The Nome nugget., 1938-03-26

"ooAo SoiiiC osSl to Sce iilc. NdIi it be arranged with Mrs. Walters? She will tell you about me. The Man Across the Way"
 When Ben returned, he saw at once that the book had been sent back; but when it was handed to him he smiled in deep relief, for it was not his book, but Shakespeare's "As You Like It." That sounded propitious. He felt excited as he opened it. Yes. there was a let ter. He opened it eagerly and read ITO the Man Across the Way" it began, You were kind to send me the book. I should like to see you; but Mrs. Walters is formal and you will have to be in the garden be- fore that can be arranged. But this book will cheer you. The Young Lady Across the Way"
 His pulses stirred. It would take more than a disabled body to keep him upstairs. He would go to see her in her garden and that without delay. He must watch his oppor. tunity to leave unperceived.
 He dressed with meticulous care. The effort was painful, but what mattered that! He knew the hour at which Mrs. Walters took nap. He would have to take his chances with the servants. He was amazed at the difficulty he had in getting down the stairs. Amazed, too, at the faintness that came over him; but once on the street, he forgot all in the joy of his progress. He walked around the block to the front of the lone house" in the town.
 It was not until he was in the front garden that the thought oc. cured that the girl might not be home. For moment, this made him miserable, but for a moment only. He would leave his card with note-however, she would be there. Something would tell her he was coming.
 He decided to try the back garden first. She wasn't there when he had left Mrs. Walters. but she might be there now. He hoped she was. It was so pretty.
 She was there, reading; reading with such absorption that she was unconscious of his presence. Lucky book," he thought. Then, taking a deep breath, he announced himself Well" he said, i've come to the garden, you see"
 She looked up an alarmed sur prise in her eyes. Why" she fal- tered.
 Henleigh was disconcerted. Why" he said, ''you see, your promise of friendship made me" He stopped, for the alarm in her eyes had deepened.
 He was dazed by her attitude Your letter." he stammered, and thrust his hand into his pocket and brought out the note and book and extended them to her.
 My book" cried the girl, as she took it.
 And your letter." said Henleigh with emphasis.
 He saw the color flood her cheeks as she read. She bit her lips; then, suddenly she began to laugh Well" she said, ''I'll have to own up. l didn't think you would take me up on the garden proposition. thought it lark to answer your letter. I knew you would be leav- ing soon." She shrugged then as though dismissing the matter.
 Henleigh's eyes held hers. And now that I have taken you up on the garden proposition, he ques- toned eagerly.
 She laughed in an embarrassed, but undeniably attractive fashion. Then she glanced at the cane in his hand. Well, to begin with" she said, T should have asked you to be seated at once"
 But before he seated himself he asked, pointing to his cane, just because of this?"
 Well, no." she replied. and flushed again.
 "Ah," he said. then he smiled, and as he fixed himself in the chair, he sighed-but not with any sign of fatigue. He looked straight into the eyes of the girl. Now" he said, T have solved it all. You did not write that note to me. It was the lady here your mother, or aunt"
 She started almost violently while her eyes stared widely into his.
 "Ah, you confess" he laughed. And as she was about to inter- rupt, he exclaimed, Let me tell you. l said to Ben that the book and the letter were for the young lady, and, being Mrs. Walters servant, he took them to your