The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1901-10-05
A BRIEF iNFATUAT1oN.

Blake, could only gaze at her in silent
[ rapture
She. too, was muSician-a bond Of
union between us that I had been charHl-
ca 70 observe-for she kept beside her
and guarded it With jealous care violin
case Mine reposed in the rack.
Suddenly nay beautiful vis-a-vis dropped
! her book Hastily I stopped and gave
| 1t 70 her. and she thanked NE With
smile that revealed purest white rather
| large teeth. shall We soon arrive at
! Bale?" she asked.
| We have four hours before we reach
/ Bale" I answered. You have had
! long journey alreadv2"
Yes. and I have a weary time before
me, am going on to London
so" I said eagerly, have 1. I am
/ going TO Rome II am a musician-a
I professional. You play the violin. too?'
Yes" she answered; yes, 1 play.
| The scenery isn't much to boast about
| here" I observed quickly. But that's
a rather pretty chalet. isn't it?'
Yes" she agreed; I should rather
| like TO live in a house of that dsscrip-
| tion-so peaceful, so quiet. far removed
| from the roar OF the world" She sighed
I deeply and 7 instantly fell TO conjecturing
| what shadow Of sorrow had darkened
that young life. I noticed that when we
| stopped at a staten she betrayed some
| uneasiness.
head, pardon me il 1 tell you that I
can see you are in trouble; that some
| thing is causing you uneasiness Believe
ne when 1 say that l only long TO help
you; that you may command my services
in any capacity
Would you really help me?" she asked
IN those low, rich tones that acted on
my nervous system like music "Ah, I
need q friendr
Then. Geofrey Wilmot is at your ser.
vice." I cried enthusiastically. Com
mand me to do anything and it shall be
done
THANK you" she said. with sigh.
holding out her hand which I took and
| kissed. I'VE are nearing -, are we
not?''
Yes" I said
I wonder" che said. 'Gf you would
mind getting me a glass of water. I'm
so thirsty "
Delighted to obey her slightest wish,
few to the buffet. and was absent but
paniOn thanked me very swsetly. but
barely touched the water There's a
commotion here" I said cheerfully.
There are some policemen looking for
thief, hear, who is supposed to be
escaping.
a my words my com. anion sank back
against the cushions.
IL i al over Win me, she murmur-
ed. Mr.. WilmOt, you said you would
be my friend. The time has come for YOU
TO prove it if you meant what you said"
'What-what do you means" I asked
aghast Coed heavens! You are not a
theft"
Thief no. she answered rapidly
And is no thief that is being searched
Tor. 1 am a political refugee. I am es-
Gaping TO England, the land of the free
II l am caught now, death, and worse
VIII be my portion. Oh. save me from
q rate dare not contemplated Save me
now, and I'll bless you forevermore,'
But what is it I am to dor I asked
anXously. Tell me, and will do it,"
gu must only say when the men
quickly That Will disarm all suspi-
cion''
1t was with feelings of mingled anxiety
and excitement that l waited the adj
vent Of the gendaImes. They came-an
official, awe-inspiring quartet-and thrust
In oefeathered heads. looking at us with
severe eyes.
Your names" said the leader author
Godfrey and Margaret wfmot.
brother and sister," I answered.
We must search the carriage" said
the. OFFICIALS. and accordingly they did so
most thoroughly, even going to the length
OF insisting On my Gladstone being open
ed and examining my collar box
Evidently he is not here" said one
on %
Did you hear?" I asked excitedlv as
the intruders laboriously descended TO
the platform where an interested crowd
watched their proceedings. The man
Yes, yes. heard" my companion
answered hastily. Have you any
brandy? II feel as though 1 should
faint"
In great alarm I hunted for my flask
and gave It TO her
There" she said. with a SIGH. "I
'eei better now, and, thank heaven. the
train is moving on. I shall never forget
your Kindness, Mr.. Wilmot-never.
She leaned toward me so that her
loose flowing hair almost brCshed my
lace. Almost involuntarily 1 carried a
curl to my lips and kissed it.
such lovely hair" 1 said in apology.
reddening Forgive me. Miss-''
viii, perhaps. send you a little bit
as a Keepsake. as a memento Of your
great Kindness to me-" my companion
said bewitchingly. NO, 1 will not tell
you my name now. Give me your adj
dress in Rome, and I win write you from
London"
1 complied with her request. inwardly
resolved that I would not allow the
friendship thus begun TO lapse. How
said TO her with a sigh as we steam
ed INTO Bale-'how / wish I were going
10 Calais You win be quite safe. you
think2'
Quite. now" she answered brightly.
Shall 1 never forget your
shall 1 never forget your I retorted !
warmly Never.
Il don't suppose" she said slowly, you
She said no more. but descended from
the carriage. I following her. thinking /
how wonderfully she carried OF her /
great height
we viii part now she said pausine I
at the entrance TO the waiting room. /
Your train starts soon. Good-by, NIr. /
Wilmot"
You viii not forget your promise I 4
said entreadngly, toto write TO me.
toto send me"
looked az her beautiful hair. she
laughed and nodded her head
You shall have il" she said softly.
DO not fear"
could scarcely wait for that promised
letter from my beautiful unknown. Of
whose name even I was ignorant But
one Gay Shere came a parcel from Lon
don rather r bulky ore. addressed in
bold hand 7 removed fold after fold Of
tissue paper tilI at length the object Of
such careful backing lay before me. ard +
started 10 utter stupid amazenent ard
bcVildermen at-a golden wig 5f the
loveliest hair Imaginable. AMI pinned
- the sc7lp was letter addressed 10
me. X rs1d rs follows
You see / am keeping my weri as
regards sendiEg YOU a lock Of hair with /
great generosity for J am sending vo-s /
the whole hieCmiTE concern. 7 don't {
know when I enjoyed anything more thau
those few hours with Won. my impress
sioDalle young friend. You were 81 great
~ Q