The citizen. [volume] (Berea, Ky.) 1899-1958, 1917-08-23

der's gaze was entirely impsysonal.
Silently she accepted and read his
ticket: then "Ohr she breathed.
Vaguely troubled. he glanced down at
the golden head. Surprise, disappoint-
ment-what was II that showed for a
moment in the eyes appraised to his7
This way" she said, and Billy fol-
lowed her down the aisle. But at 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 NEARBY seats inter-
estedly watched the outcome hen his
directors voice sounded distinctly.
Its all right. Mrs. Sayles." she said
''The ticket reads. Mr.. and Mrs. Jack
Maynard Mrs. Maynard is not here
this evening, but she ushered mt this
afternoons meeting"
Before Billy could collect his senses,
before he could deny to the one girl In
all the world this fatal imputatlon, the
two white clad women, whispering
moved away together. Aud TO this end
had his scheming led him. The girl
whose love he craved was now. through
a senseless mistake removed from him
forever. Henceforth he was In her
eyes but the welded husband Of Ger.
tain Mrs. Jack Maynard. Why hadn't
he glanced at the confounded ticket In
stead Of rushing with It like fooli
Despairingly Billy looked about. after
the ora ton. II here he might stu find
one friend, perhaps also Of her &C
quaintance but all were strangers, not
one familiar face. Broodingly he made
his way to the door. Out in the vesti.
bule he fingered to throw on his coat,
and presently from a merry. chattering
throng she made her way to him.
The wonder Of her sudden presence
there at his side, the smile that was
Enthusiastically for him, held him for
the moment speeches..
II hope the evening has been a pleas
ant one" she said and held out her
hand. Billy saw that the hand was
extending tn him a small white enve-
lope and took It. Then his dream
abruptly ended.
"A ticket for the mothers meeting
tomorrow. Mr.. Maynard" she said.
"Please give II to your wife"
Before his denying lips could even
form reply she had vanished. II was
q decidedly grouchy Billy Thornton
whom his tall friend found In the office
the next day.
Enjoy the uplift meetingr Braydon
casually inquired.
"The deucew 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. ITO
nightY he asked crisply.
Tonight" replied Braydon.
Bully banged down the cover Of his
desk in q spirit Of joyful anticipation.
In ten minutes he would explain all
to her. And after that-weil. II he
didn't win out In the old game Of love
Il would not be because with all 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-Ralized II they were In the
brilliantly lighted reception room and
he was bowling before a sweet faced
woman presented as Mrs. Jack May
nard, who Immediately. taking Billy In
charge, led him to giriish figure at
the farther end Of the room.
Miss Wilder" she announced rather
absently AMI hurried back TO his friend.
The zone girl smiled up at him.
I'VE are not quite strangers" she
said, but I am afraid you forgot to
give the ticket to Mrs. Maynard. She
was absent. I noticed. from the after
noon meeting, and you
Miss Wiider"-it was the interrupt
Ing voice of Braydon-"come here Just
q moment, please, to settle dispute"
Billy savagely ground his heel on the
rug a. Others came to claim the girls
attention, keeping her from him. When
was this silly affair to be Straightforward
Where was the real Jack Maynardf
Interminably the evening dragged
and no opportunity for further word
with the girl Of his dreams. In her
eyes he was now no doubt Just the un-
interesting husband Of her hostess.
while In bis eyes-Billy rapturously
caught his breath as he looked at her
she grew each moment fairer.
In sudden determination he crossed
10 where she sat before the piano.
II want to talk to you" he said
The girls fingers rested upon the
keys. Half turning. she looked up at
him.
"I-I'm not Jack Maynard" Billy
Blurted out desperately. "and I'm not
married. II was a confounded-I beg
your pardon-only a borrowed ticket"
The laughing challenge Of her eyes
gave him sudden courage. II have
wanted-no. that's not the word-i
have desired above all things for
months TO meet you" he went on. then
paused. His eyes were saying more.
my name is Thornton" he ended alb