The news and herald. (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1877-1900, 1900-07-19

Bat there was something about the
fair American that fascinated him
in spite of himself.
Today, as she came into his room
a perfect vision Of freshness and love
liness in the gloomy atmosphere OF
the Temple, Hamlyn was conscious OF
a certain shyneSs and reserve in her
manner that he had not noticed before.
Il don't believe I ought to come here
by myself, she said as she closed the
door. Il wonder what Aunt Catherine
would say to it,
You are late said Hamlyn. Il
have been waiting impatiently foryou. >
Am I 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 l, fancy.
She was walking round the room
glancing at the ponderouS-looHln2
books and the papers tied with PINK
tape. getting. as she expressed it, the
atmosphere" of the place.
1T must be just lovely to Work
here" she said. Everything seems
so old and historic. believe l should
only have to sit here Il few hours a
day and l should become a lawyer by
breathing the air..
(Which reminds me-" said Hamlyn,
that l have been breathing air quite
long enough and want lunch. Where
shall we go:''
Alice Valentine hesitated.
Look here she said at last. Il
want to say something to you. You
have been taking me about such lot
and have done nothing for you.
feel real mean. want you to let me
stand you a lunch today"
He shook his head laughingly. You
forget" he said, that you are my
guest; but l want you to say where
lie named Il weII-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 ht'ie
bohemian places you told me Of where
YOU get a table d'hote lunch for 10
pence. l should love to go. 1t would
be a new experience.
You look too smart he replied
glancing at her admiringiy. but l tell
YOU what / will do. We will split the
difference and so to a kind Of semi
fashionable place where you shall see
all sorts and conditions Of people and
hear band
Once or twice during lunch. when
dragged, Hamlyn noticed
again the thoughtful expression on
her face. At last he took the matter
up.
Tell me- he said, what you arc
thinking Of.
Il was thinking" she replied SLOWLY
"of how l could help some one VINO
has been very good to me.
Not a difficult matter, surely-1or
you:"
ut is very difficult" she said. "un-
der the circumstances. The person l
want to help is poc- and, TeIy 2roI''
She was looking down at the table
cloth and studiously avoiding his eyes.
Can l be of any assistance:' he
said.
"You-why-" she laughed. Yes.
perhaps you can. l will think about 1t
and let you know
There was new sympathy III hef
voice and manner. and Hamlyn felt Il
mad desire to take her there and then
in his arms and cover her face with
kisses.
But there was no opportunity to tell
her of his love. Immediately after
lunch they were obliged to hurry Off to
meet Miss Stafford at a matinee, ana
Hamlyn had no further chance OF i
tete-a-tete with Alice. but he arranged
satisfactorily a meeting for Monday
afternoon. when he determined TO pu'
his fate to the test.
You will not forget he said at part
ing. ito let me help you in the matter
Won mentioned:
No" she replied with singular looS
ON her face. Il will not forget
AS Everard walked home he recalled
her tones. her face, the fair. flushed
cheeks. sweet mouth, earnest DfoW'
and eyesso softest fire. There wa:
that in her look which satisfied him.
He was awakened from his revere
bv an urchin inQuiring what oclocs
il was. For the second time that da!
he mechanically tugged at his Watcl
chain.
"Confound it." he exclaimed as II
reoIized his loss. Il never knew ina
it was such nuisance to be without
watch. l must get it out first thin;
on Monday morning.
The urchin graSpinS the sltuatlo'
ran away grinning.
On Sunday Hamlyn again hethoush
himself to the watch.
Il had better study the ticket, d
said, land see what ! shall have I
pay
He fumbled in his waistcOat pocket
it was not there. He tried the other
with the same result. With CROWN
uneasineSS he searched in every pocse
Of the clothes he had worn on the Sa
! urday. but the pawn ticket was not
be found.