The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1903-09-16
CHAPTER vlli.-contInued.

Not Like Other Girls.
Maya listened in silence, yet Breakspear
knew that her silence did not mean In
difference. 1t was electrical and thrilled
him.
Il called your picture the Lady of the
Lilies" he said at last. II could not
bear to think then that that man was
your father, and now have seen you,
somehow I know that what he said
was not true"
mo. 1t was not true" Maya echoed,
speaking for the first time since his eX-
PLANTATION had begun. "And-you came
to satan's Tor to find out-the secret of
the Maltese crosse"
Il don't think came for that after
all" said Jim in changed tone. 1T was
that wanted to know at first, but"
If not that at last what was it?
Il dare not tell YOU"
but I wish you to tell me-
You would be angry if told you. and
you would have a right to be angry"
Not II you speak at my request. If
you are to stay here in this house, it is
necessary that 1 should know exactly what
brought you to such lonely place. where
no strangers come except for some special
purpose And l will believe your word
for l am sure you would not deceive me-"
I would cut off my right hand sooner"
exclaimed Breakspear, passionately CRATE
you, then, why I came here. hoped
that coming might lead me to you"
She gave a quick start. why to me?
You-you knew nothing of me--or mine?"
L told you l had seen your picture. And
I would have gone to worlds end to see
you ONLY couldn't bargain with that
wretch for the chance Of meeting his
daughter which he offered me. 1t would
have been dissertation. I couldn't have
looked you in the face If I had met YOU
In such way. Now-you are angry,
as said you would be?'
No said Maya, softly. mo" She
paused for moment as If studying the
words She must say next. Then: "You
see, l am not like other girls Of my age
They might be either angry or pleased
according to their natures If man came
a long way to see them because ola
photograph. But I am far removed from
the interests that make up other girls
lives. 1t Is as If I were In convent, or
else very, very old. I am not happy, yet
must go on living because I have duty
to perform which to me is sacred. I can't
explain to you quite what 1 mean. but it
Is as II l saw the world as your Tenny-
sons Lady of Shalott' saw it, only in
mirror-a passing pageant In the distance.
which can really mean nothing to me-"
Her voice quivered over the last SEN
tence In a childish way, and when she
turned quickly from him, Jim knew with
pang that 1t was to hide rising tears.
He knew, also, tho she did not say the
difficult thing in so many words, that
she held out no hope to man who dared
, to worship her. .'
IT can't bear to hear you speak SOL"
he broke out. You, who are so beauti-
full, SO far beyond other women-oh,
know ought not to talk to you like this,
but how can I help 1t? You saved my
life yesterday. T would give 1t for you
aladfy;s toyfuifys tho to you am a. strang-
forget that. L seem to have known you
always. Ever since saw your photo
graph you have been like the air !
breathed, the blood that ran in my
veins; have not had a thought that did
not hold you"
Don't! don't"' implored the girl 81
must not listen 1t is Of no use. It never
could be of any use."s ......,, 81. p .-..
You mean II / laid my life at your
feet-as do-you could not care enough
for me to accept it? But let me try
give me at'least chance"
"There Is no chance" cried Maya. 'It
is not a question of caring. need moi
think of that, OF what might have beer
were I as other girls. I asked you to tel
me why you came to Dartmoor, SO I can
not blame you for what you have said
But now, If you go on, you will drive me
away from you. I want to be here Otter
and help you to get well. but If you make
1t impossible for me-
II will not Forgive me-" Jim pleaded
IT must have been mad. But at least
If you can really trust me- let me be your
friend. You say you are unhappy, ant
I can't help guessing that the man of the
black portmanteau has somehow caused
your trouble" go -..,r. ..... los.
mo, he did not cause it," - ~. IS
Increased it.. then" u.s.. a... ,.......
She did not answer; and Jim took il
that silence gave consent.
LET me help you. I know that an
not very wise, but am in earnest. There
is nothing would not do for you, be.
lieve me-"
II cannot be helped" she answered
sadly. Yesterday you nearly lost YOU
life because I consented to accept hell
from a man who was sure that he could
give It,"
"All the moralists would be agains
me-" said Jim, yet I can't put ava!
from my mind kind Of respect for tina
man, because there was nothing he WASH
ready to do in your service. had almos
said that I wished he had succeeded"
I'm killing your
mo, am too selfish. Besides, hadn'
deserved his vengeance. But the other
how he has injured you I don't know ant
I would not ask if I had not so strong
q conviction that could serve you ever
tho some one else had failed"
after ALL you see,' the girl cut il
with certain bitterness, you see 1t i
the secret of the Maltese cross you ar
trying to find out, here on Dartmoor."
II care nothing for the Maltese cross
It is for you I care, and + don't ever
know your name.'
"My Christian name will tell you. ]
is Maya. And as for the other. If YOU wer
to ask Mr. Truro and his sister with whor