The Rock Island Argus and daily union. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1920-1923, 1921-10-14
The Daily Short Story

| of the girl cried out her broken
hearted disappointment. 1t was tht
| loud-voiced coductor bawling on
the station that aroused her from
her grief to the world of daily be
ing. She stumbled uncertainty from
/ the train to the station platform
furtively drying her tear-f1lled eyes
behind the grateful concealment oil
her modish veil.
A smart-coated chauffeur ap-
| preached her with silk hat held def
erential1y in hand. Without wait
ing for explanation or introduction
he courteously directed her to d
monogrammed limousine waiting
grandly for an occupant.
Miss Compton is anxiously wait
ing for you. It is too bad the train
is late he said as he held the
door of the machine open for her
entrance.
There was a short, calm ride in
cushioned haven through quiet
streets. Then the car drew up be-
fore a story-book mansion A fur
ried, anxious maid fastened down
the walk to receive the bewildered
girl, who was led up a wide, shining
stairway into the midst of an ex-
cited throng, who gave all the ap-
pearance Of the feminine part of
the wedding pageant. Eager hands
bore the newcomer into a white
furnished chamber which seemed
like a sanctuary to the wondering
reporter.
MY dear" smiled the happy
bride, how good of you to come
to fill in at such short notice. I'm
sorry that Edith sprained her
ankle, but I'm glad she sent sub
stitute-and such a pretty substi-
tute! The bridesmaids gown is
right in the other room on the bed.
My maid will help you dress"
Before she could utter a word of
explanation she was led gently but
nrmly by the competent servant to
the billowy, reckoning bridesmaid s
gown. A spirit of adventure seized
the young reporter. 1t was quite
evident that she was mistaken for
someone else who was destined 10
: wear this gorgeous thing of fluff
ana beauty. But who from all the
world had a better right to serve
, IN place of honor at AIS wedding
] than she herself?
VIII hurry" she promised
oreatniessly to those helping her in
ner last minute rush. And Won
must make me beautiful. Make nv
nour perfect. Let me be very beau
urul FOR Just this once,"
Ii was quite evident that thew
fulniled her pleading wish The
pink-clad fairy who nodded to bar
from the mirror told her tho. &c
well as the gush Of admiration ~,
the happy bride. A II ''''
what a darling you are." she
smiled Indeed, 1 think the substi-
tute Is even prettier than Edith
"ould nave been! Just wait TIL
1t was sooner than she exnec+.
ed AS she descended the broad
STAIRS she saw him leaning against
the f1ower-decorated pillar in the
wen known careless attitude. Har
heart gave a great smothering lea
With low cry she pressed bsr
hand TO her breast to sootba TIC
sudden, poignant pain.
In the instant he caught sight 90
her. With one bound he reacbad
her side and clasped her tremblin.
form in tender, strong arms. prass,
ing reverent lips upon the hroYn
head lying so helpless on his sboni-
de-.
Ellen, Ellen. my little Ellen
where have you been hiding yorr-
self? Why have I not seen yoI be-
fore this? | have looked for Won
everywhere since I came back from
France, but on this glorious dav 7
have found vent"
Today" sighed the girl as she