The Washington herald., 1921-05-01
~whafs wroass- he asked quickly.

Whafg wrOnEf ~ ne asked Quietly.
as we'll as Of the deep respect with which
three pairs OF lovely eyes were following
him.
The next morning he approached Miss
Lester as she languished on chaise
tongue on the hotel .veranda. He was in
immaculate white napnels-and he had
put on with them his usual manner Of
eonstraint. But his opening words were
direct and to the point.
AL right?" he asked
Yes, thank you. It's fracture OF .
small bone. but the doctor has put the
ankle in plaster and shall be walking
again soon"
That's good"
Mr.. Smith resumed the cap he had held
in his hand and turned to go. but the
lady stopped him.
u want to thank you" she said. You
know you haven't given me a chance to
do that
PLEASE don't" Again the constraint.
this time with the boyish grin struggling
through it.
You know" resumed Miss Lester.
placidIy, you're really q splendid person
to have around-in an emergency"
The momentary hesitation before the
three last words pointed their meaning
and brought a sudden Hash into the
young mans eyes. For the hrst time in
their acquaintance he looked straight at
her.
Call on me at any time" he said
quietly.
"I don't think I'd dare to-"
why not?"
He was standing before the chaise
Tongue in which she sat. and his express
ion implied an 'anguished interest.
'Because-well, because you seem so
horribly afraid OF me-of all of U.S."
He blushed furiousiy. Then his eyes
fell.
Il suppose I do seem an awful chump."
he muttered.
Why is it, What are you afraid well
do to you?"
"why-why-" He grinned, then he
looked wretched. 81 can't very well ex-
plain-yet-"
Are you a woman hater?" pursued Miss
Lester sweetly. She had the upper hand
now and she knew 1t. He could not leave
until she let him 60, and as she was very
comfortable in her invalid's chair and
astonishingly interested in this young
man, she had no intention whatever Of
letting him go. Moreover. she was look
ing her best, and she knew that. too.
Are you a woman rhater7" she repeated,
still more sweetly.
'No-good heavens, MOI"
Then draw UP q chair and sit down
and tell me all about it."
He obeyed her reluctantly.
rs it just-shyness?" she persisted.
She was playing singularly direct
game. The young man turned redder
than before.
rs it?' she repeated
Miss Lester leaned back In her couch
with the air of one who has solved q
problem.
IF that's ALL" she said easily. I'm
going to cure you'll"
''WhatT He stared at her.
I'm going to cure you," she repeated
with cheerful readiness Its a small
return to make for what you've done
for ne. And. really. you know, you
ought to be nice and polite and attentive
to US when you're the only young man
here. Your position" she ended. amost
austerely. carries an obligation"
Again the young man met her eyes
There was a dangerous CLINT in them
almost a challenge. Are you still
afraid?" they seemed to ask. Mr.. Smiths
expression changed slowly. A ghost OF
his wide grin appeared. grew. and lin
gered
"All right" he said. And thanks
When are you going to begin?"
Then you'll let me? You won't rur
like startled deer?" Miss Testers
face was, bright with satisfaction. Hell
irresistible smile flashed out like sud
den searchlight over a dark sea.
"of course. But-but just how are yor
going about it?r
20, in the most casual and usual way
We'll ninnnly he sUnV frot vi
us-hsh with US. play golf with US. read
aloud to me, and amuse me while I'm
laid up I'li have more time than tn,
rest of u.s. but don't intend to monopo'
lie you)--in short We'll expect all thos'
delicate attentions girls have right tG
expect from nice young men. You haven
been giving them. you know" she addet
sadly! -
Il know" Mr.. Smith looked rathel