The Owosso times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1897-1926, 1917-08-10

I
he had appeared so intelligent, that
scenario reader, so kind. In the story's
return lay not all the mans perfidy,
Tor 1t had again been sent back un-
read. The secret marker told the tale
Two very real and big tears over
flowed the dark eyes and splashed
upon her hands. Charlie viewed them
contemptuously. II had so counted
upon that reading" she murmured.
Then she sighed resignedly and reach
ed for hey hat "a promise Is a prom
ise," she told herself decidedly. "and If
man can't be trusted to keep one he
must be made to do It,"
If Charlie had been swinging along
the campus instead of down a proper
city street she would have whistled
cheerily In her undaunted courage
Now she smiled as she hurried along
at thought of this persistent "bearding
of the scenario reader in his den."
How would he greet her? For at the
back Of Charles brain was strange
assurance of not having been forgot
ten. When he had read her wonderful
story he would justify in his own
mind her persistence.
The whistles blowing out the noon
hour reminded her apprehensively that
the editor might leave at this time for
luncheon. A wait In his Office would
| be discouraging. Charlie crushed ON
through the snow. Deep it lay all
around her, great drifts, which the
sweeper had not yet been able to re-
move Then all at once in her head
long rush Charlie collided with mas
culine figure. She had one startled
glimpse Of the mans hand reaching
frantically for his dislodged' eyeglasses
and another glimpse Of those same
glasses disappearing with a mysterious
finality into drift of wayside snow.
Blinking dazedly, her victim turned
upon her. IL beg your pardon" he
stammered. "COuld you locate my
glasses, which have just fallen? 1 am
as blind as bat without them"
Charlie blinked, too, for the victim
turned out most surprisingly to be that
difficult and stubborn reader Of plays.
1t was evident in his present predica-
ment that the man had not recognized
her.
II will be grateful" he went on more
easily, IF you can find them for me-"
Charlie looked over the road, with its
rushing autos and crowded traffic,
which the man evidently intended to
cross. Then she made her sudden re-
solve.
81 could get them for you," she an
swered slowly. II distinctly saw
where they fell. The glasses went d.
rectly to the bottom Of the drift with
out leaving a sign above"
Twill your asked the man. He
waited perplexedly. "Or perhaps" he
continued as she made no response,
zone of the men about might shovel
through the drift"
Miss Blake shook her head. "They
would be sure to break the glasses"
she said.
81 couldn't risk that" grumbled the
man. am in a dev-excuse me-very
great hurry. Most important work
must be done before could have time
to look up new glasses, reading work.
ne exclaimed cOncluS1Vely.
II know" Charlie replied "You are
a Judge Of photoplays. I called about
one of mine which you had returned
three times. You gave your promise
to read it"-she paused impressively-
land again sent 1t back unread"
The man peered closely into her face
II thought recalled your voice." he
said. "You are
"Miss Blake" answered the girl.
He shook his head despairingly. IF |
could only see you. But remember |
the circumstance now. Your manu- |
script was not to be found when I |
searched among the papers. 1t was
regrettable."
Hastily Charlie drew the offending |
yellow envelope from her muff. 'Tt's |
here now" she suggested.
"And l can't see." complained the |
man.
IF you could?' she asked him.
"Td read 1t first thing got back to |
the Office" he told her. Then, stand
snow, they looked at each other and
laughed.
Instantly Charlie was down upon her |
knees, one cloaked arm thrust to the |
shoulder into the Icy depths. A mo-
ment more and she held up to him,
cleaning, intact, the valued glasses. |
Through them presently his own
twinkling eyes answered the challenge
Of hers.
1.-THE manuscript, please" he request
ed crisply. A moment longer he wait
ed to glance at the title page and her |
neatly typed signature. "Charlie |
BlakeT he questioned.
ut was the name the girls gave me |
at school," she explained. II used It |
In preference to Charlotte"
Understanding flashed across the |
mans face. $50 that was why I could |
not locate the manuscript" he said. |
az was looking for more ladylike |
nom de plume. Not knowing 1t to be |
yours, 1t was sent back unread. VIII |
you forgive me"-suddenly he held |
out his hand-"and accept my grateful |
thanks for your service?"
ut was I who knocked your glasses |
off," Charlie reminded him.