Evening star., 1928-04-03
Slightly Mistaken.

There's George Putnam now" ex-
claimed Ida Allen, as the train pulled
into Helena. Congratulations" she
added, mischievously. IN hurry out,
so as not to embarrass you when I
congratulate him"
what do you mean?" asked her
companion. opening her hazel eyes wide
with surprise, either real or simulated.
Ida thought the latter and laughed.
saying. while putting on her hat; "Ohl
You didn't fool anybody when you an
nounced YOU we're going to visit your
aunt In Seattle. We all knew just
about the time George was expecting
to sail for China. Still. I don't know
Why you wantSd to pass up a big
wedding, unless you thought II more
romantic to elope What q joke.
though. that should strike the same
train on my way home from visiting
mother"
The other woman laughed mirth-
leSsly as she said: --ttYour Wild con-
lectures are q bigger joke. George
Putnam proposed to Elsie Green at the
Dalton !. masquerade, 8 and-got turned
down. ard--r don't want any woman's
leayings.'' = :
Il don't believe it, cried Ida. indig-
nantly.. He has been dafy over you
- eover. my money. you mean" vas
the cynical rejoihder, but Elsie has
For shame, Joan. George isn't that
kind of man. Somebody has been try
ing to make trouble between you. He
didn't propose to Elsie Green.
Ask him." taunted Joan; you say
he is on the platform"
II will." retorted Ida. founcing out
Of the Pullman. without even bidding
her fellow traveller good-by.
Left alone. Joan sank back In her
seat and closed her eyes, entirely ao-
sorbsd in her painful reflections
George Putnam filled her mind. and
she smiled deriSively. although tears
welled up in her eyes. She finally
reused herself as the voice Of the por-
ter's las call for lunch" rang through
the car: then she rose. languidly, and
followed him into the diner.
The dining car conductor seated her
at q table where q man was reading
newspaper that effectually concealed
his face. Two or three minutes later
the waiter brought his order, when
he put down the paper. and Joan
found herself face to face with, George
Putnam.
She flushed. then bowed formally.
murriuring his name. He returned her
salutation with great compoSure. say
ing: Ida told me you we're on this
train. I was going TO look you up
after lunch. as / could see no reason
why q rejected suitor should consider
himself pariah."
He smiled as he spoke. but Joan
made no answer, merely tcldcd aud
unfolded her napkin nervously and
fingered the cutlery by her plate
Her brain was In such q turmoil
that she could not converse intelligent
ly. She looked out Of the window. but
the wind blew the engine smoke so
that at times IL entirely yeiled the
landscape and she really saw nothing.
AS she kept her eyes turned toward
the window he could watcn her ;,ncb-
served A shadow crossed his hand
some face as he noted he: golden red
hair, matchleSS complexion and 1.-THE,
graceful hgure, and the dtmple that
nestled so close 10 the sweet, red lips.
He fingered over his luncheon and
gave All extra order. so as not TO hniSn
before her. As she began to eat he
caught her eyes turned ON his face
with q speculative expression III their
depths, which was easy for him TO 'in-
derStand after his conversation with
Mrs Allen.
They left the diner together, and
as they reached the outside platform
he said. reSoluEely: II want to explain
ABOUT the Dalton masquerade. Joan,
Get your wraps and we'll SO out on
the back platform Of the observation
car. where We can, probably. have a
chance for private conversation. as II
Is pretty cold this afternoon"
His assurance nettled her II was
In her mind to refuse hts request, or,
rather. command: still. as they walked
through the car that contained her
berth she picked up her coat and went
ON with him 10 the observation car.
He took couple OF camp stools as
they went out 10 the platform. placed
hers In the most sheltered corner, then
sat down at en- angle where his broad
shoulders would shield her stN more
from the wind.
so" he said without preamble. after
they were seated, "you think I proposed
TO Elsie Green at the Dalton masquerade
and you don't want her leavMtsS
The Satirical anaile on his lips ana
the moeking light In the eyes that were
looking Joan sQuarely In the face again
reused the girlS indignation
Il know you proposed 70 her, she re.
orted anErlly, II suppose YOU liked her
oeSt ell the time and were just fcoltne
With me to make her JEALOUS, Then
when ahe refused YOU, YOU thought YOU
mieht do worse than take me-,