The herald. [volume] (New Orleans, La.) 1905-1953, 1917-04-05
Mr.. TAYLOR EXPLAINS
By LOUISE OLIVER.

each principality reigned a princess
in black dress, white collar and cuffs.
Never was royalty more becomingLy
adorned, for Max Bluming, floor man
ager. knew what he was doing when
he picked the prettiest girls In the
store for this point of vantage.
May Marshall, a tall blonde, had
charge of the Jet goods. Then-and
here the manager had undeniably
shown his ability as al artist-thcTe
was the counter for displaying jew
els, for 25 cent bead strings to two
carat. flrst-water diamonds, and right
behind the racks of pearls and trays
of rhinestones stood Mary Webster, as
wholesome, sweet and fresh as May
morning.
Mary was-wel. she was just Mary
You looked at her and loved her.
Good morning Miss Webster!
Somehow he had learned her name,
although Mary had no idea OF his. She
nodded brightly, however.
The man passed up the aisle and
disappeared Evidently he had some
thing to do with the store, but be was
not a salesman. for his hours were
| different from the others. Mary, still
| smiling, was suddenly unpleasantly
! aware that Mr.. Bluming was at the
end the aisle and that he was
watching her.
ct seems to me-" she said indig-
nantIy. that I can't breathe any more
| without that man seeing II. Hes al
WAYS looking at me-" She shivered
involuntarily. One thing sure, if he
stays around here talking like he did
Yesterday and inviting me to dinner, l
| am going to ask to be changed up
stairs. Very good looking that young
| man was and he has nice eyes and
| teeth" She smiled at the memory, but
was suddenly sobered by the appear
ance of the floor manager just across
the counter.
Good morning, Miss Mary. Did your
mirror tell you how pretty you look
today? There's a little curl resting
ever so lightly on your cheek that
would like to kiss"
Mary kept busily at her busting
Where shall I put these new
brooches, Mr.. Bluming? Would you
suggest background Of blue velvet In
the case?"
But he mistook the flush Of annoy
ance for one Of pleasure and, dlsre'
garding her words, went on: Blush
ing is a lost art, Miss Mary. It's very
becoming to you. By the way, aren't
you sorry you turned down my invi
tation last night? But there's always
another day, and I'm not the kind thai
takes offense easily. How about to
night?'
1--we another engagement"
He regarded her steadily. Il dom
believe you know another soul In this
town." he said slowly, deliberately
you haven't another engagement"
Haven't l." she flashed. You know
nothing about me. may be engaged
to be married for all you know, MI
Bluming."
Mr.. Bluming was silent an instan
and his smile disappeared. Then b
laughed easily, Il don't believe It,
But he walked away and left Mar
In momentary peace.
That night, after thinking thing
over. Mary decided to do something.
II must do something to convinc
that man that THAT there Is some
body who cares for me. And 1t can
do any harm. / can put 1t back
closing time every night"
So the next morning, while arranl
ing her wares, Mary took from II
place In the tray solitaire damon
of carat weight and slipped it onto tn
third finger Of her left hand.
Good morning, Miss Webster
Mary hastily covered her hand and r
turned the greeting. 1t was the ma
with the nice eyes.
Mr.. Bluming drew near. Mary ha
tily turned the stone into view.
well, Miss Mary, good mornin
Another day gone, Ell? Well, there
always one coming. That's my motto
The diamond caught his eye. "Whe
did you get that?" he asked.
'T told you that perhaps l WI
engaged"
We'll, don't believe It," His ey
glittered. What IL I'd say l kne
where you got it, because saw "
take it? Maybe you'll think bett
now about dinner. II the manas
ment knew"-he stopped.
Mary waited, white to the lips.
"Will you Gomez"
mo-"
Then" he turned. Charlie,
ask Mr.. Taylor to come here, please
I've sent for the store detective
he explained. Its not too late We
Mary was silent.
Then down the aisle came the you
man with the nice yees.
"You sent for me?" to Bluming
yes" And the floor manager
planned Marys crime to the store
tective while Mary stood as white
still as a statue of white marble.
Mr.. Taylor laughed easily. wv
didn't you tell him the truth, Nal
There was no need Of so much secre
as all that just thought we'd ke
It as a surprise-that all. Miss w
ster has promised to be my wife,