Daily capital journal. (Salem, Oregon) 1903-1919, 1917-12-05
Margaret Garett's
hla
AN UNEXPECTED MEETING.
CHAPTER LXXY.
X By JANE FMELPS
x X X X + + X X X X X X u

CHAPTER LXXV.
All the way in on the train I speeu-
lated upon what / should see. Should
/ find a gay party of men smoking and
telling stories, or would | discover that
it, was a mixed affair and that l had
been left out.
Suddenly | remembered that Bob had
told me when l was last asked to join
his friend s parties, that he should tell
them never to depend upon me to make
up any desired number of guests as /
had absolutely refused to join them
again. Probably he had kept his word,
and that was the reason had been
given no chance to either accept or de-
cline
1 took a cab from the station. My
return train left in just an hour, and
must not miss it. When l arrived at
the Coster, | experienced a momentary
feeling of embarrassment. 1t was not
not usual for woman to go on the roof
unattended. Perhaps some objection
would be made, and l should have to
give it up.
But l boldly entered the elevator with
several others, and uietly followed them
out. The man standing ON the roof to
see that no undesirable people found
their way up evidently supposed me
with them. They were uiet, inoffensive
looking people, and would not be apt
to attract much attention fortunately
for me.
took seat at table, where, while
screened myself, [ could see perfectly.
II Immediately ordered some sweets and
lemonade, and explained to the waiter
that l was waiting for party. would
tip him generously when | had accom-
plished what l came for. He had looked
disappointed until l told my little un-
truth, when he had paid me all pos
sible attention.
| could see nothing of Mr. Root; or
Of Bob, But just as | was about to leave
Il had concluded they had changed
their minds about coming to the Coster
there was a stir back of me, and Mr..
and Mrs. Root, Henry Creedmore, John
Kendall, Maud Warren, Marion Riggs,
a woman never had seen, and Bob were
seated at table evidently reserved for
them.
Bob was seated next the strange
woman. He was in gay spirits laughing,
gesticulating, talking in his excited
way. She was lovely, of an unusual type
and Bob had eyes for no one but her.
There was no danger that I would be |
discovered. I thought bitterly, as
watched the eagerness with which he |
bent toward her, and the animation with |
which they both conversed.
She was beautifully gowned in colors
that fairly glowed. A daring costume,
but immensely becoming to her perfect |
blondness. The wonderful golden hair !,
was piled high and looked too heavy |
for the small head to carry. Her eyes
were violet, her skin matchless. She |
was petite, and her tiny beautifully |
shaped hands emphasized all she said.
But none of these things hurt me as did
the fact that she was young-younger
than Bob, who was almost twenty.
eight. l should have Judged her not
more than twenty had she not been
with those older than that She-I found
out long afterward-was twenty-four.
watched them until 1 dared wait no
longer, then quietly left my table and
the roof, scarcely hearing the voluble
thanks of the waiter
When | was in the cab, away from
curious eyes, found tears of anger
filling my eyes. 1 brushed -hem aside.
could not afford to cry; even mother
had told me- it made me look old. And
after the sight of that girlish lowell
ness l would not allow myself the lux
Try of tears which always disfigured /
ne. +
I caught my ten clock train and J
ried to read an evening paper I had
bought in the station to keep from cry {
ng. Suddenly / heard a voice say: /
''Well, if this ism t fortunatel' and
Mrs. Baldwin came over and sat with \
ne. L
81 thought I was the only married 7
woman out alonel'' she remarked as
-.,Aw- ~--~-