize for
bullying you this morning." he de-
manded.
Over the others face swept its
characteristic sudden warning Of ex-
preston.
mo; | wanted to be sure that you
want me. Thanks. I'll come with
pleasure"
He slipped into a long motor coat,
and accompanied Stanton with ready
cordially that took no account OF
past events. No reproach could have
moved the offender so much, no in
jured dignity could have so forced
curb upon his tongue for the future.
1t was not to one of the temporary
earthquakes erected in anticipation of
the race carnival that Stanton took
his guest, but to quiet, cool hotel
within reach. There. the order given,
he looked across the width of white
linen at his companion with an odd
sense of triumph and satisfaction; he
felt for this BOWMAN something akin
to the elation with which a youth
takes the admired girl out to dinner
for the first time.
II missed the train, yesterday" he
remarked. 81 suppose you had no
trouble getting the car here?"
None at ALL" Floyd confirmed. 81
fancied you accepted Miss Carlisles
invitation to drive"
~ did, afterward 1t was her car
cranked with the spark forward"
Floyd glanced up, ripple of incred-
ulous amusement crossing his gray
eyes, but he said nothing.
AT least, l set the spark as I be-
lieved right" Stanton amplifled, watch
ing the effect, land when | cranked,
the motor fired over. The person who
sat next to me said | left the spark
wrong"
The incredulity died out of F1oyds
gaze, but the wonder increased.
More likely it was changed after
you left it. perhaps by mistake" he
suggested.
In flash of recollection Stanton
saw Valerie Carlisle's little gloved
hand dart toward the steering wheel
just before he pulled up the crank.
Could she have moved the sector, and
have corrected her mistake an instant
too late? He remained silent, nor did
Floyd pursue the question.
When the first course Of the lunch
con was placed before them, Stanton
aroused himself. Quite Indifferent to
the walters panied disapproval, he
took the carafe of ice-water and him.
self filled two glasses.
rs this your substitute for cock
tails?" he queried, and pushed one of
the goblets over to Floyd.
Startled, Floyd yet understood.
smiling as he looked across.
YES" he assented, and drank the
innocent pledge. Motorists both,
there was no question of stronger
beverage.
Stanton turned to the waiter.
You can go; I'll ring when we want
you. Did you ever drive an ATLANTA
Six-sixty, Floyd?"
mo, but I've handled their tours.
like six cylinder machine, myself; 1t
has so fine torque-"
The conversation plunged into pro-
.fessional technicalities; the senti-
mental episode was pushed aside.
People going in and out of the res
taurant stared interestedly at the two
exchanging comments and questions.
Stanton's dark face was well-known,
and face not easily forgotten, while
his companions dress sufficiently
identified him as one Of the racers
who held the city's attention during
the motor carnival.
When the dessert was before them.
Stanton suddenly returned to the per