The Lamar register., 1916-09-20
UNEXPECTED SUNSHINE
BY ELLIS PYNE.

"GeeI Ilere'S Elsie Morton anu Olu
man Simpson again." said Jack Boyd
to Philip Ware us they sat down at
luncheon in downtown hotel. Have
you noticed the GOODNESS between Elsie
and Fred Hartmann"
Eyes, everybody's noticed it," said
Philip, but neither Elsie nor Fred will
tell the cause of II, 1 understand. Amy
Moore, who will rush in where others
would fear to tread, sounded them
both,but got only an Indifferent shrug
from Elsie and grouchy one from
Fred"
by Georger exclaimed Jack, a mo
ment later. ''The plot thlckens, for
here come Fred and Amy Moore, this
minute"
"And If I'm not mistaken, that
sparkle in Amy's eye means she's got
something up her sleeve. 1t can't be
that she has designs on Fred, for she's
happily engaged to his brother in
Cleveland"
Except for friendly nod upon first
seating themselves, Amy and Fred
seemed oblivious Of Elsie's presence.
Amy ordered only the lightest lunch,
Insisting that she must be away In
half an hour at the latest. When she
had almost finished her light luncheon
she glanced about and saw Jack Boyd
and Philip Ware saunterlng toward
the doorway, which brought them near
her table. She flashed them n smile Of
greeting and babe Fred call them over
as she wanted to ask them something
about the coming dinner dance at the
country club next evening.
Although her luncheon was finished,
Amy made no move TO leave her seat
until she saw Elsie and Simpson leave
their table Then she cOntrlved to
have the pnrty Of six acquaintances
reach the elevator at the same time
and make the descent together. Her
only object was TO bring Elsie and
Fred Into the general conversation
but an unexpected occurrence did far
more than all her maneuyering to
clear up the clouded atmosphere sur
rounding the estrunged pair. When
they reached the main floor they found
that summer shower was coming
down in driving sheets. A man and
woman rushed from taxicab at the
curb Into the lobby where the group Of
six stood, reluctant to venture out un
I'll the shower had passed. The WON
an who was young and pretty and
well dressed, gave pleased exclama.
ton when she saw Fred Hartman.
why, Mr.. Hartman, what an unex-
pected pleasure - Fred advanced with
a cordial response to her enthusiastic
greeting. and the lady added: "Fm
20 glad to have an opportunity to pre-
sent my husband to you, for we owe
you lot for your kindness to me that
dreadful day. Mr. Smith, Mr.. Hart
man." she concluded. and the two men
shook hands.
"Mr Hartman" he said warmly
Mrs. Smith has told me all about that
narrowing hour and half in stuck
elevator and Of your lightning trip to
the station nfterward. Believe me, we
appreciate your courtesy 10 a client In
distress. She could never have got the
deeds Strengthened out and made that
train without your help, but she's still
worrying because You missed a lunch
con engagement with lady who had
deserted the tryst before you could
get to a telephone"
"Well, that misfortune was the fault
Of the stupid elevator man, and
couldn't have been even remotely
blamed upon Mrs Smith, who was as
unwilling n prisoner as |. It's too bad
that unpleasant experiences are your
lot on another visit to the city"
"Oh, we don't mind the rain" said
Mrs. Smith, as they entered the ele
vator.
Come. Fred Hartman, and Tess up
10 this romantic affair your friends
have mentioned" commanded Amy, as
the elevator disappeared. IT'S a good
thing I wasn't the girl who had the
luncheon engagement with you. I'd
have scorned you ever after"
"Oh, come now" pleaded Fred. "To
have lost the pleasure of your com.
pany and to have felt that had
caused you annoyance would have
been punishment enough for me with.
out your scorn. Isn't that fair state
ment OF the case, Elsie?"
'As far as it goes, yes" admitted
Elsie, but you must consider that
Amy would not have known the real
facts Of the case until you told her,
and imagine what her feelings would
have been if-well-say II she had