The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1900-04-19
thing about the fair American which
fascinated him in spite of himself

| fascinated him in spite of himself.
To-day, as she came into his room,
perfect vision of freshness and love-
liness in the gloomy atmosphere of
the Temple, Hamlyn was conscious of
certain shyness and reserve in her
manner that he had not noticed be-
fore.
IL don't believe | ought to come
here by myself" she said as she
closed the door. "I wonder what
Aunt Catherine would say to It,"
"You are late" said Hamlyn. ~
have been waiting impatiently for
you"
Am 1, really?" replied Alice.
"What is the time, them"
He pulled at his watch chain me-
chanically, forgetful of his escapade,
and disclosed the bare swivel. He col
ored slightly as he realized his mis-
take, and felt her eyes upon him, but
answered lightly:
about 20 minutes past one, /
fancy"
ut must be just lovely to work
here" she said Everything seems
SO old and historic. | believe l should
only have to sit here few hours a
day and l should become lawyer ~
breathing the air."
(Which reminds me-" said Hamlyn,
that | have been breathing air quite
/ long enough and want lunch Where
shall we go?"
Alice Valentine hesitated.
'Look here" she said, at last, 81
want to say something to you. You
have been taking me about such a
lot and | have done nothing for you.
| feel real mean. l want you to let
me stand you a lunch to-day
He shook his head laughingly
you forget" he said, that you are
my guest; but l want you to say
where you would like to 60"
He named well-known restaurant
in Piccadilly, where she knew the
! prices were ruinous.
NO" she said, don't let us go
there. VIII you take me to one of
those little bohemian places you told
me of where you get table d'hote
/ \
go. 1t would be a new experience"
you look too smart he replied
glancing at her admiringly; but
tell you what ] will do. We will split
the difference and go to kind of
semi-fashionable place where you
shall see all sorts and conditions Of
people anu hear band
Once of twice during lunch, when
conversation tagged, Hamlyn noticed
again the thoughtful expression on
her face. At last he took the mat
! ter up.
Tell me-" he said, what you are
thinking Of"
81 was thinking" she replied. slow
ly. ''of how ! could help some one
who has been very good to me-"
Not a difficult matter, surely-for
yon?"
1T is very difficult" she said, "un-
| der the circumst ances. The person
want TO help is poor and, l think, very
proud"
She was looking down at the table
cloth, and studiously avoiding his
! eyes.
Can 1 be of any assistance" he
said.
"You--why-" she laughed. Eyes,
perhaps you can. l will think about
it and let you know"
There was a new sympathy in her
voice and manner, and Hamlyn felt
mad desire to take her there and
| then in his arms and cover her face
with kisses
But there was no opportunity then
| to tell her of his love. Immediately
| after lunch they were obliged to hur-
~ off to meet Miss Stafford at matt
nee. and IIamlyn had no further
| chance of tete-a-tete with Alice, but
he arranged satisfactorily a meeting
! for Monday afternoon. when he deter
mined to put his fate to the test
You viii not forget" he said. at
parting, ito let me help you in the
matter YOU mentioned?
"No" she repkcd. with a singular
| look on her face. Il Will not forget :"
| As E.rerard walked home be recalled
her tones, her face the fair. flushed
checks, sweet mouth, earnest brows
/ and eyes of softcst fire There was
1 that in her look which satisfied him
! He was awakened from his reveric
by an urchin inquiring what o'clock
/ it was. For the second time that dav
he mechanically tugged at his watch
! chain.
"Confound i'll" he exclaimed. as he
realized his loss. 81 never knew that
| it was such nuisance to be with
! out a watch. | must get it ont first
thing on Monday morning"
Tie urchin grasping the situation,
ran away. grinning.
| On Sunday IIamlyn again bethought
! himself of the watch.
! Il had better study the ticket" he
said, land see what 7 shall have 20
pay"
He fumhled in his waistcoat pocket;
II was not there. He tried the others
( with the same result. With growing