The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1885-04-25
81 should ike to try it. ;

IKE, SAID spencer.
''You will be bound to answer all his
questions truthfully, said Tom, warningly.
Amy looked up rather annoyed.
One would imagine you were of opinion
that truthfulness was not one of my usual
characteristics, she said "I'm not afraid
of the test. .
"Shall / go on p whispered Spencer to
Tom.
"Yes," said Tom, desperately, "fre
away
Amy was quite ready. Following Spen-
GERS directions, she seated herself in a
chair and fixed her eyes steadily on small
disk which he placed on the wall
"You'll be sure and wake me afterward?'
she said.
"0h, yes; that S a matter of no difficulty, .
he replied
Amy then settled down to the operation,
with the remark that it was like sitting for
a photograph.
Wilkinson stood behind her, anxiously
watching the progress of the experiment
while Spencer began making slow passes.
aWhen you feel drowsy let your eyes
close, he said quietly.
In very short time Amy seemed to be
feeling the influence of the operator, her
eyes shut, and she appeared to be fast
asleep.
as she off ?" whispered Tom.
II think so, but we will leave her few
moments and make quite sure"
''Can she hear what VIC say? ?"
"Oh, no.
"Tm half ashamed about it, said Tom;
s'upon my word, [ don't think she really
cares about Bartlett.
await few minutes and you will know
for certain.
After few minutes more and power
full pass or two, Spencer gently opened her
eyes, which were quite fixed.
"There she is, you see" be said to Tom.
care you certain she's Off
For reply Spencer gave her ear pinch.
"You see she is absolutely unconscious, y
he said; "you might cut off her arm and
she would not feel it. What shall | ask
her?''
"Ask her about the ball. suggested Tom.
every well; I'll make her believe she
is at the Desterton's dance. Miss Durant?'
eyes" replied Amy dreamily
"Can you hear what l say2"
eyes"
"Do you know who I am 2"
"No."
"You ought to know my voice" said
Spencer. 'I'm Tom Wilkinson"
II say Jack" interrupted Tom.
"Shut up! Have you enjoyed the
EVENING""
every much" was the eager reply.
"Have you danced with Mr.. Bartlett
to-night?"
':Yes, several times, and I'm engaged to
him for another waltz"
"Ah, I see him coming, said Spencer
II must resign you | suppose.
'Now, he whispered to Tom, quick,
here's your chance I'll make her believe
you're Bartlett.
Tom came forward.
"Can 1 speak in my natural voice? p he
asked.
eyes; but try and talk intelligently,
like Bartlett" "
But Tom could only make few vapid
observations, till Spencer told him to be-
gin dancing, as he was making Amy be-
lieye the waltz had begun. Tom put his
arm around her waist and slowly moved her
round the room.
II haven't often had this pleasure to
night" he said, speaking in his character
of Bartlett.
ooh how can you say SO, Mr.. Bartlett ;
this is the third waltz you've had. ;"
Tom looked daggers at Spencer, who en-
couraged him by look to go on.
''Aren't you afraid Mr.. Wilkinson will
be jealous p
aOh, let him be if he likes, said Amy ;
"don't let us talk about him; let us talk
about something pleasant" "
'sYou dare to" burst out Tom, but
Spencer put his hand over his mouth and
dragged him away.
'You had better leave it to me, if you
can't control yourself" he said. II must
make her believe that [ am Bartlett"
ssYou had better take care what you are
doing" said Spencer.
He led Amy to the chair, and willing
that she should believe the dance ended,
let her sit down.
"My dear Miss Durant," he said to her,
show it pains me to see you engaged to
such an unappreciative man as Wilkinson. "
"You william p cried Tom, "are you 60
ing to try and prejudice her against me
before my face r
"Will you be quiet? I'm Bartlett now,
not Spencer" ;"
"He is not a model lover, | acknowl-
edge" said Amy.
"Ah, if I only had the happiness of
showing you how l could appreciate you" :"
said Spencer.
oBut you, Mr.. Bartlett, are not the only
one who does
The two friends exchanged glances.
What was coming out next?
"Go on, said Tom resolutely.
"Who else is there ?" asked Spencer.
"Do you like him very much p
eyes, but don't tell Tom"
"No, won't. Who is it?
''It's Jack Spencer
"Jack Spencer" he exclaimed. "I?"
"Youl No; you are Mr.. Bartlett"
eyes, yes, of course am, said Spencer,
turning to Tom II think We had better
stop now," he said.
aGo on, )" replied Tom. II insist. Ask
her if she has danced with you tonight"
spencer obeyed"
"Only twice" was the sorrowful reply.
"Tom," said Spencer, "it's all delusion
"a mistake I only danced with her once
all the evening"
aDon't attempt to deny it, cried Tom.
''You yourself told me she must speak the
truth.
"But she isn't"
$50 on! Wait moment make her
believe that 1 am you. No nonsense,
now
Tom looked threatening. Spencer
obeyed, wondering what would be the next
result.
Wilkinson at once began. Evidently
his mind was made up.
"Mr. Bartlett's nice fellow-isn't he
Amy2'
ayes, but not so nice as you, Mr.. Spen-
GER"
"Tom,' said Spencer, "she doesn't mean
it."