Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1921-05-16
The Bracelet

TT WAS one thing to so to dinner
with Charley and quite another 70
realize that he was actually in love
with her. This fact worried Harriet
and made her fearful as TO Just what
she ought to do about it. She became
conscious that his eyes were always
upon her. that If Mr.. Harmon sent her
on any errand outside Of the Office
she always encountered Charley. In
the next few days she refused three in.
vitations from him while she tried 70
decide what to do. What she really
wanted was 10 get Charley to help in
her search for the thief But she could
not pluck. mp courage to ask him with
out somehow appearing too much in.
terNstcd herself.
One day when she returned from
lunch she found small package on her
desk. Her name was written on the
outside wrapper, and with trembling
fingers she broke the string and lifted
out small box.
Inside packed in the softest Of cot
ten was q bracelet, a curious carved
thing out of which cleaned sullen eyed
torszcs. lnvoluntarily Harriet gave a
little cry Of delight and slipped II over
her arm. She had received very few
presents in her life and this was very
lovely, but in an instant her thoughts
flew to the sender. and with a sigh she
took off the bracelet. put it back in it's
box and slowed It away in her desk to
| be returned.
That night Charley overlook her on
her way 20 the subway, and without a
word she opened her bag, took out the
, small parcel and handed il to him.
lie looked boyishly hurt.
! But why not! know you love
pretty things, and | just happened to
see this in a jewelers. window. It's
g bit out Of the ordinary and thought
you would like it."
II do like il. I think it is beautiful.
but that doesn't mean I can accept It"
! But why! It's not valuable; and I
want you to have Il. want to see it
OH your arm, When are you going TO
let me see you again he went on i'm
petuously. You've kept me at dis
tance ever since the other night. Did
! ] do anything TO hurt you: If so.
let this b" a peace Offering
She shook her head. mo, you
haven't done anything, but l can't
accept gifts from any one"
| Her tone was 50 decisive that there
was nothing 10 do but abide by It, and
! he slipped the little parcel into his
pocket. But YOU will let me see you
some tim. soon
Again she shook her head
''But why?' he asked in an.azement
"Why should youi" she asked. her
words more practical than the feeling
that prompted them.
Hot words Sprang 10 his own lips. but
he forced them back. This was no place
to speak to Miriam Taylor of love. Be-
sides there were certain things that
would have to be settled before he could
ask her 10 marry him. Charley was
so much in love with this girl that he
was amazed at himself. Her indifcr-
cncc piqurd him. hcr beauty went TO his
head. She was so different from any
one he had ever known. and the serious
ness in her nature. the fact that she
made no attempt 70 attract him had
made him want her oil tho more. II
the truth be known. Charley had had
no idea OF such a thing rs actually fall
ing in love when he had started this
Irritation with Harriet. She had been
Just another pretty face TO him. and
he never could resist a pretty woman
Eut now all that was changed. lie
found himself thinking about her every
hour Of the day. He even huInored her
moods when she had deliberately avoided
him and Charley had never been known
tc show signs of unselfshness before.
"Lct me take. you home in taxi
h, suggested rs they reached the sub.
way and stood aside moment from
the crowds that poured into its blacl
opening.
NO. thank YOU" And she raised he,
eyes 10 him Those eyes of hers robbrt
Charley OF reason and impulsiyely h,
spoke.
Then I'll go home in the subwa.
with YOU" And in spite Of her pro
tests he followed her down the steps.
TUmnrrow-Infatuat