The Wahpeton times. [volume] (Wahpeton, Richland County, Dakota [N.D.]) 1879-1919, 1917-01-25
ooIl,e new YORK
D. LOUISE OLIVER.

bis pocket and looked out at the snow.
the first Of the season. He had much
the same thought now that he had had
when the first yellow buds on the
naples 10 front Of the house were
swelling In the spring. Why was It
that the seasons changed 90 fast and
be was still not engaged to Martha3
The whole thing amounted to this:
Tommy was never sure that he wanted
Martha forever until some other fellow
came along and threatened to carry
out the program himself.
II think" he said. with shrug,
''that need change. A week or two
Of New York will put new life into me.
The girls there have dash and style
that's diverting after diet Of quiet
village maidens. Even. Martha. pretty
as she Is. has about az much pep az
milk toast"
So he packed up, fixed things at the
Office so he could leave. and called
Martha on the phone to say 'good-by."
isn't It funny" answered Martha.
when she heard the news. II was just
going to call you and tell you the same
thing. I'm going to New York, too.
Cousin Walters wife sent for me to
make them visit. and I'm starting to-
morrow. Wouldn't 1t be funny II I'd
see you there?"
Now this was Tommy's cue to say:
'Of course you will. II you give me
your address," But instead he an.
swered hastily: Eyes. wouldn't It; but
I'm afraid ! won't be so lucky. Every
minute will be full to the limit; bust.
ness must be attended to. you know.
But hope you have fine time. little
girl, and won't quite forget me while
you're doing society,""
And with his mind firmly fixed upon
the good time he intended to have with
Brinton from Albany, whom he had
wired to meet him. he boarded the
$3.50 express and forgot all about
Martha.
But when he reached the hotel next
morning he found a telegram from
Brinton saying that he couldn't be
present at the festivities.
This was damper, because he had
always counted on Brinton to steer
him around.
He tried to think Of what he and
Brinton had done In the mornings on
their last visit to Manhattan; surely
they had done something to choke In
the time. Then he remembered. Why.
sleep. of course. They never got to
bed until three or four. and they rose
at noon.
The day passed in some way. He
went to the Hippodrome in the after.
noon and the opera In the evening. But
"La Boheme" bored him and he left
before It was over. He picked caba.
ret at random, but he did not enjoy It.
The people were all tn two or tours.
He was the only one alone and he
didn't know a soul.
But Tommy was game. He had come
to New York for time. so time he
would have II he died In the attempt.
The next day was new round of soil.
tary pleasures. varying little from the
flrst. and the next was almost like It.
Then one day as he was walking
along Fifth avenue two women came
out of shop and we're climbing into a
Limousine when one of them cried,
"Why. there's Tommy Crawford. Hello,
Toni"
And Tommy turned to see Martha
beaming on him delightedly and hold.
Ing out her hand.
"Cousin Mary. want you to meet
Tommy. Mr.. Crawford. Come and get
In and drive home with US, won't youi
I'm dying for q talk. I've been having
such glorious time I'm crazy to tell
someone all about It."
Tommy's lonely heart gave few
longing thumps. How he wanted to
accept. But he remembered his excuse
Of urgent business. mo. thank you"
he drew out his watch. tits getting
late and ! have an appointment. But
I'll ring you up and maybe you can
spare me minute again"
Cousin Mary mentioned night for
dinner. and after considerable reflec-
ton and elaboration Tommy MUIR
INJURED that she was very kind and he'd
certainly do his best to arrange to 90.
II was almost week ahead.
And In the meantime It seemed that
Tommy was due to collide with Martha
and her friends everywhere he went.
and Tommy's heart had many jeal-
Gus pang when he saw the number of
men who paid her attention.
Then came the night Of the dinner.
Tommy found the affair state cere.
mony large enough to leave his alb
sence and Martha's afterward 'prac-
ticaIly unn0ticed. They had slipped
into the conservatory.
you'll never guess how lonely i've
been. Martha" confessed Tommy with
Q meaning he thought the girl little
guessed.
Poor Tommy sympathized Mar
tina.
"And can't have all these fellows
manipulating my girl this way" he
went on. ~ love you. Martha. Let's