Hattiesburg daily progress. (Hattiesburg, Miss.) 18??-1909, 1903-11-25
IN QUEST
OF
BARSDALE.


There was something subtly famil
lar about the graceful sweep OF tn
blue tailor-made gown ahead, and Ellis
worth's heart quickened with his pac
as he hurried forward to overtake tn
owner of it.
Edythe Carol always had blu
tailor made gown; he recollected Thu
with the fastidiousness common to mel
who urge a delicate point of correct
ness In the harmony of a woman''
dress.
Miss Carrol-Edythe!" he called
I'm not mistaken, am II"
The girl turned abruptly. a quicl
smile Of welcome sweeping over hel
face.
TON Ellsworth, of all people in the
world" was her greeting. RI
80 good of you to recognize me,
he returned, relieving her of a trifine
bundle. Five years bring many
changes"
Not between old friends" she
amended archly. But what brings you
to New York so-unexpectedly, should
I say"
Ellsworth inclined his head.
"In a measure, yes he replied, his
face clouding a little. More definite
ly speaking, a nasty piece of business
He looked at her musingly, as though
debating the propriety of fuller ex-
PLANTATION.
TOO bad," was her comment; Il
was beginning to think that perhaps
we were going to have you back in the
old circle again" Her voice conveyed
the delicate compliment of regret.
Ellsworth looked refiectively into her
upturned blue eyes and after a mo-
ment, added:
THE fact isl am here in the pur-
suit OF scoundrel."
Edythe glanced at him in quick sur
prise, then laughed.
Imagined" she exclaimed, "a trag-
edy in real life! How interesting"
He did not answer anything then
but merely stared at her vaguely, his
face paling.
Its on account of my little sister,"
he said briefly, after a silence.
"Oh, beg your pardon" she apollo
gized hastily, Il didn't dream of-of
anything like that"
They walked on in silence up the
crowded, sunlight avenue. and present
ly turned into a cross street
81 am taking you home to dinner"
explained she, the first to speak; you
have no other engagement"
Ellsworth answered with a negative
shake Of his head.
That is right. want you to meet
my husband, and"
Your husband. Impossible! Are
you really married."
"Why, Of course" she returned, with
charming blush. Does it seem so
very absurd to you?"
"Oh, no! Only you gave me some
thing Of a start; / hadn't heard; that's
ALL Y.
Indeed? Then | shall have to for
give you, / suppose. Jack Is such
dear-you'll be sure to like him; every
body does"
Ellsworth was not so certain of add
ing himself to this list; the memory of
other days was still too fresh, but he
crushed this thought and replied cour-
teously, If little mendaciously:
3 Naturally. Good taste usually ex-
hibits itself in the choice Of husband
as in other things"
Edythe gave him winning smile.
He had touched her weak spot.
And by the way" Ellsworth went
on in another tone, doubtless he can
be of some assistance to me in locat-
ing my man."
Very likely. Jack is awfully popu-
lar; knows all kinds Of people.
He appeared to be bordering some
thing a moment before he said:
Perhaps had better tell you a lit
tie Of the thing first, and you might
submit 1t to him afterward. We are
are such old friends" he added by way
Of explanation.
Just as you wish" Her voice was
sweet and easy.
But, after ALL" Ellsworth pursued
after moments hesitation, Il dislike
to obtrude this affair upon you. l."
be broke off. gazing straight ahead of
him trifie uncertainty.
She waited for him to go on, but he |
said nothing and presently she spoke: |
at will be all right" she said gent
ly; I'VE shall be glad to do what we
can for YOU
Ellsworth drew a deep breath and |
turned his eyes on her in a strange, ap-
pealing way.
His name is Barsdale,' he said |
slowly. HE broke her heart and left |
he place New York, have every |
reason to believe"
"Barsdale!" she repeated, whitening
% the lips.
s He glanced at her, startled, a sick |
ming fear at his heart Something In |
he deepening eyes. the tense tone and |
.olorless face made him mute.
'Barsdale, did you say!- sne de-
handed again. In a strained voice, one /
trembling hand involuntarily clasping.
lis coat sleeve.
What seemed an interminable pause
'nsued before Ellsworth spoke. |
Why. yea" he said in q matter-of-
act way. Quite a common name
lere. / believe" This was a lie, and
10 knew it, but it was the only thing
b do.
J And this happened in-in?-"
I'm San Francisco."