Fort Mill times. [volume] (Fort Mill, S.C.) 1892-current, 1914-04-02
THIS SHOP TO LET
But Fate Was Kind to Walter
Gibson, When He Had Almost
Given Up Hope.

For over an hour no one had en-
tered Walter Gilston's little shop.
Grades dull" he muttered; aud
as he reflected on the situation he
stared at the ground, with lips set
anxiously together.
People seemed to prefer dealing
with Leeke's Universal Stores, Linn
tied, at the market town few miles
away. Their. prices were little
cheaper, and the stock more varied
than his.
With an effort he reused himself
and moved to the doorway. A girl
caught sight of him and crossed. He
wished her good morning.
"I'm going away-to business in
London" announced Lilly Coieridgc
excitedly. "Just for week on trial
at Cranthorpe's, the big milliner's;
and if l like it shall stay, of course.
| start off this afternoon. Father
and mother are rather cross and up
set at the idea, but they'll soon get
over that"
Il wish you luck" Walter Gilston
stammered.
She remained chatting for few
minutes. When she had passed on
he nodded gloomily to himself
Eighteen mo1ths previously, seeing
her regret at Robert Hurley's depart
ure, Walter Gilston had realized that
he had no chance, his dreams could
never possibly come true.
Hurley was in Canada now. and
doing well, they said, while he-he
was still struggling on with his little
shop, with disaster in sight.
1t was three nights later, after he
had closed his shop and put up the
shutter, that someone raped on the
door.
"Iou?" He had to stare before
he recognized the caller. Then he
gave an exclamation. Hurley! But
why-why?"
Pm back" returned Robert Hur-
ley, nodding.
'But it's quite unexpected No
one knew"
Hadn't any time for letters.
was sent off in hurry. It's a bust
ness trip really, but as I've day
or two to spare | thought I'd run
down here. The old place looks much
the same"
"Will you come inside?" Walter
Gilston suggested awkwardly.
'No, thanks. There's one thing
! wanted to ask, though. What's
Lily Coleridge's address ?"
"Nliss Coleridge's address ?" echoed
Gilston hesitatingly.
"4es: | wondered if you knew it,
being such an old friend of hers. I've
got to catch Fridays boat back. so
there's no time TO lose"
Walter Gilston was celebrating.
Suppose he let Robert Hurley 90
back to Canada without meeting Lilv
Coleridge at all His former jeal-
onsy returned. Why should he assist
this rival?
The temptation was irresistible.
"She left a few days ago." he said
abruptly, "but naturally she doesn't
write to me-"
You can't help me, then ?" Hur.
ley answered. "H'm! That's a pity"
lie turned away. "Well, goodby.
Glad to have seen you again"
Gilston stood motionless outside
the shop, watching. 1t was not un.
til Hurley's figure disappeared in the
dusk that he realized what he had
done. In his selfishness he had moi
given thought to Lily
Flushed with shame, he locked tn,
door behind him and set off at 8
run.
Big milliner's - Granthorpe's =
that's where she isl he painted, a,
he overlook Hurley at last. 81 re-
member she mentioned"
Sure? BY Jove. then, | know
their place we'll" He patted Cilston',
shoulder. "Thanks, awfully."
Walter Gilston gave a gasp of re.
lief as he moved away. He felt YER,
glad that he had spoken.
by the morning he had decided
that there was only one course te
pursue, and immediate action wa,
necessary Closing the shop, he trav.
eled to town.
AT l.eeke's head office, when he ex.
pressed a wish to see the head of tn,
firm, he was kept waiting an houl
or more. At last clerk showed hir
grudglngly into the inner office.