Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1915-01-16
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The Morning Story
HER STEAMER HASKET.
By Clnrissn Nnckic.

tation OF many another poor girl who
has saved and scrinpcd for Il long
desired trip 20 Europe. Even the fact
that there was no one 10 wave fare
we'll, no one to wish her hon voyage
on this, her maiden adventure into the
world OF unknown, could detract from
that first hour OF enjoyment.
Ancrward. when they were headed
down the bay, sh" wen; below to her
stateroom Passing through the sa-
loon, Ethel felt her tirst panGs OF loncli-
ness. SO many people appeared to know
one another-to j" sure of having a
delightful time. Tables were crowded
with beautiful steamer baskets. some
Overlooking with flowers, others heaped
with fruits and confections. 4 MINI
Der OF modishly attired girls carelessiy
scanned the cards and accepted these
farewell offerings Hs quite an every
day matter.
As Ethel entered the corridor ut
tho end OF which was her own tiny
stateroum she iuVoluntarily paused
before the door of a luxurious room
where young girl stood at a table
hcapcd with baskets She was dark
and slender. and She was eagerly pull
ing the baskets here and there, as if
searching for something.
She glanced ur sharply ana saw
ethel
"Alaric. she called, curtIy. and a
neat maid oame ana gently closed the
door as Ethel hurried on with burn
ing checks.
How rude OF me" though; the girl.
rs she entered her own cramped quar-
tiers.
She stopped short. her blue eyes
fixed in incredulous JOY upon large
bamboo basket that seemed to over
flow the cabin with its bountiful
luxury.
ITS a mistake" she decided with Il
sinking heart.
But her name was plainly written
on Il tag. and tucked in among the
fruits and packages of bonbons was
artiny white envelope bearing her name
in familiar script.
Inside the envelope was an engraved
card: mir. John Bennington Gray"
Under the name WAS scrubbed pen
ciled line Ron voyaee-and don't
stay too long"
Mr. Gray Ethel mnrmured over
and over again. trying TO persuade
herself that She was not dreaming for
John Remington Gray was her en-
ployer in the great law firm where she
worked, and he had scarcely appeared
20 notice tn" fair little girl who had
50 faithfully worked n his elbow for
eighteen months
John Gray was her ideal OF what "a
man should be. Unkuowmsly. She had
almost fallen in love with the hand
some bachelor, whose position i'm the
social world was 50 assured. and of
Whose cominCs and CoinEs she fire.
quently read in tho sunday newspapers
He had heeN away the day she had
left The Office 10 take this long planned
Yacauon-she had not even said
Eood-by to him; it was doubtful If
her.
Now--she smiled dreamily-he had
remembered her going. ana although
the basket might be merely his kind
~ recognition Q! her services i'm his
Office. nevertheless lie had sent II toI
her. and She was absurdly grateful
She tucked the card inside her
blouse, took . hook and g tiny box OF
iis Donbons and went W 10 find her
sreafner chair.
Ths voyage was uneventful ana
Ethel found one OF TWO young women
travelling alone like herself. They
Joined forces ana planned TO MAX. q
pilgrimage "a the cathedral towns OF
England together.
Arriving in London. Ethel wrote :;
!il;le noie Of gratitude TO Mr. Gray: al
vas almost crying with loneliness
she frankly ronfessed, when / d.scov-
"red YOUR beautiful basket in my ca bin.
Then began 10 feel so rich-wth
basket heaped With good wishes
John bennington reread the little
" ne 80 f..no9'hia ont ana he
Tor the Steno-.rap. who WAS taking
Ethcl's place.
Er-can Sou ;su me Miss Smiths
name h. asEed. growing rathe. en-
t!uy.
Ethel E,hel sui,h. She replica
Thank you. ne said CURLY. and
drew the telephone toward him Ue
called the rumher Of weil-known
Gontect.oneT AND make au inquiry