The Owosso times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1897-1926, 1917-02-09

QUAvERED A

ed that far. 1t was beginning to rain,
and the unhappy traveller. after wan
dering aimlessly up the avenue a few
blocks, sought shelter in a restaurant.
He ordered more dinner than he could
eat, paid his bill and sat on, needless of
the evaporation Of the walters. The
afternoon passed.
After supper he seized his umbrella
heroically, turned up his trousers one
fold and splashed out into the rain and
approaching darkness. AS he plodded
down the avenue he summed up his aft
ernoon's meditations in one half heart
ed sentence. II wrote. though. If twas
agreeable to both"
On toward Irving street he walked
slowly, watching the moving feet of his
fellow pedestrians, all that was visible
beneath his overhanging umbrella.
Presently he found himself following a
black skirt whose damp hem slapped
dejectedly against reluctant heels. He
drew nearer. A black gloved hand ap-
peared holding heavy bag. Ensign's
heart suddenly pounded In his throat
He raised his umbrella in trepidation
and beheld the figure Of Mrs. Lizzie.
One long stride placed him beside her
with Irving street forgotten.
"Lizzie Grey" he exclaimed. with a
joyful ring in his tone.
els that you. Ensign" quavcrcd
tired voice.
The little umbrella was closed, the
baggage changed hands. and Lizzie,
giving sigh deep with content. tucked
her fingers beneath his arm. No one
noticed them, no one smiled ut them,
and Ensign arose to his full height
mentally and physically.
"I'm all tuckered out" sighed Mrs.
Lizzie, with tears in her voice. She
drew unconsciously nearer Ensign and
pushed her hand farther under his arm.
'It's rainy day to get around in,"
he responded brilliantly. His manner
contained all the rays of the hidden
sun, for his thoughts were taking "A
daring but happy fight.
II guess 1t is" returned Mrs. Lizzie.
"How far do you go?" Ensign asked,
and her reply brought hin down from
his joyful height.
"Oh, It's only little ways-just to
Irving street. My niece telcgraphed
me this afternoon that a-a--some one
wants to see me tonight, so I had to
come off in hurry"
"Why, I am going to Irving street
myself" Ensign faltcr ard then add
ed in jerky tone, "201.'
There was a quick movement under
his arm. why, there's where I'm go.
ing! My niece lives there" cried Mrs.
Lizzie.
An idea occurred simultaneously to
both, and they stopped short Mrs.
LizZie's shoes fingered In q muddy
pool, while Ensign's broad back barred
the path of n man racing homo to din
ner. The man recoiled. damaged in
speech and feelings. but Ensign was
unconscious of the impact.
"Then it's your advertisements" En-
sign cried, with such ring Of relief in
his tone that Mrs. Lizzie moved hasti-
ly on. although her own voice sounded
brighter as she returned:
And you answered itf'
Ensign wabbled bis umbrella joyful
ly into the eye Of passing policeman
"If I'd only known you was back Of it
I'd not felt like as IL was attcudin
my own funeral day. can tell you!"
Mrs. Lizzie increased her speed.
Folks tongues was that upsetting,"
she began confusedly. that thought
IL could get place as housekeeper
or companion to some nice lady
"Nice LADY, exploded Ensign. "Com
panion to nice lady"
His tone of blank amazcincnt Ell.
lightened Lizzie. Ensign Beebe," she
began Indignantly, you surely didn't
Ensign interrupted In voice sud.
denly resolute. Tin thinkin' hard
enough now. Lizzie, that beln' COM
panion to nice lady amt the situs-
ton I want you to take"