Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1930-04-04
THE
LITTLE
GUEST OF
HONOR
e by D. ]. Walsh.l

vt WAS miserable evening. Men
buried their faces in their coat col.
lars and women wrapped their furs
closer about them as they hurried
home. Street cars were crowded. The
swaying buses were filled inside, ana
empty out. It was cold, wintry night.
Gwen Morris watched the discon-
tented faces around her. She had the
nobly nodded features that proclaim
a perfect physique and its accompany
ing good nature. Her eyes were merry,
and she enjoyed the tussle with the
wind as a child does. She did not
mind waiting few minutes. Life was
good for her.
Yet her heart sank a little as she
realized that most Of the people she
saw were probably bound for some
party. She had only a hall bedroom
awaiting her-and possibly call from
Jack. She wondered If Jack knew she
cared for him. Perhaps she was just
one nice girl out Of many. Jack would
be sure to go out tonight, for he was
popular.
Just as she was hailing a car she
stopped to pick up tiny black kitten,
obviously lost, half frozen and wholly
terrified.
"You poor little darling" she cried,
hiding it in her fur cuffs, "you shall
come with me and help me-"
The poor little creature trembled
with mingled cold and fear. Its eyes
were wide, expressionless from panic.
Gwen knew cats, and her tender hand
stroked 1t as she waited for another
car.
Miss Morris, GwenW lively voice,
Jackl
Jump in here. am in luck tonight
Tuck the robe around you. It's well
below zero, the paper says. Shall
take you homer
you are dear to find me-" beamed
Gwen. II am specially glad, for look
what found" She showed a tiny
black head.
"Yes, saw that 1t was bully of
you. like black cats, always did. Hope
1t brings you luck. You know, black
cats are lucky, and finding it-well, it
certainly ought to be some kind of a
mascot!" Jacks eyes twinkled de-
lightfully.
II suppose it's no use asking you to
come and have dinner? You know the
kind of food poor Mrs. Butt givesl l
think it's the night for lamb stew.
must get this poor little darling into
the warmth and get some warm milk
for 1t. l only hope Mrs. Butt doesn't
object to kitten"
ANY one who serves lamb stew on
your birthday is capable of anything
Come; won't ask you out to dinner
though l want to, dreadfully, but |
will ask you to let me treat the kit
ten. | am certain in its weak state
lamb stew would kill it outright.
know gorgeous delicatessen around
TIE corner, and I'm going to buy some
bones Cant help there being chicken
attached for 1t. Well have a feast in
that funny room where your Mrs. Butt
let's the girls entertain. You know, like
we did Fourth Of July. How's that?"
ut sounds wonderful, but aren't
you Soih5 " any place.!
81 am. To the kittens party. And
you and the kitten are my guests. I'll
be back In half minute"
Gwen explained to the watchful Mrs.
Butt, who kept the Business Girls
Home club misleading title). She OBJ
tained grudging consent to the use
VI the "parlor."
"Only don't spill crumbs. And mind
you either find a home for that cat
In the morning, or you take 1t to the
pound. II there's one thing hate, it's
cats. Bring all kinds of sickness, and
with my health I can't risk that"
Poor Gwen with tears in her eyes
kissed the top Of the kittens head;
such dear little head! And the kit
ten started to purr.
Jack entered with his arms full of
bundles and man from the restau-
rant behind him bearing tray.
"Too cold night for dellcatessen
dainties," he said, $50 brought some
turkey and few things. :"
"Oh, Jack, but you shouldn't It's
cruel for these girls here to smell such
food. You know what we have"
would they befriend a little lost
kitten? Let's forget about them. And
let's eat. I'm starved. What did that
old cat (beg pardon, klttyD say about
this little guest Of honor?"
said | must take It to the dog |
pound or find a home for 1t In the |
morning. l feel nearly frantic, for you
know ! don't know a soul in the city |
who would love poor little waIf like |
this"
you do, but that's only part of
what ] want to say to you, Gwen.
am most horribly lonely guy. l meet |
girls, lots Of 'em, but they don't suit
me. You do. You're beautlful--no don't |
interrupt-healthy, and you're kind. ]
nearly asked you before now II you
could ever care for me, but guess
was too hard boiled to risk II until
tested you. Our little guest OF honor
supplied the test"
"But ] really think you are rather
h0rrld to want to test your.
friends. =" whispered Gwen.
mot my friends, but the girl | |
want to he my wife has to be kind. |
That Is the biggest thing Of all. And
you are"
The drOwsy guest OF honor, archng |
his tiny black back, stepped delicate.
ly across the arms Of Ovens chair
and made light leap into Jnck's lap.
"Do have your consent, Klttums,
eh?' he asked softly.