Omaha daily bee., 1921-07-10

fortably, "a man could have his name changed
by law to something fancy like Algernon Grov-
ernor Montmorency. Lots of men do Would
you like that name""
mo"
What would YOU like? What's your fav-
orite name?"
David"
That's fine name" John promptly de-
cided that his new name should be David
What else"
We'll, if l were choosing a name from
all the word'-Mss Smith spoke now with
the thoughtfuness due to the importance of
the topic-'T think I should choose David
King l don't like middle Names" she added,
"and / don't like last names OF more than one
syllable I think David King is dignihed,
manly name"
John nodded.
And Mrs. David King will look great
visiting cards. he contributed so order yours
as as you like. That's going to be your
future name"
SIS this a prophecy" Miss Smith seemed
really interested. Smith shook his head
mo: it's mere statement of fact" His
guest slowly drew her gloves
ITS quarter past seven. We must start
back to town" she decided.
"All right. But we've got to settle a lot Of
things can't discuss at the play. For example.
what time shall call to take you out to breaF-
fast? You mustn't miss the flower market"
20, thank you very much. but can't break
fast with you I'm going to breakfast in my
room and shop all morning"
- Great Scott" The world grew dark be-
fore the eyes Of young Mr.. Smith. And sail
at A. Why, that doesn't leave us any time at
ALI"
"You might come to lunch with me at the
hotel" The lady plainly relenting "That
is, II you don't mind lunching late-about
half after L."
"And you sail at A." Smith DULY repeated
"Wel If that's the best you can do for ma
But don't let's lunch at the hotel" he added
hurredly, a sudden vision OF Kitties friend arS
Miss Smiths unknown escort returning to him.
Meet me at Delmonico's and we'll stop at the
hotel for your baggage on the way to the boat
perhaps that will be better" she conceded.
'Its nearer the shops"
Mr. John Smith put in the golden hours OF
the following morning strenuously waiting for
half past one. More than 80 minutes before
that time he reached Delmonieo's and having
ordered perfect luncheon, established HIM
self in the lobby to wait for his guest. In the
emotional strain of their parting he had for
gotten to tell Miss Smith in what room they
would meet Early that morning, however,
desiring to hear her voice, he called her up
on the pretext of such understanding. He was
forced to leave his message with an Indifferent
clerk Miss Smith had already gone out, bur
might be back soon. Sunk in big chair and
rejecting gloomily upon his disa appointment, Mr..
Smith was startled by fresh young voice.
"FIow do you do, Mr.. Smith. This Is Kittie's
brother, isn't it? I didn't get your telephone
message from the clerk till half an hour ago,
Then / hurried right up here. It's so kind OF
you to take much trouble"
MotionIess and with dropped jaw John stood
and stared at the figure before him, w.
voice had brought him mechanicallyito his feet.
1t was pretty girsh figure and the girl was
the fluffy 1apper type he had originally ex
pected Mary Smith to be. The Of clerb
had given her his message. And here she
To entertained
to use up the last hours in which the only
Mary Smith earth could be with him. Words
failed John. He stared, speechless, while the
round pretty face of the girl regarding him
slowly took on an expression of puzzled con-
fusion.
Mr. Smith. Mr. John Smith! Mr.. John
Smith"
A page was passing, calling his Me-
chanically John responded, mechanically he ac-
cepted the note the boy gave him, apologized
to little Miss Smith, and opened and read the
note.
Dear Mr. Smith: I can't go with ii.
It's too horrid of me. You see, rm not Kitties
chum at all, though / know her and / in
her class. I had to come down Unexpectedly
yesterday. The other Mary Smith decided to
wait till morning and l lonesome-and
l knew the whole plan and l kittie
wouldn't mind-and when you came up and
spoke to me in the hotel took the other Marys
place just for lark and to if could carry
real Mary came this morning and l hope you
will get in touch with her. Goodby l won't
apologize But please forgive for every
thing-and especially for teasing you about
your name and letting you realize that wasn't
the real Mary. l did that to what you
would do. MARY SMITH"
"P S.--You wonderful"
As they took in this remarkable document
the eyes of John Smith shone like incandescent
lights. The 9ext instant he was addressing
the second Mary Smith
Miss Smith, you good sort?"
She looked at him uncertainty.
'"Why, II hope so," she faltered,
well, I'm going to throw myself your
understanding. Something very vital to me has
just come up. Will you eat your luncheon
here alone-its all ordered-and then will you
let me call at your hotel and take you to
dinner and the theater this evening? Then I'll
explain everything in detail Will you do that?"
The second Miss Mary Smith good
prompt reply.
why, of course will
''Thrce rousing cheers for you" John fer
vently exclaimed. He took her into the dining
room seated her at the table he had secured,
paid for her luncheon, and generously tipped
the waiter, and then hurled himself into
taxcab f.
He was not surprised to learn that Miss
Mary Smith not at the hotel and that her
luggage had already been sent to the boat She
was however on the City of Havana when he
bribed his way on board. There in the final
hour before it's sailing, Mr.. John Smith put IN
the most eloquent and sou-satisfying hour OF
his life. The result of this hour he gave to
the second Mary Smith at o'clock that
ing as he radiantly faced her small
table at the Ritz.