Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1931-02-13

NN HER twenty-sixth birthday
~ Millie Tilden decided that she
was destined to be an old maid. But"
she reflected, at isn't as If I'd never
been asked. Tom did, and he would
be good enough for anybody II ne
wasn't so dull"
Mile had saved five hundred dol
lars for purpose which she wouldn't
tell, but after the birthday she decided
to spend it In going on a trip. She
had friend, Helen, and after much
deep discussion and consultation OF
bank books, they thought they would
attempt a trip to California In MILES
three weeks vacation. So Millie went
to the central ticket office In search
of information. She came back en-
thusiastic and excited.
"Helen, there is the incest man up
there. He hunted up everything ana
put down the price and added 1t up,
and he says we can do 1t easily on
five hundred If we're careful. lie has
sandy hair and gray eyes, and he took
such an interest in the trip-why,
really, it was wonderful. l asked his
name so we could get hold of him
again, and he said 'Halllgan,' just like
that. WE'LL" she ended with laugh,
you know always did love the
Irish."
Helen and Mile went to the office
together and asked all the questions
over again. Then they went home
and thought ip more questions to ask
the next time.
Mlllie lived in a little town called
Stonebridge. and came into the city
to work by train. One morning she
nearly collapsed to see Halligan get
on at her station.
"Oh, HeIen," mourned Millie, 1.-THE
things | told that man-the whole his
tory Of my life and how much money
I've got and. oh. everything. Why, 1t
will be all over town."
They were on the way to see Halli-
gan again and Helen was severe with
Mile. Now. don't mention Stone
BRIDGE" she said, unless he speaks
Of II first"
Alillie. still suffering from shock, as
sented meekly, but when she saw him
she felt suddenly that she could not
live another moment without knowing
the truth.
"Mr. Hulligan," she plunged in, do
you live In StonebridgeT
And Halligan, the amiable and p0.
lite, answered curtly: you know /
do" and returned to a discussion Of
trains with Helen.
Poor Millie was limp and a few
minutes later when Helen left them
to make a lengthy telephone call, she
tried to defend herself
5. 81 did not know you lived in Stone.
bridge" she said.
~ have lived there all my life." said
Halligan quietly.
"Well. then, did you recognize Us
when we came in?" demanded Mile.
I've known you by sight for
years." he said.
"Oh," said Mile weakly.
Presently Halligan offered her a
yard or two of ticket to sign and she
scrawled mildred Tilden." Halllgan
looked at 1t. ~ thought II was Mary"
he remarked. and then turned a vivid
red.
"Nly, what do you mean?" began
Mile anlazedly.
Poor Halligan. about year ago."
lie said getting still redder, II stood
behind you when you signed your com.
mutation ticket M. Tilden' and
thought the NJ stood for Mary. You
had on blue hat with a pink rose
and II blue coat with gray collar.
You got ink on your glove and said"
81 did not" interposed Mile hastily,
and then they both laughed and Mile
WIS pink, too.
"What can't understand" she said,
"is why ! never knew you in little
Town like Stonebridge."
IIalligan lifted his head and looked
at her. MY mother used to wash for
your mother" he said. "rve been to
your back door with the basket many
time"
Blue eyes stared straight into gray
eyes for long minute. and then both
pairs crinkled up with laughter.
The girls went away-after several
more conferences with llalligan and
the trip was huge success.
II was at San francisco that Helen
suggested sending Halligan a postcard
just to prove their gratitude for his
efforts. "Of course, he's probably for.
gotten u.s." she said.
"Oh, do you think so?" asked Mile,
and for several minutes she sat and
looked into space while Helen efficient.
ly dashed off cards.
The three weeks passed and the trip
ended. Helen went out OF town and
didn't see Mile for three months.
When she got back she heard u rumOr
that Mile was going to be married.
She hunted Mile down to get the
truth.
Mile nodded. 'Yes, next month,
and we've got the sweetest little place
with a fireplace. or course, all my
money went In the trip and so we'll
have TO get things. slowly"
"But, Mile" interrupted her friend
impntiently, "who are you going to
Martyr
And then Mile opened her eyes In
Amusement at the questlon-"Why,
Halligan, OF course"
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