Belington progressive. [volume] (Belington, W. Va.) 1912-1927, 1923-03-08
fHE ROMANCE
az ELsIE FREMcA

The beiiboy came leisurely Ito the
desk OF Angle Drew, The stenographer
Of Hotel Marlin, and in drawing
voice said:
"Iiysterical skirt in Room Al wants
a woman, so guess you'd better go no
and do some consoling. Looks like
she'd lost her best friend. anyhow"
Now, Angie was good-natured girl
of twenty-eight, who had never had
romance, and well she knew the rea-
son. She was Inclined toward plump
ness" and was very plain.
The elevator stopped at the second
floor and Angie raped softly at No.
Al. It was opened Immediately and
abe saw before her . forlorn and be-
draggled slip Of . woman with eyes
red and swollen from weeping.
After few moments the sobs abated
and she managed tremendous smile.
I'm 80 foolish there's nothing real
ly the matter, only. as you said, lone
some, blue. You see, I'm the leading
lady-in fact, the only woman 10 the
company that played here two nights
ago naturally I'm lonesome. 1t wouldn't
be so bad II they hadn't cancelled last
nights engagement In the next town.
Now that you're here. what good is It
going to do me?" You can't stay, so |
suppose I'll have to stay here and look
at this wonderful green enamel bed
and chocolate wall paper"
mot bit of it, dearie," said Angle.
you're coming with me tonight to an
Ice cream festival at the minister's
house but I'll Introduce you as an old
school chum. BY the way, what is your
name?''
"Florine LeDue," replied the girl
with shining eyes.
THAT will never do" frowned An
gle. ut sounds too theatrical and you
wouldn't make much of a hit with the
crowd If they knew you were an ac-
tress. Let's cali you Gertie Fellows"
"A regular lawn party! Goody-it's
years since I've been to one" and
"Gertie" clapped her hands joyfully.
Wear something simple and mind
the paint and powder. TIL be through
work soon, and wen have supper. Then
for the festival"
And with parting instructions, Angie
went back to her desk.
What difference paint and powder
makel The girl that Angie brought
home to supper was charming in her
modest muslin dress and white lace
hot IInr ox,ac xua,.o rauar CO bI,yo ond
to Angles mother she seemed so young
and gay, q mere slip Of girl.
This is Gertie Fellows, mother, an
old school chum. We're going to the
ice cream festival tonight, for she's
leaving for home tomorrow"
On the way to Reverend Graham's
home they passed the little stone IL
brary, where most Of the young chaps
congregated, In hopes Of picking up
"sweetie."
Many caps were raised as Angle and
her friend went past, and admiring
glances were cast in "Gerties" direc-
ton.
Angles heart beat faster than her
new friends. Even though she knew
the boys looked straight over her head
she was proud that it was she who
was responsible for the flutter of ex-
element.
Evening, ANGIE one of the boys
called out. "Goin to the festival?"
Eyes, Bob. Aren't you fellows go
ing? Everybody will be there, and her
1x,e, +,.,s,l-1o,1 n 6 +hav oil e,t,,iIod and n,
unison said
''Sure-we'll see you later n
So circle of boys surrounded the
two girls soon after their arrival, and
"Gertie" spent the evening happily.
Ice cream-she ate so much of it she
was ashamed, and Bob would heap her
arms with boxes of candy. 1t came to
an end all too soon. Angie had found
a talk lanfy, blonde chap, who was
feeding her ice cream from his dish
while her eyes shone and her cheeks
flushed until she looked almost pretty.
The four Of them went home togeth-
er, and when they reached Angles
house they stopped, evidently thinking
her friend was stopping there.
81 am stopping at the Hotel Mar
lin," she smiled, as her escort beamed
happily SO, linking his arm in hers,
he said:
That's good. / can walk a little
farther with you, then. Goodnight,
Angie. Night jim and raising his
cap he turned to go. But "Gertie"
slipped over to Angie and put both her
arms round her neck and whispered:
Thanks, dear. I've had a glorious
time. I'll never forget you and I'll
surely write" and with dozen kisses
she walked away with her friend gaz-
Ing fondly into her eyes:
In front of the hotel "Gertie's" escort
finally said: You're a mighty nice
girl, Gertie. Can / see you again soonT'
With light laugh that caught In
her throat like sob, she replied:
I'm not girl, and my name is not
Gertie! I'm thirty-six years old, and
that's old enough to be your mother,
and nv name on the billboard is Flo