The Green Forest tribune., 1916-08-04
UNEXPECTED SUNSHINE
By ELLIS PINE.

~|A'&> and Fred Hartmann"
 Yes, everybodys noticed it." sait Philip, "but neither Elsie nor Fred vii tell the cause of it, understand. Amy Moore, who will rush in where others would fear to tread, sounded then both,bu got only an indifferent shrue from Elsie and grouchy one from Fred"
 By Georgei" exclaimed Jack, mo- ment later. "The plot thickens, fO1 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. It can't be that she has designs on Fred, for she's happily engaged to his brother in Cleveland. She must be trying to annoy Elsie"
 Except for a 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 sauntering toward the doorway, which brought them near her table. She flashed them smile of greeting and bade 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 contrived to have the party 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 maneuvering to clear up the clouded atmosphere sur rounding the estranged pair When they reached the main floor they found that a summer shower was coming down in driving sheets. man and woman rushed from a taxicab at the
 
 SIX stood, reluctant to venture out un. til the shower had passed. The wom- an, who was young and pretty and well dressed, gave a pleased exclama. ton when she saw Fred Hartman.
 Why, MT. Hartman. what an unex- pected pleasure !" Fred advanced with a cordial response to her enthusiastic greeting, and the lady added: 'Tm so 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, Mir. Hart man." she concluded, and the two men shook hands, 4nith was big man, '%ltA.g dr1fr sEvdnsk about him. g son.
 'Nfesesar Ss .e 3t he said No:, csG1 Mrs. Smith has told me all about that narrowing hour and half in a stuck elevator and of your lightning trip to the station afterward Believe me, we appreciate your courtesy to q client in distress. She could never have got the deeds strengthened out and made that train without your help, hut sht's still worrying because you missed a lunch con engagement with lady who had deserted the tryst before you could get to 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 prisoner as I. 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 'fess up to this romantic affair your friends have mentioned" commanded Amy. as the elevator disappeared. Its a good thing l wasn't the girl who had the luncheon engagement with you. I'd have scofned you ever after"
 "Oh, come now" pleaded Fred. .vro have lost the pleasure of your con- pany and to have felt that I 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 if she had seen you rushing that handsome wom- an into taxi just as she herself came out from q lonely luncheon"
 There, now!' said Amy saucilv. It's enough to make me weep, even though it's only make-believe case. but I'm dying to know who the poor girl really was and how she took it."
 "Perhaps she was too pqued at first to listen to an explanation" said Elsie promptly, to ward off Amy's further conjecture, "but I'm sure that when she did know all about it she was sorry she had acted childishly."
 You are quite sure, Elsie?" asked Fred, as if they were alone. And. in- deed, they were practically alone. for Amy and Jack had exchanged knowing glances and had drawn the other two men over to the doorway to see wheth- CT the rain was slackening
 Quite sure, Fred" said Elsie, very softly, "and bless those dear Smiths for making me both sorry and sure."
 Amen" whispered Fred, as they went in answer to Amy's delighted call to come and see the wondrous sum- shine that had broken through the