Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1922-06-08


knowledge of her predicament,
Miss Barton, is it-mOney?' he
burst out. won't you let me-aid
you? You-I-doubtless you have
started out with not so much as you
thought you had" he went on, trying
to make volubility cover embarrass-
ment. 81 assure you, I"
ut Is not money" interrupted Miss
Barton, iciy; the next instant she bit
her lip with vexation.
"Then there Is something!" cried
the major. Miss Barton, yOu-yOu are
locked outl" he declared with sudden
inspiration.
There was no answer.
"You are!'
Still no reply.
what shamew exclaimed the
major sympathetically. But, never
mindful have the janitOr here in
short order. saw him down to the
corner not five minutes ago"
And the major leaped down the
stairs two steps at time. Ten min
utes later, flushed and disturbed, he
faced Miss Barton again.
Hes gone-the rascal" painted the
major. Totally disappeared into thin
air! But, Miss Barton, couldn't you
can't l do something's"
Miss Barton shook her head; then
she laid hold Of her courage with both
hands.
Il was going to Tarrytown," she ex-
platned. II would go now, only-my
dress is caught-in the door"
"lIy dear lady you poor thing!-I
beg of you, allow mel" And the
major was down on his knees at her
side Juggling at the dress.
I'm afraid I shall-tear It," he fall
tered at last.
"Never mind if you do" returned
Miss Barton miserably.
"Oa butt would be a hame!-
such a pretty dress!'
In spite of herself Miss Barton
smiled The pink in her cheeks de-
parted
'If you have a knife you might-cut
it," size suggested family.
"Neyer!" protested the major,
springing to his feet.
Suddenly the man Strengthened him
self and squared his shoulders-not
for nothing had the major been placed
in command of men.
"My dear lady" he began authori-
tatively, there is only one thing to
be done; but first I'm going to make
you comfortable" And he disappeared
into his own apartment.
When the major came back he had
an ottoman, three cushions, ana
book 4 minute later, in spite of pro-
tests, Miss Barton found herself seated
on the ottoman, the cushions at her
back against the door, and the book
in her hand.
"NOw where is Mrs. ToddW de-
manded the major. I'm going for her
keys"
You can't find her. She's shopping"
announced Miss Barton, tragicaIly.
Then We'll stay here till she
comes" retorted the major, dropping
himself upon the topmost stair with a
long sigh that certainly was not one
of discomfort.
Fortunately the hall was light, the
building being only three stories high
and having a big skylight In the roof.
Also, fortunately but two families
lived on the floor above; and as men,
bers of both had already passed Miss
Barton on their way out, there were
few curious eyes to be amazed at the
remarkable tete-a-tete on the middle
landing.
1t was at noon that the major and
Miss Barton Toasted gayly on chicken
sandwiches, hot coffee cake, and ice
cream brought in by the major from a
neighboring restaurant and spread on
his mothers sewing-table.
One, two, three hours passed. The
prisoner and her attendant talked
read aloud, and told stories. At four
o'clock Mrs. Todd, coming quietly up.
stairs, found the two deep in game OF
chess.
For heavens sakew calculated
Mrs. Todd, clutching at the balusters
with both hands-she had nearly
fallen backwards.
When explanations had been given
the door opened, and the gray dress
released, and when Mrs Todd had dis.
appeared in her own room, Miss Bar.
ton turned a flushed face TO the maj
'Thank YOU" she said. "You-you
have been very kind"
Miss Barton, I'm a fighter; I'm not
a diplomat. | know no way except to
, come straight to the point. Once be,
fore | passed a pleasant afternoon
with you-a very pleasant afternoon
but from then until today l have been
sternly held at the end of a grave
bow. Today I discovered that Lieuten,
ant Meers is our common friend. Miss
Barton, with your kind permission
Lieutenant Meers will shortly bring
me to call | would like to be intro
duced to you"
II shall be delighted to see Lieu
tenant Meers and-his friend" she
said, butts Lieutenant Meers quite