The Laurens advertiser. (Laurens, S.C.) 1885-1973, 1920-05-19

Perhaps, too, she might be able to In
form me Of my grcat-uncle's where
abouts. More than likely he had left
n forwarding address for his mail with
her.
With letter I had written to my
mother, l descended to the main floor
and began a conversation with Miss
Kelly by asking where was the near
est place that l could buy stamps. AS
we chatted I began complaining how
lonely IT. was in the apartment and
wound up by inviting her to dine with
me that evening.
had anticipated ready acceptance
Of my invitation and was amazed to
find 1t firmly refused. In much con-
fused manner she advanced n dozen
reasons, or rather preteXts. She did
not so out with the people Of the
house. Her mother would not like It,
She did not know me well enough
Mr.. Wick would discharge her IL he
heard about It,
From an unexpected source, though
none the less unwelcome, found an
ally. Mr.. Wick himself bobbed up
from somewhere, apparently having
NFShhSuku Ciou6h VI JUL COufcTbullOh
! to know what it was abut.
"Why, Of course, Mr.. Nelson" he
began IN an ingratlating manner that
was most repellent to me, Miss
Kelly'll be glad to go to dinner with
! you. Ats part Of her business to mako
things pleasant for the tenants"
1t seemed to me that the girls eyes
flashed defiance at him and that she
was still inclined to refuse, and I was
about to explain resentfully that my
invitation was not issued on bust
ness basis, when into Wick's face
came an ugly look, something almost
threatening.
"Of course Miss Kelly will be glad
to go with you," no repeated sharply.
| "Certainly," said the girl quickly,
before I had chance to speak, "if
Mr.. Wick thinks 1t Is all right. will
be glad to CO."
| Her acceptance did not ring true.
was convinced that it was unwilling
ly given under some sort OF COM
pulsiHn @.om the odious Wick.
| met her. AZ her suggestion, in the
parlor or one "f III" less prctentious
hotels. In the hour that had/elapscd
since she left the apartment, she had
exchanged hor neat black working
suit for more modish clothes. After
one quick glance at her transformed
appearance my mind was quickly
made up as to what sort Of a rcstau-
rant to take her. 1t was manifest that
she was Of the type that would enjoy
to the utmost the costly whirl Of the
fashionable cafe OF the moment. 1t
. was my purpose to give her such n
delightful evening that she would bo
wishing to spend others in the same
way, for felt certain that she. per-
haps better than anyone else, could
supply me the information / wanted
about the tenants In the building.
was sure 1t would be we'll worth my
while to win her good grnces, cost
what 1t may. Calling q taxi, I bade
the chauffeur take us to the white
ROOM" the very latest fashion In res
taurants, where hordes Of hectic pur.
suers Of pleasure were wont to assem-.
bic to dine and dance. I observed the
CLEAN Of satisfaction that came Into
her eyes as she heard me mention our
destination.
At first we talked, in Broadway
fashion, Of tho theaters and restau
rants, Of the place we were in, of the
people at the tables about us, but
gradually led the conversation tt
Miss Kelly herself and to her work
In the apartment.
ut was funny, wasn't It," said
"about Mr.. Wick insisting on youl
coming with me? I had notion HI
didn't like me-"
Hitherto my companion had beer
most vivacious, chatting merrily, flash
ing back at my sallies with clever bit!
OF that slangy repartee Of which mos
Of the metropolitan business girls ar'
such clever mstresses At my last re
mark q quick change came over he
face. 1t was as IL mask had beer
set up between us behind which sh
was hiding from me.
. ~ guess he likes you," she answer
ed guardedly. II never heard him 50,
: one way or the other"
"While we're talking about tn
apartment" I went on, odd my grea
uncle happen to leave a forwardin
address with you? There are som
, &htnoo want N aana h,rn-aoYn