The Tacoma times. [volume] (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 1939-05-10
Second
Best Love
Nv LOUISE HOLMES

iSouAAlINA EARih * EstAhNA
into a huddle over II and arrived
nowhere.
On the last day OF August she
drew out every remaining dollar,
barely enough to get her back to
Seattle, and packed her bag.
On the morning of her departure
Claire kissed her good-by with real
regret. Don't go, Kay" she
begged.
Il have a bunch that something
is about to happen. Stay with
me. II won't cost you a cent"
Kay shook her head forlornly.
IF I haven't been able to find a
job in ten months It's hopeless"
Claire went away and Kay took
streetcar to the depot. Arriving
early she sat on one Of the hard
benches and considered.
Possibly she could stick It out
for a few more weeks, that is If
she accepted Clsire's generous
offer.
Turning her back TO the ticket
window she tried to thirk it
through.
Hating the thought of going
home. she pondered
Suppose at the end of few
weeks she was still unemployed ?
What then. With no money for
her fare what could she do? -.
1t went without saying that the
wise course was to play safe while
she still had money for a ticket.
1t was logical but most unsatis-
factory.
Still Kay did, not go to the ticket
window. Once there the die was
cast.
She thought, IF only something
would happen to decide me.
Thinking deeply she hardly noticed
that an elderly, dressy little
woman sat down beside her.
It's very warm, isn't it, my
dear ?" said frail. high pitched
voice and Kay started.
The dressy little person was
quite old. white haired. sweet
faced.
Yes. 1t is Kay answered.
Are you leaving the city,"
II think so"
You're doubtful too" the old
lady chirped. Il may go and l
may not. 1t all depends upon
what is in this letter"
She drew an envelope from her
purse.
ut came to my hotel this morn
ing and I don't know whether I'm
going to go or stay
She seemed quite cheerful about !
it.
Perhaps if you'd read the let
ter" Kay suggested helpfully.
That's the trouble, my dear. l
can't read the letter" Her bright
eyes gazed at Kay pathetically.
"Oh, I'm sorry"
ITS nothing my dear. Old eyes
grow tired. If you would read it
to me"
of course. I'll be glad to-"
Thank you. I picked you out
because you look like a sweet,
friendly child"
Kay opened the envelope and
unfolded a sheet of paper. The
letter was written closely in diff
ficult, fine hand.
The old lady leaned close TO her
elbow peering at the page,
My Dear Amy" Kay puzzled
it out. Il am sorry to have kept
you waiting so long for letter.
I'VE have been very busy with
the-with the" Kay studied the
word.
with the-oh. | see-harvest-
ing. Now about Dams wedding.
He is to be married September
second and we want you to come
if you receive the news in time.
Send us a wire and we will
meet you" Ii was signed. Flor
ence."
so I'm to 60" the old lady
remarked briskly. Il thought so
and brought my bag
Thanking Kay she hurried away.
Immediately Kay went back to
her own problem.
At last she sighed and rose to
her feet.
Better go now than run the risk
of hitch hiking in October. Slowly
she went 10 the ticket window.
"A ticket TO Seattle" she said.
"one way" Hesitstingly she
opened her purse.
She gasped. looked queerly at
the agent, then frsntieslly
searched among compact. comb,
mirror and lipstiek.
The small coin purse was gone.
Ii had been there shortly before
the old lady sat down beside her.
The old lady
Quite suddenly Kay knew that
she had been robbed by the guile
less old lady.
And how easily. how smoothly.
While she studied over the
eramped handwriting the old lady
had pnfered her purse.
Declines Ticket
Shaking with anger she declined
the ticket without explanation and
rushed in search of an officer.
Finding one near the entrance
she tremblingly told him OF the
catastrophe.
He appeared unmoved.
Just another racket he said.
If you turn your back some
body steals your rubber heels.