Bryan daily eagle and pilot. [volume] (Bryan, Tex.) 1909-1918, 1916-07-22
Mr.. TAYLOR EXPLAINS
BY LOUISE OLIVER.

store was just inside one OF the main
entrances. This kingdom was subdi-
vided into special realms and over
each principally reigned princess
In black dress, white collar and cuffs.
Never was royalty more becomingly
adorned. for Max Bluming, floor man
ager. knew what he was doing when
he picked the prettiest girls in the
store for this point Of vantage.
May Marshall. a tall blonde, had
charge Of the Jet goods. Then-and
here the manager had undeniably
shown his ability as an artist--there
was the counter for displaying jew
els, for rs cent bead strings to two
carat, frst-water diamonds, and right
bl I'D the racks Of pearls and trays
oil 1liinestones stood Mary Webster, as
wholesome, sweet and fresh as May
morning.
Mary was-well. she was Just Mary.
You looked at her and loved her.
Good morning, Miss Webster!'
Somehow he had learned her name,
although Mary had no idea OF his. She
nodded brightly. however.
The man passed up the aisle and
disappeared. Evidently he had some
thing to do with the store, but he was
not q salesman. for his hours we're
different from the others. Mary, still
smiling, was suddenly unpleasantly
aware that Mr. Bluming was at the
end OF the aisle and that he was
watching her.
1T seems to me" she said indig-
naptly, that can't breathe any more
without that man seeing II. He's al
ways looking at mel" She shivered
involuntarily. "One thing sure. II he
stays around here talking like he did
yesterday and inviting me to dinner, l
am going to ask to be changed up
stairs. Very good looking that young
man was and he has nice eyes and
teeth She smiled at the memory, but
was suddenly sobered by the appear
ance Of the floor manager just across
the counter.
Good morning. Miss Mary. Did your
mirror tell you how pretty you look
today? There's little curl resting
ever so lightly on your cheek that l
would like to kiss!"
Mary kept busily at her busting.
Where shall put these new
brooches, Mr.. Bluming7 Would you
suggest background Of blue velvet in
the case?"
But he mistook the flush OF annoy
ance for one OF pleasure and. disre-
garding her words. went on: Blush
ing is a lost art. Miss Mary. It's very
becoming to you. BY the way. aren't
you sorry you turned down my invi-
tation last night? But there's always
another day. and I'm not the kind that
takes offense easily. How about to-
nightf'
live another engagement"
He regarded her steadily. Il don't
believe you know another soul In this
: town." he said slowly. deliberately.
you haven't another engagement"
Haven't l." she flashed. you know
nothing about me. may be engaged
to be married for all you know. Mr..
Bluming"
! Mr.. Bluming was silent an instant
and his smile disappeared. Then he
laughed easily. Il don't believe IT,"
But he walked away and left Mary
. In momentary peace.
That night, after thinking things
over. Mary decided to do something.
Il must do something to convince
that man that THAT there is some
body who cares for me. And II can't
10 any harm. l can put II back at
closing time every night"
SO the next morning. while arrang.
+ Ing her wares, Mary took from It's
place In the tray solitaire diamond
81 carat weight and slipped II onto the
third finger OF her left hand
|. Good morning, Miss websterl''
!. Mary hastily covered her hand and re-
turned the greeting II was the man
!. With tho nice eyes.
Mr. Bluming drew near. Mary has
= lily turned the stone into view.
well. Miss Mary. good morning
Another day gone. Ell? Well. there's
always one coming. That's my mottol'
The diamond caught his eye. "wher,
I'D you get that?" no asked.
!, Il told you that perhaps l was
sngaged."
: We'll. I don't believe IT," His eyes
slittered. What II Id say knew
where you got Il, because saw yor
take IT, Maybe you'll think better
now about dinner. II the manage
J. ment knew"-he stopped.
|. Mary waited. white to tho lips.
VIII you GOMEZ"
,. moi"
Then" no turned. Charlie. gt
v ASK Mr.. Taylor to como here, please.
, Two sent for tho store detective.
be explained. Its not too late yet.
/; Mary was silent.
Then down tho aisle came the younl
B. man with the nice yees.
You sent for met" to Bluming.
j. Yea" And the floor manager OF
planned Mary's crime to the store dc
" teotivc while Mary stood as white ant
n stu as statue OF white marble.
A Mr.. Taylor laughed easily. "wh!
didn't you tell him the truth. Mary
: There was no need OF so much sccrec,