Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1915-06-11
The Daily Story
Jane or James?

The edges of James Darcy's cuffs wero
beginning to show stiff, white fringe and
there were places along the seams of his
j black serge coat that were unmistakably
worn through. But James only held his
head more proudly on his strong should
ers and iNed his thoughts with more alb
sorbing interest upon his work. "A few
more months like this" he would say to
himself, and I'll deserve the other things.
that some men get too easily"
James Darcy was a medical student by
day, and as night school teacher IN the
city schools it was his duty for two
hours every evening to impart the rudi-
ments of reading writing and numbers to
30 clamorous, undisciplined young men
and boys who, for one reason or another
had not gone through the necessary day
school routine.
The 40 clamorous boys had just filed out
Of the room, and James could hear The
heavy scuffle as they passed down the
wooden-hoored hall OF the old school
building. He went mechanically to the
windows and threw them wide open to
let out the sitting air; then, coming back
20 the desk. he took his hat and we'll
worn notebook in one hand and began but
toning his worn black coat. Then his eye
lying under his notebook. 1t was not an
oblong letter of the official type that
meant some direction from the School
Board. but a small feminine envelope, ad-
dressed In a neat. easy hand. ITO the
Night School Teacher"
He opened the unsealed envelope and
read, "I am sure you won't think me too
exacting II / suggest you don't open the
window by the geraniums. II makes
them droop. and my children are very
fond of them. II there is anything that
can do. please tell me-"
And the note was signed, From the
day school teacher. Helen White"
James Darcy looked about the room for
the abused geraniums which In his pre-
occupation he had never happened to
notice before. There they were. shiver-
ing and dropping In the cold winters
blast. James closed the window. and,
coming back he tore a sheet from his
notebook and hastily wrote
MY dear Miss White-I admit that /
have been brutal. / crave for mercy
which I feel sure you are too kind to
withhold, Yours obediently-" Then,
with the letter open before him, his
Imagination drew before his mind visions
Of Miss White. who had written about
the geFaniums-large, brow-beating Miss
Whites, with harsh voices and merci-
less eyes; little, silly Miss Whites, with
puffed hair and last years hnery dig
nihed. even tempered Miss Whites, with
calm, steely eyes. He tore the sheet up
and wrote instead.
My dear Miss White-I shall take
pains in the future 10 keep the window
closed by the geraniums Thank you for
the suggestion. j. @. Darcy" And as he
placed his sheet on the desk he folded
the dainty feminine note carefully, re-
placed II IN its envelope and put It In
his pocket.
few nights later he found second
communication, inclosing two theatre
tickets. Il said; II have thought about
sou many times since your note. /
Wonder what you are like-what sort Of
ttes. ana what books and pictures you
IKE can you accept these matinee
1ickoiaf j have few friends in the city
and as 7 shant be able 10 use them my
self ] want you 20 have them. Ever
4ouIl -'
james read the letter twice, smiled and
put Il IA his pocket Then he wrote: MY
dear Hiss White-You are a very kind
sort Of friend % have. even II have
never met YOU. :, too, am something Of
s stranger Thank you"
shes got a nerve With her. anyway"
= thought as be tore the sheet from his
nele1cok. and he felt q vague sense OF
aisar arroiutmeut "Sui," he argued 10
hInsaf n need some sort Of diversion"
Ht@u 81 his way ta the clinic the next
n.qruInE. ~ q spirit q reckless c1trava-
Faace - ordered q aezau roses % ha
snl KISS Whites rQam.
nat Hht James Has reminded ol hiz
= -. ier tnete "a vase - ne aesk
-fi asef ems MIta 0Ite fqQd fh4
#Il,aaz HoNz lH4sH fae Hass VS.