Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1915-06-30
The Daily story


It was IN the elevator that Darnto
first saw hsr. He was on his way towar
the tenth floor OF the Studio Building Z
the chaotic den no called his studio Sh
was bound for the ninth floor. on whicl
was located the dainty apartment sh
designated by the same name.
His place was a mass Of half-hnishe'
canvases, dried paint tubes, brokev
paiettes. and other impedimenta; hers Z
neat workroom, where methodically sh'
applied herself to china painting.
They were the sole occupants Of th'
car, and Darnton go far forgot his good
manners as to stare rudely at her al
the way up the shaft. She left the ele'
vator with burning cheeks and hot
| unreasoninR anger at the uncouth person
who had so disduieted her. Not know
| ing the impression she had made, she
supposed that he was merely pro-
nounced example Of the genus frt. II
was a type she particularly detested-
and not without reason-ever since re-
verses had forced her to turn her dec
orative talents to bread winning.
It was not until the second trip that
Darnton was forgiven his first offense.
They had passed each other several
times upon the street or In the hall
ways, and while the ardent gaze made
her cheeks flame she had admitted to
herself that the young man on the
tenth floor interested her more than she
had supposed was possible.
The second meeting In the elevator was
marked by the sudden stoppage Of the
car between the eighth and ninth ioorg.
Jimmy. the tiny elevator boy, vainly tried
TO attract the attention of the janitor,
who was supposed to care for the cleo
trical motor, and finally was compelled to
worm his way through the narrow space
hofv he NJ he Car nd fhe laVpI
of the ninth floor. Left to themselves,
Darnton turned to his companion. 1T
looks" he said pleasantly, "as though
we were to be imprisoned for some time
saw Porter going UP tho street as
came in"
ut is very unfortunate" she responded
civilly. II have an order 1 am most
anxious TO FILL"
Darnton's face suggested a proper
mo-" he said impulsively. but should
like awfully we'll to know you. I have
noticed you quite a little since you have
moved into the building"
Your notice" she suggested coldly. 'is
scarcely of tho sort to be ignored by its
object"
Darnton was startled. IT say" he pro-
tested IT never meant to be offensive, 1
assure you. Really, couldn't help look
lllb' 1Ou hEe fAllI9 WluCubSloIt dh0 yOu
not?" he asked. "At least that's what
the Janitor said!'
You have the advantage OF mo-" she
said stiffly.
He smiled pleasantly. That's easily
remedied," he suggested. ''My name is
Paul Darnton. I am 80 years old born
in this city, painter in oils, and very
much at your service. Now we are on
terms of equality again"
You will pardon me-" haughtily. '1f I
refuse to accept an Introduction in the
first person"
Darnton stared at her in amazement. He
was gently bred and would have been the
first to condemn such an action on the
part of another. But Alice Winchester
had lived so continuously in his thoughts
that 1t was impossible for him to realize
she was not an acquaintance. Her sud
den burst of anger brought him to his
senses.
II beg your pardon" he apologlzed.
But we are such near neighbors
thought you would excuse the informality
OF the Introduction. Will you not forgive
me2"
ION condition you do not aggravate
your offense." she promised, and a mo-
ment later Jimmy appeared to liberate
the prisoners and terminate a most un-
fortunate interview.
studio before she gave way to an hys-
terical burst of tears. She realized that
this big, hearty young painter had be-
come more to her than she cared to ad-
NIT, and that by her Puritanical refusal |
TO acknowledge his introduction she had
cut herself off from his companionship. |
After that when they met Darnton avoid |
I'd her gaze with a studlousness almost
as conspicuous as his open admiration.
and by so doing lost the tiny smile by
which she had promised herself she would |
atone for her severity in the elevator.
So without speaking. each grew In |
The others regard until the third trip |
toward heaven" as Darnton designated |
The top foor Of the Studio Building. She |
mad been to party and he to his club. |
The elevator boy threw over the lever, |
and just as the car started heard the hall |
entrance door slam. Incautiously thrust |
ng forth his head to see II It was a |
passenger, the top Of the doorway caught |
his shoulders and threw him out of the |
EAR to the floor OF the hall. There for |
l moment he lay stunned while the car
its upward progress.
With shrek Alice started toward the |
ioor. Darnton grasped her wrists. Don't |
-ry to jump" he cautioned, 'it would |
'e almost certain death"
She turned a white, drawn face toward |
lis.
IT would rather take chances" she
aid, than fall with the car when It |
caches the top. I suppose the ropes |
Will keep on winding and tear away from |
he fastenings."
II suppose So" he answered gloomily.
With a little cry she sank into the |
eat, covering her face with her trembling |
lands. Darnton dropped into the place
reside her, ''Aiiss winchester-Alice"-
10 said quickly. III we are going to drop |
Lown the shaft again. let's put aside con-
for the next few moments. |
have loved you ever since the day we |
lrst went up in the car together and /
AVE been dreaming of the time when 1 |