The Irish standard., 1900-04-07

Hamlyn had Il chance of taking Miss
Valentine out alone.
The constant companionship. how
ever, had brought about the usual re-
suit Hamlyn was not an intlam-
mablc man. lie had reached the ma
ture age of 30-not unsought after
without having succumbed to feili-
nine charms. But there was some
thing about the fair American which
fascinated him in spite of himself.
To-day. as she came into his ROOM
Il perfect vision of freshness and love
illness in the gloomy atmosphere Of
the Temple, Hamlyn WAS conscious of
Il certain shyness and reserve in her
manner that he had no. noticed be-
fore.
Il don't believe 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 Namlyn 81
have been waiting impatiently for
YOU
Am l. rcally??" replied Alice
What is the time theno"
He pulled at his watch chain me-
chanically. forgetfnl 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"
She was walking around the room,
glancing at the Notwithstanding
books and the papers tied with pink
tape, getting. as she expressed it. the
"atmospherc' of the place.
1T must be just lovely to work
here" she said. Everything seems
so old and historic. ! believe | should
only have to sit here Il few hours Il
day and | should become II lawyer by
breathing the air"
(Which reminds me-" said lIamlyn,
"that ! have been breathing air quite
long enough and want lunch. Where
shall we go?"
Alice Valentine hcsitated
Look here" she said at last, 81
want to say something to you. You
have been taking me about such IL
lot and have done nothing for you.
feel real mean. want you to let
me stand you lunch to-day"
lie shook his head laughingly.
"lou forget" he said, that you are
my guest; but | want you to say
where yo'l would like to CO.
He named Il welI-known restaurant
in PiccadiIly, where she knew the
prices were ruinous
NO" she said, don't let us go
there. Will you take me to one of
those little bohemian places you told
Inc of where you get Il table d'hote
lunch for Is pence. | should love to
go. 1T would be II new experience"
"lou look too smart he replied.
glancing at her admiringly: "but |
tell you what ] will do We will split
the difference and so to Il kind of
semi-fashionablc place where you
shall see all sorts and conditions of
people and hear Il band'
Once OF twice during lunch. when
conversation tagged. IIanlyn 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
you?'
cit is very difficult" she said. "un-
der the circumstances. The person l
want to help is poor and. l think, very
proud
She was looking down at the table
cloth. and studiously avoiding his
eyes.
Can I be Of any assistancc?" he
said
"Nou--why-" she laughed. "Yes,
perhaps you can. | will think about
it and let you know"
There was new sympathy in her
voice and manner and lIamlyn felt
Il 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 h,lr-
ry off to meet Miss Stafford AT Il matt
nee. and llamlyn had no further
chance of Il tctc-a-tcte with Alice. but
he arranged satisfactorily meeting
for Monday afternoon. when he deter.
mined to put his fate to the test.
"lou will not forget" he said, at
parting. ito let me help you in the
matter you mcntioncd?
NO" she replied. with Il singular
look ON her face. 81 will not forget.
AS Everard walked bone he recalled
her tones. her face. he fair. flushed
checks. sweet mouth. earnest brows
and eyes of softcst fire. There was
that in her look which satisfied him
He was awakened from his revert,
by an urchn inquiring what O'Clock
it was. For the second time that da,
he mechanically tugged at his watcl
chain.
"Confound it," he exclaimed. as h.
realized his loss. 81 never knew tha
it was such a nuisance to be with
out watch. | must get it out frs
thing on Monday morning"
The urchin. grasping the situation
ran away. grinning.
On Sunday lIamIyn again bcthough
himself of the watch.
81 had better study the ticket" h
said "und see what | shall have II