Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1915-10-01


81 didn't see you when / left the
store, Mr.. Sarpy." ,..
Indeed, was in the vicinity of the
shirts all day"
by the way, you amt never met
nav, have you"
BEG pardon?"
81 say, you amt never met nav,
have you?"
mo, no, l never had the pleasure.
Mr.. Sarpy's neck darted uneasily again.
well, what-a you know about that,
and l been talkin' about you ever since
I got the book shift! I'll call her this
minute"
Mr.. Sarpy half raised himself from
the divan.
please don't let me disturb he
began but Miss Pope had pirouetted,
light as breeze between the portieres
that battered like rain.
"Oh. NAV" Her voice came back
to him like Il bell. "Oh, nav, dear,
would you stop reaGin' long enough TO
step into the parlor and meet Mr.
Sarpy?'
Mrs. Pore Lid aside large wooden
arrangement she was knitting and rose
stiff1y from her chair. Her spotted silk
dress rustic.
In that brief moment Miss Pape
Strengthened the maternal neckband,
whispered Il final admonition in her
mothers very red ear and danced back
into the parlor.
Mall be here in just Il minute, Mr..
Sarpy. She's always readin'"'
Presently Mrs. Pope hove in. She
ratified when she walked, and after you
had regarded her for bit the large
white spots on her black gown began
to magnify and rotate until the gift of
sight became curse.
Nav, | want to make you acquaint
ed with my friend Mr.. Sarpy."
PLEASED to meet you, ma'am." Mr.
Sarpy bowed to a careful angle.
PLEASED to meet you, sir. Nice
weather, amt IT."
ut is that" carefully reseating him
self -
MAE says you work at the Biggest
store too"
Eyes. ma'am; I'm in the aisle ad
joining to the books" 3",l!..-.
We'll, well. so books Is your specia
line"
Nom" Mr.. Sarpy spoke with som,
reluctance. I'm In the gents fur
nishing-next aisle to the books"
80 gents furnishin' is your partic'
lar line" ..-.... ......
mo, ma'am; have been In the hard
ware and In the white goods"
Mae, why don't you sing fer you
friend? She amt got bad singin
voice when she's In practice"
With her forefnger Mae traced pat
! tern OH the brocade.
Jaw, maw,' she demonstrated ant
glanced ONT Of one eye at Mr.. Sarpy.
I'D be pleased to hear you sing
Miss Pope" .H" a r'
And me with such cold" Bu
she ypread herself over the piano stoo
and cast her eyes in modest fashion
at remote angle of the ceiling.
After long and fervent crescend
the performer swung lightly around o.
/ her stool.
You play just grand" said Nj
Sarpy.
"Oh, You jollier, and me with sue
a coldw
Maybe Mr. Sarpy would like som
refreshments. Mae"
The root beer and sandwiches wer
served. Mr.. Sarpy partook with dig
nifty and reserve.
DO have another sandwich, Mr.
Sarpy." ...
NO. thank YOU" He placed his glas
on the mantelpiece and hecked hi
lips with his handkerchief. Miss Pop
coughed twice behind her hand, an
her mother rose.
Il guess I'll be saying good night
Mr.. Sarpy. Us old folks amt so spr
on our legs as you young ones"
Miss Pope blushed
Good night, Mrs. Pope. I'm please
| tudC L met you.
Same to YOU" said Mrs. Pope, clos
ing the folding doors behind her.
He bowed her out Miss Pope re
manned at the center table, ruffiin
the leaves of book idly through he
fingers. Mr.. Sarpy returned to he
tide.
Your mothers pleasant, intelligen
lady"
I'VE think she's nice" she reptile
archly.
He took the book gently from he
hand.
What are you reading?" He he'll
it sidewise and read the title. his fac
frightening.
Lucille Oh. Miss Pope. are yo
fond Of Lucille too|'
Il just love It, She's my favorite.'
They talked in subdued tones, an
after awhile he wandered over to tn
hearth, took the gilt framed photo
graph rom off the mantelpiece and re
garded 1t thoughtfully.
"That old thingr' she objected
SThat old things six years Old"
ITS just beautiful" he said softl,
NOW, you stop your jollyingw
Mr. Sarpy, in whose blood ran til
corpuscles of philosophy, studied til
picture with thoughtful pucker b.
tween his eyes.
"From the child to the woman; frol
the communion veil to the weddir
veil"
There was a crucial pause
"You got such a poetical way abor
you,' she whispered.
He moved nearer, and their face
startled and flushed, were reflected
tho YnirrOr