Republican news item. [volume] (Laport, Pa.) 1896-19??, 1900-07-19

a 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 before.
II don't believe ought to come here
by myself" she said as she closed the
door. II wonder what Aunt Catherine
would say to it."
You are late" said Hamlyn. II
have been waiting gimpatiently for you"
"Am l 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-lookins
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. l believe l should
only have to sit here 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 a lot
and / have done nothing for you.
feel real mean. l want you to let me
stand you lunch today"
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 go.''
He named a well-known restaurant
in Piccadilly, where she knew the
prices We're ruinous.
NO." she said, don't let us go there.
Will you take me to one of those little
bohemian places you told me of where
you get table dhote lunch for Is
pence. l should love to go. 1t would
be a new experience.
"You look too smart" he replied.
glancing at her admiringly. but tell
you what l 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 and
hear band"
Once or twice during lunch, when
conversation dragged, Hamlyn noticed
again the thoughtful expression ON
her face. At last he took the matter
up.
Tell me-" he said, what You are
thinking Of"
II was thinking" she replied slowly.
.'of how / could help some one who
has been very good to me-"
Not a difficult matter, surely-for
you?"
1T is very difficult" she said, "un-
der the circumstances. The person l
want to help is poor and, veiy 2rcI..
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. 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 to tell
her of his love. Immediately after
lunch they were obliged to hurry off to
meet Miss Stafford at matinee, and
Hamlyn had no further chance of a
tete-a-tete with Alice, but he arranged
satisfactorily meeting for Monday
afternoon, when he determined to put
his fate to the test.
"You will not forget" he said at part
ing, ito let me help you in the matter
you mentioned?"
NO" she replied with singular look
on her face. IL will not forget
AS Everard walked home he recalled
her tones, her face, the fair, flushed
cheeks, sweet mouth, earnest brows
and eyes Of softest fire. There was
that in her look which satisfied him.
He was awakened from his reverie
by an urchin inQuiring what o'clock
it was. For the second time that day
he mechanically tugged at his watch
chain.
"Confound it!'' he exclaimed as he
realized his loss. Il never knew tnat
it was such a nuisance to be without a
watch. ! must get it out first thing
on Monday morning"
The urchin grasping the situation
ran away grinning.
On Sunday Hamlyn again bethought
himself to the watch.
II had better study the ticket" he
said, "and see what shall have to
pay"
He fumbled in his waistcoat pocket;
it was not there. He tried the others
with the same result. With growing
uneasiness he searched in every pocket