Evening star., 1914-04-05


in the distance.
"You shouldn't have made me do that"
cried the girl in dismay. I'm always doing
things on the spur Of the moment-things |
regret afterward-'
Il know. You explained that to me once.
But you can also do things on the spur of
the moment that you re glad about all your
life. Oh-good morning, Barney Oldfeld!7
"Good morning" replied the rustic chauf-
this time, NIister?"
Jacksonville. And no hurry at all
Nlinot held open the door, and the girl
stepped into the car.
"The gentleman is quite mistaken she
said to the chauffeur. 3There is very great
hurry"
ages of time until luncheon replied
NIinot blithely, also getting in. "If you were
thinking of announcing something then"
Il shall have nothing to announce, I'm
sure. But | must be in Jacksonville before
that train. Father will be furious
"Trust me, Lady" said the chauffeur,
"Ive been doing stunts with this car since
| saw YOU last Been over a hundred miles
from Sunbeam. Begins to look as though
Florida wasn't going to be big enough for
me, after all
He leaped to the wheel, and again that
ancient automobile carried Cynthia Mey-
rick and the representative of Lloyd's out
of the town of Sunbeam.
RUT the exit was not a laughing one. The
- girls eyes were serious, cold, and with
real concern in his voice NIinot spoke:
Wont you forgive meant you? 1
was only trying to be faithful to the men
who sent me down here-faithful through
everything I should be faithful to you
if you gave me the chance. Is it too late
Cynthia?"
"There was a time, said the girl, her eyes
wide, when it was not too late. Have you
forgotteno That night on the balcony,
when | threw myself at your feet, and you
turned away Do you think that was a
happy moment for me?''
"Was it happy for me, for that matter?'
4Oh. was Inundated, ashamed Then
your silly rescue of my gown-your advice
to me to marry Harrowby-'
"Would you have had me dishonorably
throw over the men who trusted me-
Il don't know | only know that
can't forgive what has happened-in a
minute
what was that last:?7
Nothing.
"You said in minute
"Your ears are deceiving you
Cynthia not going to punish me
because l was faithful Don't you suppose
l tried to get someone in my place.
"Did vou?'
"The day first rode in this car with you
And then-I stopped trying
"Why?"
Because l realized that if someone came
in my place I'd have to go away and never
see you again-and | couldn't do that.
had to be near you, dear girl-don't worry,
he can't hear the motors too noisy-I had
to be where | could see that little curl max
ing question mark round your ear-where
l could hear your voice. had to be near
you even if to do it must break my heart
by marrying you to another man! l loved
youl | love you now
A TERRIFIC crash interrupted. Dole
fully the chauffeur descended from the
car to make an examination. Dolefully he
announced the result.
Busted right off," he remarked. "Say,
I'm sorry. I'll have to walk back to the
garage at Sunbeam, and-and I'm afraid
you'll have to jest sit here until l come
back
He went slowly down the road, and the
two sat in that ancient car in the midst of
sandy desolation.
Cynthia, NIinot cried, Il worship you
Won't you"
The girl gave strange little cry. q
l. L 49, v