The Parker post., 1918-11-09
A Chance
Acquaintance
By Florence LilliAa Henderson

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Nellie Morse had seen the young
man only twice, but she was pleased
when he lifted his Lat, and she smil-
tngly replied to his courtesy. The first
time was when, crossing the street,
The handle of the little basket she was
carrying parted and some supplies
rom the delicatessen store were scat
cred far and wide
The young man lad gathered up the
'arious articles, both had laughed
nerrily over the mishap, betraying
Iellie's fondness for Swiss cheese, rye
)read and pickles. Now they met
again, and both were glad to pass the
,alutation Of something more than
strangers.
II see you have struck up an ac-
luaintance with our neighbOr, Mr..
philip Dexter, the art engraver !" spoke
pleasant voice--that Of Mrs.
2hoades, landlady of the house where
Nellie and numerous other young
women earning their living as stenog-
'aphers and clerks had their abode.
"Oh, is that his name?" said Nellie,
trifle flushed.
"Yes, he rooms across the court, di-
ectly opposite your apartment
Nellie got her own supper on her
title gas stove that evening. Then
she went into her bedroom adjoining
he little closet that did for kitchen,
f11r irhf hn c,of
lown by the window, half-frosted
over, and looked across the court.
''How strange, how near and almost
.omantfc!" soliloquized Nellie, smi,,
ng. at the folly Of passing fancy.
sThat must be Mr.. Dexter's room, but
he frost on the window obscures all
view. Yes, that must be the brave
'escuer of my delicatessen dainties,' -
added Nellie, as a shadow fell across
he windowpane. "Why, he is draw.
ing"
She held her breath with a strange
sensation as, across the broad frosted
upper pane a quick, .deft hand, manip-
ulating tool or pencil, began sketching
the profile of human face.
"Whyl' exclaimed Nellie, sits me II
Yes, Nellie had q Saucy, unreform-
able stray lock that always came out
q retrousse chin, as well. There could
be no doubt that the artistic hand at
work was dimming faithfully from
memory her own features.
And then the room across the court
evidently warmed up, and slowly, but
ished into nOthingness, and with a
slight sigh, Nellie sentimentally won
dered If the fleeting interest Of the
young man had likewise faded into
thin air.
Life had been stern and hard to Mel
lie. Left an orphan, she had been
compelled to work for living. More
latterly, too, she had contributed to the
partial support of married and de-
serted sister. That sister was now
seeking legal separation from more
than unworthy husband, who had per-
secuted her sOrely, who was even now
being sought for by the police for his
crimes, and who was haunting men
ace to the two loyal sisters, and Wini-
fred Allen was practically in hiding
until the law gave her husband no fur
ther claim upon her.
Nellie came home one evening about
a week later. The room was cold and
damp, the heat having been shut off
since morning, and the windows were
coated with steam. She had just taken
off her wraps when the door Of the
room opened quickly, closed and was
locked with a click, and Richard AL
en stood glaring at her.
Didn't expect me?' sneered Allen.
"Wen, I've located you. Now, for the
other one. Where is my wife hiding?'
SLOW dare you intruder" began Mel
lie; but the other faced her with a
murderous gleam in his evil eyes.
mo dramaticsr' he said, sharply.
"Pm hunted and I'm desperate. l
want to see Winifred and I'm going to.
I'll give you just five minutes to de-
eide to take me to her, or I'll slit that
pretty white throat Of yours, and hers
afterwards, if I find her. Do some
thinking, and do it quick, for I'm in
dead earnest"
Nellie shuddered and thrilled. She
knew the reckless, cruel nature Of the
man. She shrank to the window and
leaned her forehead against the sash,
trying to think of some way to battle
this refugee from justice. Nellie gasp
ed as she lifted her eyes. The upper
sash was partially clear. She saw,
seated near the window in his room
across the way, Philip Dexter. She
moved her hand to attract his atten-
ton. Then, deftly, rapidly, on the
lower, Steam-clOuded sash she traced