The Hartford herald. [volume] (Hartford, Ky.) 1875-1926, 1922-01-18
RECKLESS EVENING


Copyngnt asxi, western NsWspaper Union
The little woman ran lightly up the
steps and passed on through the long
hall. A she opened the living room
door q girl bending over book glanced
up Questioningly.
"why, Aunt Priscillaw she ex-
claimed, "where have you been7 II
II after ten o'clock"
The little woman laughed softly a.
she paused difident, In the doorway.
II seemed. as her dark eyes twinkied 4
into the reproving face Of her young
niece, that the two had changed places.
She tossed her demure gray hat to
the couch and sank into a chair.
Really, I hardly know how to ac-
count for my lateness or my rashness,
Lois" she said. "The past two hours
have been like foolish. adventurous
sort Of dream, and thought that
had outgrown adventurous fancies,
Lois"
You will never outgrow adventure,
Aunt Prissy," said Lois. "Now, tell
me what happened"
II took old Mrs. Dale home In the
car" Priscilla began, "and was hurry
Ing back along the avenue when l
pcame upon wedding party. Tie
bridal couple were, evidently, about to
make their escape in white taxi;
while the other cars were maneuver-
ing to follow. And /, wedged sud-
denly into the narrow line, found my
a self, by degrees exactly before the
Ehouse entrance. And while leaned
back tall man came swiftly down
the carpeted steps and deliberately to
the door Of my coupe.
"Now,' he said pleasantly, you can
start AS l turned to stare at him,
the Limousine and all the cars before
1t were off in mad rush. The bridal
couple had slipped into their taxi, and
the attendants madly agreed to follow
where no one knew.
"I'ire man at my side was fine
looking man, his face aglow with in
terest and enthusiasm.
"'Shall l take the wheelr he asked
eagerly. L want to be there with the
others when they stop at the sta
ton
"And, Lois, / don't know what in
fiuence seized me then; it may have
been the sheer masterfulness of the
mans tones, or 1t may have been an
affection Of daring from the occupants
or the cars all about us; but l bent to
my wheel and l chased that wedding
party. VS.
81 don't remember seeing you at the
reception my companion said pres
Nently. But take 1t for granted that
Ned said to me, as they made their
escape, "and you will find Mollie wait
ing for you In the car at the door,"
Ned used often to speak of his sis
ter Mollie when we were college boys
together. Now, possibly, you are mar
ried; If so, l am unacquainted with
your new name
Lois" Priscilla leaned forward,
do you know what answer l made
to do all that? l did not say, You
are mistaken in your person. You
have been mistaken all along, Mr..
Take-I for Granted No; all l said
was, 4 am not married. Then, all
at once my companion snapped open
his watch and looked into my face.
"T am sorry he said; have for
gotten something important. i must
ask you to let me out here
II came sharply to myself and TO
a realization of my own recklessness
7 nha1 70 20 CT
n was thankful that had not correct
ed the mans wrong impression. i
will see you again. he said"
Priscilla's gaze was on the fire, alb
stracted-lOng. The girl awakened her.
"And then, oh, unruly aunt" she
Knocked, "what happenedr
81 came hOme." Priscilla ended alb
ruptly. She lifted her arm
"why, Lois" she exclaimed. my
jeweled bracelet; do you see 1t about
anywhere2 had 1t on this evening
when l drove Mrs. Dale home. l re-
call her admiration Of the diamond
clasp. Lois-I have lost Ill"
The girl arose from search. THE
bracelet may be In the car, Aunt
Prissy," she said crisply. But my
opinion Is that your fine confident
stranger has 1t In his possession"
Priscilla was on her feet. Lois"
she cried, "if never find that brace
let. II / never see that man again,
know that he is innocent"
"Even," jeered Lois. IF your Jewel
were to be found In his pocket"
The door bell interrupted. Lois few
to answer its summons. A tall man
stood In the doorway, his voice pleas
ing, vibrant, reached Priscilla. He
held the bracelet out to her.
Most amazing!" he exclaimed. II
found this trinket In my overcoat
pocket when / felt for my gloves. 1t
must have dropped In from your arm.
am happy 10 return It to you. When