South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1920-10-01
LOST ON DRESS PARADE
By o. Henry

only ornament was a velvet ribbon
and bow. She could have posed as
a model for the self-rcspccting work
ing girls OF the best type.
A sudden idea came into the head
Of the young architect. lie would
ask this girl 20 dine with him. Here
was the element that his splendid
but solitary periodic fcats had
lacked. His brief season Of elegant
luxury would be dOubly enjoyable
II he could add TO it "A lady's So
ciety. This girl was a lady. he was
sure-her manner and speech settled
that. And In spite OF her extremely
plain attire he felt that he would
be pleased 10 sit at table with her.
II think he said 10 her with
frank gravity. that your foot needs
longer rest than you suppose.
Now i am going to suggest way
in which you can give 10 that and
az the same time do me a favor. I
was on my way to dine all by my
lonely self when you came tumbling
around the corner. You come with
me and well have coy dimes
and q pleasant talk together, and 10y
that time your game ankle viii
carry you home very nicely, 1 am
sure"
The girl looked quickly up into
Chambers clear. pleasant counter
ance. Her eyes twinkled once very
brightly. and then she smiled ingen-
uously.
But we don't know each other
It wouldn't be right, would it?" she
said. doubtfully.
There is nothing wrong about it."
said the young man. candidly. I'll
introduce myself-pcrmt me-Mr.
Towers Chandler. After our dinner,
which | will try 20 make as pleasant
as possible. I viii bid YOU good
evening or attend YOU safely to your
door. whichever you prefer
But, dear met said the girl with
a glance at Chambers faultless at
tire. "In this old dress and hiatt"
Never mind that" said Chandler,
ChecrfuIly. I'm sure YOU look more
charming i'm them than any one we
shall see i'm the most elaborate din
ner toilette"
"Afy ankle does hurt yet" adj
mitted the girl, attempting "a limp
ing step. II think / Will accept
your invitation. Mr.. Chandler. You
may call mc-Miss Marian"
Come then, Miss Marian" said
the young architect. gaily. but with
perfect courtesy; you will not have
far 10 walk. There is a very re-
spectacle and good restaurant in the
next block. You Will have 10 lean
on my arm-so-and walk slowly. Tt
is lonely dining all by ones self. I'm
just a little bit glad that you slipped
on the ice
IL Sci oil nd
n well-appointed table with a prom
Using waiter lowering in attendance.
Chandler began TO experience the
real Joy that his regular outing al
ways brought 10 him. His COM
panion. evdl in her cheap hat and
dress. held herself With an air that
added distinction 10 the natural
beauty of her face and figure. And
il is certain that she looked at
Chandler with his animated but
possessed manner and his
kindling and frank blue eyes. with
something not far from admiration
i'm her own charming face.
Then it was that the Madness Of
Manhattan. the Frenzy of Fuss and
Feathers. the Bacillus of BraS. the
Provincial Plague of Pose seized
upon Towers Chandler. He was on
l5rOa QWlN. surrounded bN DNillp anu
style. and there were eyes TO look
AZ him. ON the stage of that comedy
he had assumed to play the one
night part of a butterfly of fashion
and an idler Of means and taste He
was dressed for the part. and all his
good angels had not the power TO
prevent him from acting il.
So he began to pirate to Miss
Marian Of clubs. of teas. of golf and
riding and kennels and Cotillion and
tours abroad and threw out hints Of
a yacht lying ut LarchmOnt. He
could see that she was vastly i'm
pressed by this vague talk, as so en-
dorscd his pose by random insinua-
tious concerning great wealth, and
mentioned familiarly a few names
that are handled reverently by the
proletariat. It was Chambers short
little day. and he was wrinSing from
il the best that could be had. as he
saw it, And vet once or twice he
saw the pure gold of this girl shine