The Ronan pioneer. [volume] (Ronan, Mont.) 1910-1970, 1913-04-25

opposite sides of a small table in de
serted little restaurant far from the
ponlar eating district
The girl sat with dropping head
studying the menu. Her cheeks show
ed crimson through the gauze veil tina,
was wrapped about her hat. The man
big and handsome, with youthful
alert air about him that belied his mid
die aged gray hair, watched her keen
~, knowing all the while that she was
SHY and ill at ease and that her in.
stnctive frugality kept her eyes away
from the higher priced articles of food
II will order if you will permit me-
he said gently.
"1f you will, please" she said CRATE
fully, not lifting her eyes.
He ordered steak with it's hearty
accompaniment and pot OF tea.
which was obviously not for himself
I'm motive never been out to sup.
per like this BEFORE" said the girl. with
sudden emphasis. her eyes still on the
printed card in her hand.
'Of course not Anybody would
know that" he returned. with a mel
low little laugh that ended abruptly
'The same old story. supposed tired Of
the village life and hoping to win fame
and fortune on the stage"
Anne shook her head slowly, and he
could see the culver Of her red lips.
"Ihen I'll bet you're the stage struck
daughter Of millionaire. and now
you're sorry because you ran away
from home. where they have three
square meals day even If you have to
eat 'em off gold plate and have q butler
hanging around your chair"
"ion are all wrong" she said. with
note of impotence in her voice.
There Is nothing romantic about 1t
whatever. It's all horribly sordid. I've
lived in New York all my life. and I've
worked in an Office for three years
My father is butcher. and I have ii
sister and a mother, the dearest in the
world" Her voice shook dangerously.
"Ive always had plenty to eat and ev-
erything comfortable to wear We live
In fiat. but everything was so deadly
commonplace and dull thought things
on the stage would be different 1t
looks so from the front"
"Of course it does. That's what we
aim to make it. You've been foolish.
but you're mighty lucky to get back
your good sense before it's too late.
lf your father is a butcher you needn't I
pine to be Il theatrical star or even the
daughter OF Il millionaire. because at
the present high price of meat you
can onttop 'cm all" He laughed
heartily at his own joke. and Anne
smiled family.
Eat your supper. quick now. be,
cause I'm goin!; to take you home to
your folks. Where do they live"
"On the east side. but | couldn't
give up my place without seeing the
manager. He has engaged me. you
know"
For the first time since their en-
counter she lifted her eyes to his
face, "Oh." she yasped con.
fusedly.
Eyes. it's nobody else" nodded the
manager kindly. IF you'd had courage
to look ut me before YOU would have
recognized me. You have my permits
sion to leave at once. and we will cal. |
Fhis'-he waved the dinner check gay
ly-~'wc will call this part of your
wages, That preserves your independ.
nnce. eh:"
'Yes. ana ,hank you so much. and
IAN | go home at once!" she asked |
eagerly.
mot until after you've finished your I
supper" he ad1noniShed her Its a .
reflection on the profession for you to
eturn home half starved. If you'll ,
give me Your name ana address III !
send yon the rest of your salary"
After he had noted it i'm a little book
hat he tucked away in his pocket his
glance was attracted by the pale face
IT young man who WAS staring an
.riIy at them from the sidewalk out
tide the open door
There's Il young man In the case,
90. I'll he bound" he said as the
waiter few away with the money he
lad laid beside tho check
He was unprepnred for the swift
lush that crimsoned her lovely face
nd the tears that filled her start! led
yes. YES" she said ,,nsteudily.
you've been so kind to me that don't
alnd telling you that there is some.
ody. He follows me from the theater
very night to see that | reach the
onrding house safely He is so angry
Nth me that he won't speak to me-"
"Works in an office. too. el:" he ven
ured.
She nodded YEARLY
The manager arose from his chair
Well. he's waiting at the door for you
ow." he said cooIly. $50 it you'll just
ltroduce me SO that | can tell him
nat ! have discharged you from the
he can take you home
the taxi. and III catch another cab"
Anne Stumbled eagerly to her feet
nd looked toward the door. Her hap
y glance encountered the fierce glare