Bridgeton pioneer., 1914-10-01

took of luncheon which the guest
pronounced equal to any he had ever
eaten in private house. What
puzzled him was that both the landlord
and lsndlady seemed to be to the man
ner born. while their niece was evident
ly every inch a lady. True. the land
lord talked a great deal about the fine
season they had had and the money
they had made out of their guests.
This seemed to be mortifying to his
wife and niece. for during these boasts
hind their napkins. When they had
finished the meal and were rising from
the table Mrs. Thorne said to her
niece:
"Luella. think you had better take
Mr.. Wingate out for an auto ride this
afternoon. This is a dull place, Mr..
Wingate, but we'll do the best we can
to keep you from being lonely"
II shall consider myself under deep
obligations" replied the guest
When an hour later a trunabout was
brought to the porte-cochere Miss Hum
phrey took the wheel, and she and Mr..
Wingate sped away merrily. They re-
turned only in time to dress for dinner
"Please charge up all the extras" he
said to the landlord privately. ''the auto
and any wine l order. and I'll pay
when / settle my bill"
"You1l find everything charged" said
Thorne, "even the cigars"
e. laIS< f,.tl
tertained that he didn't fret about the
delay In the widows coming. He play
ed tennis with Miss Humphrey in the
morning and rode in the auto with her
in the afternoon. In the evening the
four occupants Of the house played
cards. and the days sped by merrily.
One day Miss Humphrey said TO her
companions:
when do you expect Mrs. Over.
akerY
Mrs. Overaker? Why, l expected
her on the 1st of the month. What's
this-the 3dY
This is the 9th.''
you don't mean it. l wonder what
is delaying her."
Delaying her? You don't expect her
at all now, do your"
Mr.. Wingate hoped in his heart that
she would not come. but he said that
something might have occurred to
change her plans. That evening it
was evident to all except Mr.. Win
gate that something of Importance was
at hand. A delicious dinner was served
Miss Humphrey was clad in costume
that the guest pronounced "blue
dream of heaven" After dinner the
landlord and. landlady excused them
selves and left the place. leaving Mr.
Wingate and their niece in the drawing
room. A perfume of flowers came in
from the conservatory adjoining Mr.
Wingate forgot all about the widow.
and-well, when Mr.. and Mrs. Thorne
returned he was engaged to Miss Hum.
phrey.
A supper was set In the dining room.
to which the four persons adjourned
Mrs. Thorne and her niece hung back
for a few whispered words. Then
there was the popping of champagne
cork. and Mrs. Thorne, holding her
glass high, proposed the health OF the
newly engaged couple. Mr. Thorne
kissed his niece and. slapping his guest
on the back, said vociferously:
"This Is no hotel This is the resi-
dence of your humble servant, Edward
Thorne, banker. But you've been well
come, my boy, and we give you our
little Lu gladly. We've heard lots
about you from Mrs. Overaker, and all
to your credit"
The expression on Wingate's face
was mingling of surprise, shame and
happiness.
when do you expect Mrs. Over
aker? he asked.
Tomorrow afternoon"
II regret that my limit Of time to be
absent has expired and shall not have
the pleasure of meeting her after all.
] must go back to the city in the morn.
ing"
$50 soon?" exclaimed the host and
hostess in breath.
Don't detain a man from his busi-
ness" said Luella. II think Mr.. Win
gate is perfectly excusable in going
and If don't complain no one should" I"
wen all co." said the host.
The next morning an automobile con-
tanning Mr. and Mrs. Thorne. Miss
Humphrey and Mr.. Wingate pulled out
from under the porte-cochere destined
for the city, Mr.. Thorne at the wheel.
They had been gone only few min
utes when train passed on the rail-
| way track beside them.
"Supposing." said Mr.. Thorne. "that
Mrs. Overaker should be ahead Of time
| and on that train"
Mr. Wingate shuddered.
"Such thing is possible" said Mrs.
Thorne. IF Mrs. Overaker is on the
train we shall meet her coming from
| the station"
Mr.. Wingate shuddered again.
1T will be embarrassing for me-"
continued the speaker. "since / agreed
to keep her during her stay here"
"I'lf turn of by this road" said Mr..
| Thorne.