The Bossier banner., 1917-09-13
Billy smiled in the direction Of the On

ticket, tnen Ou! sue UieaIHOu-
Vaguely troubled. he glanced down at
the golden head. Surprise. disappoint-
mcnt-what was 1t that showed for
naomcnt in the eyes upraiscd to his!
This way" she said. and Billy fol.
lowed her down the aisle. But ut the
choice seat designated the stout over
seeing usher reappeared.
Must be some mistake. she argued
loudly "This section reserved for ush.
ers and their husbands only. Let me
see your ticket" Billy was about to
apologize and -withdraw-Other fortu-
nate possessors Of neaNby seats inter
estedly watched the outcome-whenh his
directors voice sounded distinctly.
Its all right, Mrs. Sayles," she said.
''Tlie ticket reads, Mr.. and Mrs. Jack
Maynard Mrs. Maynard is not here
this evening, but she ushered ut this
afternoons meeting"
Before Billy could collect his senses
before he could deny to the one girl In
ali the world this fatal imputation, the
two white clad women. whispering.
moved away together. And to this end
hatl his scheming led him. The girl
whose love he craved was now. througi,
a scnseless mistake, removed from him
fo:cyer. HcncefOrth be was In her
eyes but the welded husband Of a GER /
tuii, Mrs. Jack Maynard. Why hadn't
he glanced at the confounded ticket In
stead Of rushing with it like fool?
l,espairingly Billy looked about, after
tile Grafton. II here he might still find
one friend, perhaps. also Of her ac-
Iaaintance, hut all were strangers, nor
one familiar face. Broodingly he made
hi; way to the door. Out In the vesti-
bule he fingered to throw on his coat,
and presently from merry, chattering
throng she made her way to him.
The wonder of her sudden presence
there at his side, the smile that was
unmistakably for him, held him for
the moment speechless.
Il hope the evening has been q pleas
ant one" she said and held out her
hand. Billy saw that the hand was
extending to him small white enve-
lope and took Il. Then his dream
abruptly ended.
"A ticket for the mothers meeting
tomorrow, Mr.. Maynard she said.
please give 1t to your wife,"
Before his denying lips could even
form a reply she had vanished. 1t was
decidedly gronchy Billy ThOrntoa
whom his tall friend found III the Office
the next day.
Enjoy the uplift meeting?" Braydon
casually inquired.
1.-THE deucev' answered Billy.
/ "As to that Miss Wilder" the friend
went on. "Happen to know people
who in turn know her. Take you over
to meet her, II you like"
Billy's crouch evaporated. To
night?. he asked crisply.
Tonight" replied Braydon.
Billy banged down the cover Of his
desk In spirit Of Joyful anticipation.
In ten miputes he would explain all
to her. And after that-weIl, il he
didn't win out In the old game of love
it would not be because with oil his
heart and soul he had not tried. He
| wished that Braydon would refrain
from entering into that old business
problem on the way to the house where
he was to meet her. He wanted to go
over in his mind the things that he
would say.
Before he realized it they we're In the
brilliantly lighted reception room and
he was bowing before sweet faced
woman presented as Mrs. Jack May
nard, who Immediately. taking Billy In
charge, led him to girlish figure at
the farther end Of the room
"Aiiss Wilder" she announced rather
absentiy and hurried back to his friend
The lone girl smiled up at him.
I've are not quite strangers" she
said, '.but am afraid you forgot tO
give the ticket to Mrs. Maynard. She
was absent, noticed, from the after.
noon meeting, and YOU
"Mis:, Wilder"-it was the interrupt
ing voice Of Braydon-"come here just
a moment, please, to settle dispute"
Billy savagely ground his heel on the
/, rug as others came to claim the girl's
attention. keeping her from him. When
was this silly affair to be Strengthened,
] Where was the real Jack Maynard?
! unfortunately the evening dragget
! and no opportunity for further word
with the girl Of his dreams. In hel
eyes he was now no doubt just the un
Interesting husband of her hostess
! while In his eyes-Billy rapturonsiy
= caught his breath as he looked at her
! she grew each moment fairer.
In sudden determination he crosses
E to where she sat before the piano.
II want to talk to y0u,' he said.
The girls fingers rested upon th
; keys. Half turning, she looked up q
3 him.
1 1-Tm not Jack Maynard" Bill,
. Blurted out desperately, "and I'm NO
!, married. It was q confounded-I be
your pardon-Only y borrowed ticket.
/ The laughing challenge Of her eye
e gave him sudden courage. II hav
wanted-na, that's not the word
. have desired above oil things "a
: months to meet y0u," be went on, the
I paused. His eyes were saying NOR!
q "My name is Ehornton," he ended al
!, .ruptly-"William Thornton"
u Miss Jane Wilder arose and stood b,
9 fore him. II know IT. she said quie
", "and ! knew 1t all along. Bac
Z there at church. that day friend poin
\ cd you out to me. Yesterday whe
q Jack Maynard asked for q ticket K
you to the meeting It was ! who su,
le gested that he lend you his" 81
y laughed softly. 1T was wicked Of n
n@ to pretend" she admitted-"wicke'