Shoshone journal. [volume] (Shoshone, Idaho) 1884-1931, 1922-06-02

cided AZ once that she had been too
cordial, too kind, too free with this
unknown, unpresented man.
The next time Miss Barton met the
major ON the stairs she merely bowed
and dropped her eyes. whereat the
major SO far forgot himself as to turn
and stare. The major had looked for
better treatment. The majors reneEn-
brance Of that charming afternoon in
woman with sun-fecked hair and
peach-blOom cheeks, was very vivid !;
while the majors recollection OF the
suitcase episode was growing fainter
every day.
Weeks passed. The little mother
came to number four bringing cheer
and comfort, and a sense Of home /;
| bur she had not been there two months
| before she was summoned to a distant
state to see a sick daughter. where
upon the major resumed his old habit
Of going out for his meals. His neigh
Dor he seldom saw; when he ditl see
her there were only the grave bow
and the quickly averted eyes to greet
him. He began to wonder If that de-
lightful afternoon in the homelike
room at number three were only e
dream after all.
Did the major forget on that day
just week after his mother leftf-
or was he shamelessly making a
shrewd attempt to find out for GER
tainty whether that afternoon was a
dream or not? At all events, one
o'clock and Miss Barton found him
seated Oh the topmost step Of the
stairway.
I'm locked out again." he an
nounced cheerfully, as he rose 10 his
feet And, if you'll believe ii, that in
considerable janitor has gone to Brook
Ign, too"
Miss Barton raised her head. For an
instant repetition of the invitation
trembled on her lips; then certain
exultation in the mans voice, an eager
expectancy in his eyes, sent swift
suspicion TO her mind.
Perhaps-what if he had done this
thing on purpose? What If
Il am sorry" she said gravely, and
passed TO her own door.
"Well, by Jove-by Jovei" mutte-ed
the major as the door shut her from
view. Then he sat down on the top
most step and thought.
Ii was on a pleasant morning not
long afterwards that Mrs. Todd left
the house 10 spend the day IN shopping.
At ten, dressed in cool gray and white.
Miss Josephine Barton opened the door
and stepped into the hall. She had
scarcely crossed the threshold VIXEN
gust Of wind from the rear blew the
door TO with bang.
My keyr' gasped the lady. her
small teeth seeking her under lip. Then
a relieved look come into her eyes
Never mind-Aunt Emma will be here
long before l get back from larry
town"
She took one step forward, then
stopped. She pulled gently. then with
force, at her gray draperies- With I
quick indrawing of her breath she |
turned and looked behind her. Fully |
three inches Of the hem of her skirt l
lay under the close-shut door.
"Oh. ~ she cried softly, and rugged |
again. ''Oh, oh, what shall dOT'
At that moment came click across
the hall. Miss Barton turned right 1
about face on the instant. She opened /
her purse and began carefully to scru
tinize its contents.
The door across the hall opened and |
the major stepped out. There was an
almost imperceptible pause while he
waited for her recognition 1t was
then that Miss Barton made aer first
In her anxiety TO appear nat
ural and unconcerned she Eave. not
the usual cold bow and mute dropping
of her eyes. but dazzling smile.
Good morning. major" she sd d
brightly. I'VE must all De improving
this beautiful day. you see"
Ii was the mans visible start of sur
prise that opened Miss EartUn's eyes.
She froze instantly.
Certainly, certainly" beamed the
major; then he caught sight of her
stern. unsmiling face. ~Er-certainly,
he munbled, as he turned and hurried
downstairs, wondering the while if ii
we're his ears or his eyes that were
playing him false this time.
When silence -once more reigned In
he hall Miss Barton dropped YEARLY
o Ter knees, twisted her body about.
md brought both hands TO bear on the
.ray skirt. Ii was useless.
'Oh, dear, oh. dear" moaned Miss
carton. What can | do? ! can't stay
Iere all dayl''
A chatter OF steps from the nJor
bove brought her painfully 10 her /
eet; and again she scrutinized the
ontents of her purse. This t.ile a !
enant from number Owe passed down ! {
he stairs. Four times was this repeated. I
{ the end OF an hour she was lean .
*. white ana exhausted. against the {
asing when the main door downstairs )
anged shut. She had just time "a 3
A.. -.