Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1903-10-24
N QUEST
OF
BARSDALE.

lar about the graceful sweep OF the
blue tailor-made gown ahead, and Ellis
worth's heart quickened with his pace
as he hurried forward to overtake the
owner of it.
Edythe Carol always had a blue
tailor-made gown; he recollected this
with the fastidiousness common to men
who urge delicate point of correct
ness in the harmony Of a woman's
dress.
Miss Carrol-Edythe!" he called,
''I'm not mistaken, am II"
The girl turned abruptly, quick
smile of welcome sweeping over her
face.
TON Ellsworth, of all people in the
world" was her greeting.
$50 good of you to recognize me-"
he returned, relieving her OF a triaing
bundle. Five years bring many
changes"
mot between old friends" she
amended archly. But what brings you
to New York so-unexpectedly, should
I say?"
I'm a measure, yes,'' he replied, his
face clouding little. More definite
ly speaking, nasty piece of business.
He looked at her musingly, as though
debating the propfiety of fuller ex-
PLANTATION.
TOO bad!" was her comment: u
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 refectively into her
upturned blue eyes and after a mo-
ment, added:
THE fact isl am here in the pur-
suit of a scoundrel."
Edythe glanced at him in quick sur
prise, then laughed.
"Imagine!" 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.
ooh, 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
~ turned into cross street.
81 am taking you home to dinner"
explained she, the first to speak; you
have no other engagement"
Ellsworth answered with negative
shake of his head.
THAT is right. want you to meet
my husband, and"
"Your husband. Impossible! Are
you really marrled?"
"Why, of course" she returned, with
a charming blush. Does it seem so
very absurd to you?"
ooh, no! Only you gave me some
thing of start; hadn't heard; that's
ALL"
Indeed? Then l shall have to for
give you, l 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:
Naturally. Good taste usually ex-
hibits itself in the choice of a husband
as in other things"
Edythe gave him a 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 l had better tell you a lit
tie of the thing first, and you might
submit it 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 a moments hesitation, II dislike
to obtrude this affair upon you. /"
he broke off, gazing straight ahead of
him trifle uncertainty.
She waited for him to go on, but he
said nothing and presently she spoke:
1T 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 strange, ap-
pealing way.
His name is BarsGale," he saiG
slowly. He broke her heart and left
the place-for New York, l have every
reason to believe
"Barsdale!" she repeated, whitening
to the lips.
He glanced at her, startled, sick
ening fear at his heart. Something in
the deepening eyes, the tense tone and
colorless face made him mute.
"Barsdale, did you say!'' she de-
manGed again, in strained voice, one
trembling hand involuntarily clasping
his coat sleeve.
What seemed an interminable pause
ens,.cd before Ellsworth spoke.
why, yes" he said in matter-of-
fact way. quite q common name
here, believe" This was lie, and
he knew it, but it was the only thing
to 90.
"And this happened in-in?-"
"In San Francisco"
The girls heart almost stopped beat
ing. A strange, broken look came into
her face and her ewes dulled. But in