Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1921-01-12
ON TIME
BY CORONA REMINGTON.

asked an astonished fellow club men,
Der.
Just noticed the date on that paper
Its the twenty eighth and tomor-
row"
His friend did not hear the rest as
the door slammed behind him.
Most absentminded fellow / ever
knew always forgetting some dinner
gagement or something" volunteered
another member who was sitting near
by.
John Langdon dashed up to his
room, glanced at the clock, threw
Few things into a suitcase, laid
brand-new suit carefully on top, picked
up his hat, overcoat and valise ana
rushed down to the street. AS he
opened the front door gust OF snow
laden wind nearly knocked him over.
He blinked as the sharp particles bit
his face but hurried to the corner,
where taxi picked him up.
Grand Central" he ordered, in
hurry" And few minutes later he
was up thN ''''f'' VI 1890
Der Thirty-eight.
"Golly! That was a close squeak J.
he calculated as he dropped Imply
into a nearby seat and in another sec
ond the train began slowly moving out
of the station.
1t was typical February night, and
Langdon's young, clear-cut features
took on an expression of anxiety as
he reviewed the possibilities of be-
coming snOwbOund.
"And the farther west we 90 the
worse it's apt to get" he groaned I'M.
der his breath
Thoroughly exhausted he retired
early. When he awoke the next
morning he rang for the porter.
"How long before we get to Hunt
| ington?' he asked. ..
due at tivetwenty, but Yves three
hours late already, sah," and the black
head withdrew.
Good Lord. And we were to be
married at eight" moaned Langdon.
She'll never forgive me-
His face turned a CHASTITY white as
, the situation impressed itself upon
him Before he could even hope to
reach Huntington the guests would
have begun to assemble, the minister
would be there to perform the cere-
mony, and he, the bridegroom would
be-where? Adele would never for
give him.
Have to let it go at that" he said
81 know you can never forgive me.
but Shall not reach Huntington before
SIS or 8 80 at least. Whatever you
do about it I shall love you always.
VIII explain when I arrive"
When the wire reached Huntington
Adele read 1t in bewilderment.
! "What can it mean?" she asked as
she handed it to her mother.
81 can't understand it at ALL" she
answered.
Langdon will never forget that day.
The world cannot abuse one for
ever At last 80 crawled into Hun
tington and Langdon leaped from the
car before it came to standstill. AS
he rushed through the station he
glanced at the clock Eight thirty-tive,
1t placidly announced. He jumped into
| the first taxi and soon found himself
standing at the HamiltonS' front door,
with his heart missing every other
beat
10 tn fnI that n
guests were assembled, no carriages
stood without. Had she decided not
, to marry him and sent them all away?
He reeled as the thought flashed into
his mind, and for second cOntem-
plated flight. An instant later she
having entered the house.
Dear Jack, do tell me what's the
matter. Everythings so strange and
incomprehensible. I've been nearly
distracted since your telegram came
this morning"
he pleaded.
Forgive you for what?" she de-
manded, growing pale with anticipa
ton.
For what?" he shrieked, "Why,
for being late. You know we were
to be married at 8 o'clock and it's
nearly 8 now"
But we decided that the wedding
was to be tomorrow, the first of March
and my birthday"
But today Is the first Of March.
Yesterday was the last day of Febru-
a-y."
"No 1t wasn't, Jack. Yesterday was
the 2Sth. This is leap-year, you know"
1t was Langdon's turn to be sur
prised now. An expression Of intense
relief and happiness overspread his
face as he sprang off the couch in a
bound and caught the little girl in
his arms.
Tomorrow we will drink a toast to
the leap-year and all the leap-years to
come" he laughingly said.
And thov Ala