The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1900-11-11

had lost. II he were to clasp in his arms
some child of Alan's after all these years.
Paul was perfectly convinced that he would
lose all interest in the other Haywood
kinsfolk He had never been particularly
fond of Paul to begin with; and only turned
TO Pauls children because he had no one
else of his own name. They would all have
very little chance in comparison with
Alans own child.
But here Mr.. Haywood pulled himself up
suddenly in his reflection. What nonsense
Ii was, he said to himself, to attribute any
Importance to a mere passing likeness.
which was no doubt purely accidental.
How Maggie would laugh at him if she
knew the direction that his thoughts had
takenl OF course there could be ques-
ton about it. If Alan had left a child, the
family would have heard of it before now.
Why it must be ten years since Alan's
death, and the squire had never breathed a
word concerning a widow or a family.
Stay! There had been run.or; some
thing about a woman whom Alan had met
at Oxford. But she had made no sign, anG
there had been no inquiries respecting her
Mr.. Haywood was almost vexed with him.
self for coming TO this circus, and moral
lied a little en- the desirability of keeping
away from doubtful places. mot but what
circus is considered harmless place OF
recreation he said to himself. land l
could not very well lave deprived Dick and
BERTHE of the pleasure that they had been
anticipating Paul was a precise man,
and sometimes expressed himself some
what pedantically ST think my nerves
must be out of order" he continued 10
himself. "or 1 should not be so ready to
imagine likenesses where none can exist
1 wish Maggie had been with me- She
would doubtless have pointed out many
things in which this girl in red bears no
resemblance to poor Alan
But in the second part of the performance
Mr. Haywood became uneasily conscious
that his impressions of the likeness were
deepened. instead of being dissipated, by
the light of reason and Of hope. The girl
in red was the living image of Alan Hey
wood-there could be no dispute about that.
Looking at her between his half-closed
eyelids, the illusion was complete. Alan
himself was before Lim-leaping and laugh
ing as he used to do in his gayest boyish
days. AS the rector and his little sons
came out of the booth they halted before
stall. where man was selling cheap por-
traits of the performers, as well as toys
and sweets.
Buy the most N arvelous horsewoman,
sir. A photo of NademoiselIe Lauretta on
the horses hack. with hoop in her hand
Lovely photo, sir the queen OF the lady
ridersr'
How much is it?" said Mr. Haywood,
shortly.
lone shilling. If you please. sir, and
cheap at thu price. Here's bigger one at
two-and-six."
II will take the shilling one." said the
rector, abruptly. while the little boys looked
on in silent amaze.
II suppose you want to show it to mum
nay. don't.you daddy?" Dick inquiredswith
interest "She was a stunning rider.
wasn't she? When 1 am grown up, L will
be circus rider, too"
You'll have your work cut out for YOU
then" said mis- father, with a smile. but
this was the only attempt at a pleasantly
which Paul Haywood made on his way
home, and the children were somewhat
surprised at his silence for he was in the
habit of enlivening their walks with sue
they very much appreciated.
When the children had gone to bed, he
laid the photograph silently on the table
before his wife. and was not surprised 20
see that she started, and uttered an ex-
clamation of establishment.
why Paul." she said, where did you
get that photograph? 1t is Alan, is 1t
not?"
II thought So" said Heywod with
groan.
You thought that 1t was Alan-what
do you mean? 1t is Alan. is it not, taken
IN the fancy dress that I remember"
TT is not Alan at ALL" said the rector
'It is the photograph of one Of the circus
riders whom 1 saw performing this after
noon. That's the remarkable part Of it,
Maggie. Is not the likeness very ex-
traordinary?"
Maggie. fair. pretty little woman. with
an anxious line in her forehead, caught
w the photograph quickly, and looked at
it again.
Not at ALL" she said at once. at was
misled by something in the pose 1t is not
a bit like Alan. 1t was the dress that
reminded me of him-the dress and the at
away. and don't let old Mr.. Haywood
see it."
But, Maggie" said the rector hesitat-
ingly, Maggie. ought we not to do some
thing?"
What is there for us to do?" said
Maggie, with great sharpness. What
does it matter to us if a circus rider is
little bit like poor Alan Haywood?
We know very well that she
can't possibly be relation of
ours-it is girl. is it not? And
dear me. Paul. you surely don't wish to
allege any relationship between yourself
and girl who dresses like that, and rides
horses in circus at a fair? There could
of course, be no connection: and just ia
think of the poor old squire's distress of
mind If such thing were possiblel Why
1t would break his heart"
81 thought" said Paul. very slowly and
hesitatingly, that it would be a comfort
TO him IL his son had left child"
$50 like man. said Maggie with an
impatient twist of her shoulder do you
think Mr.. Haywood wants more disgrace
upon his name? And there's Dick to think
of. Paul-you must remember Dick"
1t seemed like putting an evil motive into
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