, 1900-05-10
feeling sorry for her. Notwithstanding
her constant ungraciousnA4a

Wlsu VIC were u nave u Week :
holiday" he. said. II think . few
days in the country would do YOU
good, Miss Leigh; you look quite pale"
Pray don't disturb yourself; the
makeup will conceal any paIeness."
You know well | am not worried
about your appearance on the stage.
l hate to e you looking ILL.," He
spoke harshly. He was annoyed at
her wiilful misunderstanding Of his
words. but as he looked down into
the tired girlish face his voice soft
ened, and he continued kindly: Il do
wish you would let me be your friend
The tears sprang into her eyes. For
an instant he thought she was going
to break through her reserve. but she
hastily brushed her hand across her
eyes.
"They are weak" she said ~defantly.
81 shouldn't think you would desire
to have a 'stage-struck baby for a
friend"
q Margaret, is that the trouble?
Have y1u been harboring those
thoughtless words of mine all this
time? How did you know what l said
Surely Marsh wouldn't repeat our con-
versatIon."
mo, indeed; on the contrary. l had
the pleasure Of hearing you. You may
remember that the stage was quite
dark after the rehearsal and as | came
haol, 10 AVA n n1nuo I had Irnnnai
heard my name mentioned. Hoping in
my trustful Ignorance to hear some
thing encouraging, or even a helpful
criticism. I listened, for | W.. anxious
to do my part we'll"
Don't you think you have punished
me long enough for words that I re-
greet most sincerely? l would like to
be friends with YOU" There was a
ring OF tenderness in his voice that
most any one would have found hard
to resist.
Thank you,'' she answered. 81
have no time for friends"
Cyril turned away. deeply hurt. He
determined never to bother her again
Will dH OHtl u IlCuuoulp. n uOtCi
mination he adhered to in the letter,
but not in the spirit. as he was ION.
stantly wishing to do her some little
service. She was strangely attractive
to him.
One moonlight night Margaret was
walking home after the play. She was
tired, and she hoped that the cool night
air would revive her, SO she strolled
along slowly until she became con-
scious of a step behind her that seemed
to follow hers. She fastened a little.
and was annoyed to find that the step
was changed to suit her pace. She came
with relief to a corner where she al
ways TUNED to a side street. but when
she discovered that her follower also
turned she was dismayed. A great
feeling of fright took possession OF
her, and she decided, without a mo-
ment's hesitation, to seek protection
somewhere. Seeing a brightly lighted
house, she ran swiftly up the steps. and
was just about to pull the bell, when
to her absolute horror. she heard her
pursuer bound up behind her.
Her heart almost stopped beating.
an Idea hat she was to be carried on
bodily came into her mind. and she
trembled with fear.
"Well, what are you doing here. Miss
Leigh, at the door Of my boarding
house? Did you want to see some one?
I have a latchkey."
20, Mr.. Lawnsdale, is 1t really you?
I thought you we're some horrible man
that was following me. I was so
nervous and silly l came up here to get
away from you" Margaret tried to
speak lightly, but the tears would
come.
you poor little woman, I wouldn't
have frightened you SO for worlds"
Cyril said, rejecting with a smile on
the many, many nights he had followed
her to see that no harm overlook her.
You must allow me to take you
home
mo, indeed, l don't want you to-"
she replied between sobs.
THAT has nothing to do with 1t. II
you are as v as all this. you
need a protector" He gently tucked
her arm through his and led her down
the steps. Yes. dear little girl, you
certainly need a protector, and most
respectfully apply for a life appoint
ment in the place. VIII you marry me.
for I love you. Margaret"
She was too weak and exhausted to
argue the question, 80 she simply chung
to his arm a little tighter, and said:
now can you, Cyril, when I've al
ways been SO horrid?"
He leaned down. in the shadow Of
a great building and kissed her.
Accounting for the Family.