Welsh Journals

millgirls. Schoolgirls, too, were not without their province. There was little that Mr. Thomas, by virtue of constant observation, did'hbt know about girls and their ways. She's coming back! announced Mr. Thomas triumphantly. There, indeed, she was, walking along the promenade towards them. This time she did not pass. She stopped at the very next seat and sat down, not more than ten yards away. Mr. Thomas looked at Mr. Davies and a smile broke the gravity on their faces. It was a sign It was a sign A trim piece," said Mr. Davies in a sly voice. They watched her both minutely with swivelled eyes, Mr. Davies leaning back and looking sidewards over Mr. Thomas's shoulder, in expectation of a smile, a nod, a wink or a gesture, a little shy beck. And when she took out a mirror and began to dab at her face with a powder-puff, Mr. Thomas said, Ah very significantly with a gleam in his eye. She can see us in the mirror," said Mr. Davies. It was a well-known trick. The gentlemen rejoiced. But here lay the difficult and perilous step here was the leap which bridges souls so that the most inaccessible and delightful heights are attainable, or which, failing, crashes into an abyss of despair and rancorous humiliation. Wise in these matters, they were mindful of the hazards and hesitated, content to maintain strict watch. They knew that it needed only one more sign from her to make their leap but a perfunctory little hop. But though they watched and though they waited, love's signal did not come. They realised that action on their part, unequivocal action, that leap was necessary if they were not to lose her or, worse still, suffer the mortification of seeing her snatched away from under their noses by some bolder mortal. You go." said Mr. Thomas. No, you go. You know you always go first." Mr. Davies was the less experienced adventurer, more sensitive to snub and insult and female ridicule. Yes, it must be direct approach," said Mr. Thomas he prepared himself for the test. Now rose he sighing from amorous bench his paramour t'engage. O look where he steps dainty on the green grass, oiling his mouth to smile and speak lovely Here's Mr. Thomas gentle and fair on seat to maid his love to declare. Mr. Davies, watching anxiously from the next seat, saw all that took