The herald. [volume] (New Orleans, La.) 1905-1953, 1918-04-11
A Chance
Acquaintance
By Florence Lillian Henderson

Copyright. 1917. Western Newspaper Union) |
Nellie Morse had seen the young
man only twice, but she was pleased
when he lifted his hat, and she smil-
ingly replied to his courtesy. The nrst
time was when, crossing the street,
the handle Of the little basket she was
carrying parted and some supplies
from the delicatessen store were scat
tered far and wide.
The young man had gathered up the
various articles, both had laughed
merrily over the mishap, betraying
Nellie's fondness for Swiss cheese, rye
bread and pickles. Now they met
again, and both were glad to pass the
salutation Of something more than
strangers.
~ see you have struck up an &C
uuaintance with our neighbor. Mr..
Philip Dexter, the art engraver J" spoke
a pleasant voice-that OF Mrs.
Rhoades, landlady of the house where
Nellie and numerous other young
women earning their diving as stenog-
raphers and clerks had their abode.
"Oh, is that his Manner said Nellie,
a trifie flushed.
"Yes, he rooms across the court, d.
rectly opposite your apartment
Nellie got her own supper on her
little gas stove that evening. Then
she went into her bedroom adjoining
the little closet that did for kitchen,
and did not turn on the light. She sat
down by the window, half-frosted
over, and looked across the court.
"How strange, how near and almost
romantic!" soliloquized Nellie, smil'
ing at the folly Of passing fancy.
"That must be Mr.. Dexter's room, but
the frost on the window Obscures all
view. Yes, that must be the brave
rescuer Of my delicatessen dainties,"
added Nellie, as a shadow fell across
the windowpane. "Why, he Is draw
Ing"
She held her breath with strange
sensation as, across the broad frosted
upper pane a quick, deft hand, manlp-
ulating tool or pencil, began sketching
the PRONE VI u HuIudu iuNCs
"Why!" exclaimed Nellie, "Its me ]"
Yes, Nellie had a saucy, unreform-
able stray lock that always came out
of place across her forehead. She had
a 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
effectually, the fair face drawn van
ished into nOthingness, and, with q
slight sigh, Nellie sentimentally won.
dered IL the feeting 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 a married and de
serted sister. That sister was now
seeking legal separation from a more
than unworthy husband, who had per
secuted her sorely, who was even now
being sought for by the police for hi:
crimes, and who was a haunting men
ace to the two loyal sisters, and Wini
fred Allen was practically in hiding
until the law gave her husband no fur
Their claim upon her.
Nellie came home one evening abou
a week later. The room was cold an(
damp, the heat having been shut of
since morning. and the windows wer'
coated with steam. She had just taker
off her wraps when the door Of thu
room opened quickly, closed and wal
locked with a click. and Richard AL
len stood glaring at her.
Didn't expect met" sneered Allen
swell, I've located you. Now, for TIL
other one. Where is my wife hiding2
How dare you intrude" began Mel
lie; but the other faced her with ,
murderous CLEAN In his evil eyes.
mo dramaticsl" he said, sharply
"Tm hunted and I'm desperate.
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 tina
pretty white throat Of yours, and her
afterwards, II I find her. Do som
thinking, and do 1t quick. for I'm II
dead earnest"
Nellie shuddered and thrilled. Sh
knew the reckless, cruel nature Of tn
, man. She shrank to the window an
: leaned her forehead against the sash
trying to think of some way to bafn
. this refugee from justice. Nellie gasI
J ed as she lifted her eyes. The uppe
sash was partially clear. She saw
] seated near the window in his roor
. across the way, Philip Dexter. Sh
moved her hand to attract his after
e ton. Then, deftly, rapidly. on tn
e lower, steam-clouded sash she trace
|. with her finger the words:
t "Come-come quickr"
what are you up to there?" crate
out Allen harshly. springing forward
e bristling with suspicion.
8 Nellie darted for the little kitche
: closet. She slammed its door shu
8 against the furious visitor. and clun
!. to it as he endeavored to pull it opeI
e He went fiat on the floor as Nellie IL
0 90 of the inside knob. At that mt
ment Philip Dexter burst into th
4 room.
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