San Antonio light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1911-1993, 1926-01-03

Two years since they had dfnet
here. How often she had thought o.
It!
The vaulted glass roof, and thai
huge center dome.
The orchestra, the promenaders, the
hum Of notes.-the resounding buzz Of
the vast enclosure.
From a sidewalk table OF the main
Arcade restaurant, eagerly she watch
ed for Warren. Not the same table
that was taken-but this commanded
the same view Of the great arched
thoroughfare.
The sculptured balconies above. the
shops beneath. Yes, the same IAN.
tichita" Just opposite. A Florentine
chair and some old velvet in the win
dow.
Twenty Of one-and Warren had
said twelve-t thirty. Any moment now
"Camperi fiori per piacere, signor.
ina," begged an old flower-woman.
Helen nodded, fumbling In her purse.
She was so happy-anxious to be gen
erous.
In no way should her economy cloud
this luncheon. She would not restrain
Warren's ordering. This was realiza-
ton.
How often he had said, Member
that dinner in the Arcade? II we're
ever in Milan again-that's where
we'll feed"
But her memories were OF the at
1nospherc. The lofty shadowy dome,
the balconies-the foreignness Of It
all.
A pigeon futtered down. His plump
iridescent breast! Like the ones sh.
had fed two years ago. But nothing
to give him now--no bread on the
table yet.
'-AAN-sh@~N sS1<A@A LIZ
A quarter Of one by the Arcade
clock. Every outside table taken now
Again the waiter suggestively pre-
scented the menu. Again Helen pan
tomimed she was waiting for the "sg
norc."
A continuous stream Of passers-by,
The famous Arcade, favorite prone
made for MONDAY strolls. Soldiers
bareheaded clerks, vendors, mendi-
cants.
Many paused before the restaurant
listening TO the impossioned orchestra
Music-loving Italiansi
Another anxious ten minutes. What
could have happened? He was always
prompt when they met for meals.
Not fair to hold the table longer
Several patrons waiting.
Leaving a tip for her improbable
occupancy, Helen gathered up hei
things.
Crossing to the antique shop, closed
for the noon hour, she waited in tn
doorway.
After one now. Fear clutched a
her throat.
There could be no mistake. He hat
said twelve-thirty at Biffi's-the Ar
cade restaurant.
What should she do? The hotel
No. he would not be there.
Then a leaping heartbeat! The IA
miliar gray fedora.
TABLE is GONE.
Looking for hcr--scowling over th
crowded tables.
Darling across, she elutched hi
"Hellol" he whirled around. "Yo
Just got here?"
"Oh, 1 was so worriedl" clingin
to him. "Fve been here since hal
past!"
"The devil you havel why dIdn
you nail tablet"
II dil-but ] couldn't hold II an
longer. L didn't know what had hal
pened."
SCOT here soon's I could. Took a
mornin' for those COMPOUNDED vises-
then had TO get some money. Thes
Italian banks-fuss an hour over
letter OF credit. Well, well have
eat inside-full-up out here"
mo, dear, not inside! Let's wa
for one of these tables"
"Waited long enough" grimly. :
want some nourishmenti Come o.
we'll try that place outside"
mo, no, we want to lunch In d
Arcade. Just as we did last time
pleadingly. Dear, I've looked 70
ward to this so longi"
well, 1 don't wait for any tab
now. One-thirty!" glowering at Il
clock. "rrhey lunch early here
nothin'n be fit 70 eat"
Reluctantly she followed him o,
through the festive Arcade to d
commonplace corner "ristorante. II
here, too, a voracious crowd filled Il
sidewalk tables.
"That Johnnie's leavin'-there,
the rail-" Warren strobe ahead.
A moment later they were settle
at the table just vacated. An u
appetizing spread. Wine stainc
cloth and soiled dishes.
WARREN GRUMBLES.
~How horrid !" Helen shrank fro
with a hand-cart-all trudging aloi
"Here, clear this Off" Warren 81
nailed a perspiring waiter.
The whole place exuded the aft
luncheon dishevelment. Walters, j
, tent ON checks and tips, too busy
clear off dishes.
Vainly Helen tried 20 revive
! dropping spirits. No music-and OF
side the Arcade. How different fro
her long planned return TO Milan |,
The tables next TO them vaca
J now. Soiled linen. cluttered china
an uninviting melee.