The Van Buren press., 1900-04-14

valentine out alone.
The constant companionship, how
ever, had brought about the usual re-
suit. Hamlyn was not an inham-
mable man. He had reached the ma
ture age of 30-not unsought after
without haying sgccgmbea &c fem:
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
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 be-
fore.
II don't believe | ought to come
here by myself" she said, as she
closed the door. 81 wonder what
Aunt Catherine would say to it,"
"You are late" said Hamlyn. 81
have been waiting impatently fol
you"
Am |, really?' replied Alice
"What is the time, them"
He pulled at his watch chain me-
chanieally, 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 one,
fancy"
She was walking around the room
glancing at the ponderous-looking
books and the papers tied with pink
tape, getting, as she expressed 1t, the
atmosphere of the place.
ut must be just lovely to work
here" she said. Everything seems
so old and historic. ! believe should
only have to sit here few hours a
day and should become Il lawyer by
breathing the air."
(Which reminds me-" said llamlyn
that | have been breathing air quite
long enough and want lunch. Where
shall we go?"
Alice Valentine hesitated.
Look here" she said, at last, 81
want to say something to you. You
have been taking me about such a
lot aud ] have done nothing for you
! fee! rea! mean. want you to !c.
me stand you lunch to-day"
lie shook his head laughlngly
"You forget he said, that you are
my guest; but | want you to say
where you would like to go.'
lie named a well-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 little bohemian places you told
me Of where you get table d'hote
lunch for IS pence. ] should love to
go. 1t would be new experience"
"You look too smart he replied,
glancing at her admiringly; "but !
tell you what ] will do. We will split
3 difference and ro to kind OF
semi-fashionable place where you
shall see all sorts and conditions OF
people and hear a band"
Once Of twice during lunch, when
conversation tagged, 1Iamlyn noticed
again the thoughtful expression on
her face. At last he took the mat
ter up,
"rell 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
yon?"
at is very ditlicult," she said, "un.
der the circumstances, The person
want to help is poor and, think, very
proud"
She was looking down at the table
cloth, and studiously avoiding his
eyes.
"Can ! be OF any assistance" he
said.
"You-why-" she laughed, "Yes,
perhaps you can. ] will think about
IL and let you know"
There was new sympathy in her
voice and manner, and Ilamlyn felt
n 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 hur-
ry of TO meet Miss Stafford at matt
nee, and llamlyn had no further
chance OF tcte-a-tete with Alice, but
he arranged satisfactorily meeting
for Monday afternoon, when he deter
mined to put his fate to the test,
"You will not forget" he suid, at
parting, "to let me help you in the
matter you mentonedP'
mo" she replied, with singular
look on her face, 81 will not forget" ="
As Everard walked home he recalled
her tones, her face, the fair, flushed
cheeks, sweet mouth, earnest brows
and eyes Of sOfiest fire. There was
that in her look which satisfied him,
He was awakened from his rcvcric
by an urchin inquiring what o'clock
II wns, For the second time that dny
he mechanically tugged at his wotch
chain,
"Confound III" he exclaimed, ny he
realized his loss, ~ never knew that
Il was such nuisance to he with
out watch. must get II out first
thing ON Monday morning"
The urchin, grasping the situation,
ran away grlnning.
On Sunday llomlyn again bethought
himself of the watch,
81 had better study the ticket" he
said. "nnd see what shall have to
pay"
He fumbed In his wnlstcont pocket I;