The Press., 1915-08-04

where Chichester still waited, and said: .Iy daughter has charged me to say to you that you need give yourself no concern on her account. Her injury was an accident for which you were in no way to blame. When she met you the rain was dripping from her um- brella into her eyes, and she had low cred the umbrella on that account, so that she did not see you coming. 'It was my fault entirely" Chiches- ter protested. q had no right to be walking on the street, my eyesight ob- structed and pointing steel ferrule at whoever might approach. Il may call, may not, to ask of her condition?"
 "Surely, if you are so inclined" Chichester drew card from his portemonnaie and placed it on table. begging the lady if complications set in to advise him. This she promised to do.
 Chichester called the next day and learned that an operation had been performed on Miss COrwith's nose and that there was every expectation that it would result in a complete restora-
 ton of the feature to its original shape. He asked permission to send some
 flowers to the young lady as token of
 his delight at the prospect of the dam- age he had done being remedied. Mrs. Corwith assured him that such gift
 would be appreciated, and the same
 day a box of cut flowers arrived, with
 MT. Chichester's card.
 MT. Chichester called every few days
 for information concerning the pa-
 tient's condition, and every time he
 called he was shown into the cozy little
 parlor to await reply to his inquiries.
 Sometimes the answer was slow in
 coming, and he was much pleased
 thereat, for 1t gave him time to sniff the comfort of the room and to feast his eyes on the girlish face which al- ways seemed to look down on him for givingly for the damage he had done.
 At times the answers to his inquiries were brought him by the maid, but at others Mrs. Corwith made the replies in person. Having MT. Chichester's card, she had spoken to friends about
 
 cident and had learned that he was a gentleman of excellent family. From the time of receiving this information her manner became more cordial, and one day when he called she assured him the doctors had promised that the bandages would be removed from her daughters nose within a few days, and he would have an opportunity to see for himself that no permanent damage had been done.
 One afternoon about o'clock Chichester sauntered up to the Cor with residence, rang the doorbell and was admitted to the cozy parlor. Some of the flowers he had sent the day be- fore were arranged in vases about the room, thus enhancing it's attractive ness. Chichester looked upon this as a good omen. The portrait looked down upon him, and it seemed to him today that instead of wearing forgiving ex- pression there was one of kindliness. He was standing before 1t with his back to the door when he heard a light footstep on the threshold and. turning, there stood Miss Corwith.
 For an instant his eyes were rivcted on her nose and, seeing that there was no disagreement, he exclaimed. ''Thank God" Her face broke into an ap- preciative smile and she advanced wi.h outstretched hand.
 You have been very good," she said ito manifest so much concern in my be- half. It is in great contrast with those reckless drivers who run down per sons and leave them lying where they fall while the rascals make their es- cape"
 My happiness at your restoration is complete" was Chichester's reply.
 And the flowers you have sent me; they have been such a comfort to me. I love flowers, and while confined to my room they have been my principal companions"
 Taking a rose from a vase, she placed 1t in Chichester's buttonhole.
 Now, when lady puts a flower in the lapel of mans coat she must. of necessity, stand very near him. He looks down into her face and her breath is sweet to him. Chichester found it difficult to refrain from en- circling the donor with his arms.
 A time came, however, when he reached home from business, sat in the easy chair in the cozy parlor and wife sat on it's arm while they talked over the events of the day. At such Chichester went back in memory to the day he stood lonely bachelor at lis club window, looked put on the driven rain and pictured himself in home with wife, then went forth to be conducted by fate to d real home and a real wife, Ada Cor with.