Harrisburg telegraph. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1879-1948, 1919-07-29
CHATTER XXXXYI


Desiree Leighton had planned to
drive downtown after an early lunch
con on a Thursday early in Novem-
ber.
Among other things she intended
to so to an employment agency to
secure a maid to take the place
Norah was TO leave empty to-mor-
row. She also meant to leave her
pendant and chain at a jewelers..
So. as soon as she had eaten her
luncheon, she glanced from the front
door to see if Smith had brought the
car. The chauffeur was ius- draw
ing up at the curb.
Il will be right out!" she called.
Then she started upstairs. Halfway
up she paused, conscious of a sound
that had, unnoticed by herself. been
gaining in strength. 1t was noise
What can be the matter?" she
unused aloud.
Turning she ran back to the low
er hall where the telephone was.
Had there been some terrible catas-
troph?
She had to wait several minutes
before she could get Central. When
at last she succeeded, the informa-
tion she received made her gasp
aloud.
"Oh-oh" she repeated softly.
AT last at last it's over!"
The strong necessity of telling the
wonderful tidings to somebody drove
her to the front door. Here she saw
Smith hurrying up the walk.
Smith" she exclaimed. DO you
know what all the noise means?"
81 was wondering. Miss. That
was why 1 started to come in to
find out"
1T means" she painted. that the
war is over. The armistice is
signed"
Every vestige of color left the
mans face. With a swift motion he
uncovered his head.
It's overt" she heard him muir
mur hoarsely. And without my
having
Then as he saw Miss Leighton's
eyes fixed upon him, he checked him
self
4 Bit of Encouragement
For an instant she forgot the diff
ference between her class and this
mans. For that brief space he was
only an American man and she only
an American woman.
Don't look like that" she urged.
You were there!"
Then she stopped, remembering
that her father had warned her
against talking to Smith of his
experiences in the service.
I'VE must all try to feel that we
have done our best" she added
lamely.
Yes" he admitted. There's no
chance left us to do it now"
He was white to the very lips
Seeing her look of inquiry, he drew
himself sharply together.
The streets will be much crowd
ed" he remarked in his usual man
ner. The speech recalled Desiree to
her surroundings. "Of course they
will. I want you to drive me down
town right away, please. I won't
be a minute getting ready"
Hurrying upstairs. she snatched up
her hat and coat and put them on
with scarcely a glance at herself
in the mirror.
She did not stop to take the little
jewelry box still lying on her dress
ing table. She had no thought for
such things now.
AS she ran down the steps people
were already flocking along the
street toward Fifth avenue. Among
them she saw her friend. Helen God
dard.
"Oh, my dear" she called, where
are you Going?"
Just to see things" the other re-
piled agitatedly. II couldn't stay in
the house. Oh, Desiree-it's over"
Get into the car with me-" De-
stree ordered. Smith will drive us
downtown"
Even in her excitement Helen God
dard paused long enough to throw a
smiling plqnca a the good lnDl< in ~
chauffeur.
How do you do, Smith," she said,
as he assisted her into the car. 1t
is great news. isn't it?"
Not Greatly Thrilled
1T is indeed. Miss" the man said,
touching his hat.
His face was so stern and set that
Helen remarked upon it sotto voice
to her companion.
II must say that your handsome
driver doesn't look particularly
thrilled, does he?" she commented.
mo, not very" Desiree answered
softly.
She did not care to discuss her
chauffeur with Helen Goddard II
though she did not understand her
reluctance to do so.
rhaps he's wishing that he had
goi.I over himself before it was too
late" Helen ventured. Il guess
there are lots of men who are wish
ing that they had the chance to go
lots of them who kept out of it
by hook or crook"
Ielen was really pumping" De-
stree. She wanted to learn some
thing more about the record of this
man who was so unlike any other
chauffeur she had ever seen.
Desiree started to reply then
thought better of 1t and lapsed into
silence.
They had reached Fifth avenue
when David stopped his car. came
around TO the door and spoke re-
spectfully to his employers daught-
er.