The herald., 1918-09-12
THE MAGIC RUG
BY AGNES G. BROGAN.

be able to forget. Billy was not even
sure that Theodore would be sorry at
his departure.
Dora had grown to young woman
hood through various schools of train
ing, retaining still the frank ingenu-
BUSINESS of childhood. Useful also, she
insisted upon being, rearranging, with
competent hands, the disorder Of her
fathers study; singing the while per-
haps, or easily chatting with Billie.
Meeting the secretary occasionally
by chance, as he left the entrance of
Gail Park, Dora would invite him to
ride home in her car.
Absolutely, the girl enjoyed her IA
theirs confidence; what Theodore did,
was in his opinion, always and exact
ly the right thing to do. This particu-
lar morning of Billie's gloom, he had
awaited breathlessly her appearance
In the corridor leading to her fathers
study, being screened behind heavy
draperies. Billie had fled precipitate-
ly at hersapproach. 1t was difficult to
trust himself with a simple good morn
ing, while his heart continued to
pound in this foolish manner.
Wrathfully, Billie entered the as yet
unoccupied study, and seated himself
at his desk. Into the sanctum, smiling
and glowing, came Dora.
How do you do?" she began, then
paused in mock concern. "What sort
of tragedy has befallen you this morn
ingT she inquired. "Such a forbidding
face! 1 am almost afraid to remain
How poor father continues to bear up
under your various moods" She
threw out her pretty hands expressive
ly.
Billie forced a smile, 81 have enlist
ed" he replied; didn't wait for my
draft, going off to train tomorrow"
Dora adjusted vase, studying with
critical eye the new effect. Then"
she remarked, II should go in brave
frame Of mind, worthy of the cause"
Billie stiffened resentfully. "You
don't think I'm blue because I'm
afraid to fight?" he asked fiercely.
Miss Gail came over to Billie's desk,
and stood looking down into his eyes,
In the depths of her own lurked
smile. Really" she said, sometimes
I don't know what to think of you,
Billie. But" she continued briskly,
my errand here was to say that IA
Their has been called away, and will not
return until evening, your day is free"
The prospect of freedom did not
seem to bring Joy to the secretary,
regretfully he began to sort the papers
on his desk; the possibility of again
seeing Dora that very last day, was
gone.
Il am wondering" said that young
lady from the window, eff 1t would not
be a sort of Red Cross work to take
you for drive this afternoon; out in
to the country, may be, where in the
open you might get a brighter per-
spective Of your great coming venture"
"Will your" asked Billie, his voice
actually trembled in eagerness.
All troubling things were forgotten
during that long ride.
Content with the present, Billie lean
ed back in his seat beside the girl and
gazed into her sweet face. At length
she stopped the car. Before them
stretched, seemingly endless fields of
green.
Here" said Dora, 1--WE will get out
and commune with nature" With
laugh she tossed from the car a small
faded rug.
Handle it carefully" she directed,
that is my magic rug, brought years
ago from an Egyptian palace. Father
bought it for me when we were
abroad"
"A magic rug?"
Amusedly, Billy spread it out on the
grass. Dora nodded as she motioned
him to share its protection.
'They told us so much about them
when we were over there" she said,
that l insisted upon father buying this
one at an exorbitant price. But you
will agree that 1t is well worth while.
One has but to sit upon the rug so,
name their hearts wish and lol IL Ia
granted. You may even be transport
ed where you will. One has but to
speak aloud the wish and believe in
its power"
Wonderful exclaimed Billy. Alb
sently he fingered the ancient tapestry.
you might tell It," prompted Dora.
She smiled but her eyes were grave.
that you wish to come safety back
from the war to your apartment in
New York"
NO." answered Billie, 81 don't care
much about coming back to that place.
There would be something to look for
ward to. though, If I might come to
small home Of my own with"
with roses growing around the
doorway" queried the girl.
If you were there" said Billie
dreamily. that would be rose enough
for met"
!. Appalled,, he realized that words
long withheld had spoken themselves.
An impossible wish of course" he
added hastily.
But Dora with eyes alight was look.
Ing up at him.
Nothing is impossible to the magic
rug" she said. 81, too, have been wish
ing-just for happiness. Billie-and-