Harrisburg telegraph. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1879-1948, 1919-03-10
CHAPTER CXXXIX.

Copyright, 1919, King Features SYM
dicate, Inc)
When 1 got to the theater at quar-
ter past eight Jim was waiting. With
him was Dick West 1 had sudden
feeling of relief because it wasn't Tom
Mason, as L had been fearing ever
since Jim's abruptly ended telephone
message TO me.
Military promptness." said Jim,
beaming. I'VE Harrisons are never
late, West. Anne, meet the new firm
Harrison, West and Company, OIL
stocks a specially"
Shake, partner ~ said DICK west
with conscious eXaggeration of his
western manner
He seized my hand in the smooth
fingered grip OF his slim brown ones
and flashed his sharp brown eyes
across my face, smiling slightly
twisted, maroon-lipped smile. Good look
ing alert, and with that touch of the
exotic that marked his sister Doris,
Dick West struck me again as man
to like, but not to trust.
THE new firm :! 1 said smiling IN
set fashion, even while l was gamer
ing Impressions. II hope you'll always
do as we'll as with Salt Water OIL. Let's
hope this play is jolly way OF ceie-
brating-a-a good beginning. Anu
we've our Betty safe, again. too
"Betty?" asked Dick West idly
Jim scowled, either at my ill-success
in seeming cordial when L dluh 4eei
or at what he had to tell.
"Oh. girl who threw scare INTO
us. But that's all over now. we
aren't going to this show, Annie
Couldn't get a thing at any OF the
agents. Well jump a taxi and go round
TO the harrington. Drysen said he q
have something there for me-"
So we slowed ourselves away into
taxi with the calm extravaganza of the
new-rich who forget how they nave
walked the week before to save carfare.
And we whrled over to the other thea
ter. where Jim hurried up to the box
office and demanded the four tickets
Drysen had sent over for Mr.. Harrison.
Best we could do was box said
the ticket agent.
"Ill take it," replied Jim carelessly,
showing yellow bill under the ticket
window.
But Jim-that's wasting three
seats" | murmured aghast. And then,
before Jim could express the annoy
ance that seemed flashing at me from
his eyes, Dick West broke in:
They ought to serve theater boxes
filed or empty as required. 1t is
shame to waste the seats Why not
phone for that pretty little sister of
yours?"
60 to it" laughed Jim. "That'n
please Phoebe and save Anne from an
attack of conscience" ....
We'll, I'll tell you what's better than
phoning." exclaimed Mr., Wo.I with
what seemed an effort to appear sud
denly inspired, "Ill run rounC. and get
her. I've just remembered~~<lat she's
dining with Miss Mason-:h5 men
toned it last night So I'll bring the
hostess along, and see if can't pick
up another man. See you later, folks"
Hardly waiting for Jim's II. i of ap-
proval, he hailed taxi and W 5 whirled
away.
Might as we'll cha 90 ir md see the
beginning of the show" : "a Jim. "Ill
leave the tickets in the box Office. West
will guess where they are all right"
I managed to swallow all comments,
exclamatiors objections and questions
and meekly preceded Jim into the thea
ter and down the aisle to the stage box.
The openin; chorus was already on, but
l received ny reward for amiability and
discretion when Jim stopped swiftly in
the shaC. " Cf the heavy curtains at the
'Th front of the box for yours, lit
tie ] dy." he whispered. "You look
pret enough to divide applause with
the ?ont lONY chorus" .....,
low about the starr" 1 asked preen-
ir, myself pertly and making ready
with great delight to fiirt with my Jim.
Infant. you look as If you might be
hfr randdaughter."
Jim laid his fingers on my shoulder
?nd propelled me to the front of the
box. l could feel the magnetism of his
touch through the chiffon of my dress,
and tingled with happiness. But when
] reached to take his hand he drew it
way quickly and busted himself with
his program. ... wage. a..
Want to look like a couple of honey
mooners from the country?" he whis-
pered, with an annoyance that was only
partly masked.
His tender mood had passed. But I
couldn't readjust myself so rapidly.