The San Francisco call., 1904-08-14


stood him-he was utterly unable to
hide his impulses either for good or
evil. Esther knew tonight that he
loved her; she read his story in every
glance.
Yes" he continued impulsively,
throwing away his cigarette and bend
ing over her until she could feel his
hot breath upon her cheek, you are
the most beautiful thing in all the
world Paris has told you so, but it
is the truth. Your face haunts met
haunts me, I sayi / shall come to the
Avenue Hoche tomorrow shall fol-
low you wherever you go; defy you
10 forbid me"
She was a little afraid OF his sud
den ardor and she stood uD to escape
a gesture which was almost a caress.
I have no right to see you," she
protested. And there is Doctor Xa-
vier-he is looking for me.'
The doctor, indeed, had already re-
turned, and stood now in the door or
the conservatory, watching her with
that close scrutiny Of which she was
conscious sometimes even when she
could not see his face. A little TO her
surprise, he did not address her COM
panion, nor did the Prince wait for
him TO do so. Simply saying, Until
tomorrow" the young man bowed
and left her, and she went up, in some
confusion. TO her friend.
7 have been waiting for you" she
, pleaded. 1t must be very late
A coHtented smile crossed his face,
snd he drew her arm through his own.
''It is time for Us to so home. CANA
rade," he said: '-our work is done"
- 4 4 inc Of hfS
words Alright. nor could she quite un-
oerstand that almost pathetic kindness
with which he had treated her since
they quilted Spain. The vast rooms
were stir crowded when she returned
20 them. Eyes followed her now as
they had followed her two hours ago.
She heard the echo of voices, the
music OF the viOlins; and then she
passed out TO the crowded courtyard,
and finding their brougham, she asked
why they were alone.
My sister has gone on 10 the house
OF the COmte de Fleury," was his an
sWer. DO not be anxious about her,
camarade; she is old enough to take
care Of herself. I wish 10 talk to you
a little tonight: We shall have few
opportunities
The carriage rolled out into the
broad Faubourg St. German, and the
darkness Of the gloomy street fell
upon them. Esther became aware that
the. doctor was still holding her hand
and regarding her with those deep-set
eyes which, she thought, could read
her very soul For five months now
she had been as closely associated with
this stfNnge personality as any daugh-
ter with the father of her house;
nevertheless she could say that he was
almost a stranger still Moods of gem
tleness or Of irritation, absent moods
The zeal Of the scientist. sometimes the
passion Of the fanatic and the exile,
bafied and repelled her. Tonight his
voice was caressing as a child's. He
held her hand affectionately while he
spoke She understood that he had 10
tell Of grave matters.
Esther" he said presently, Il made
a promise 70 you in London six months
ago say, camarade, have 1 kept it
or have ] failed?''
You have kept it-kept it q
hundred times." she exclaimed re-
proachfully. Il have known moth
ing but happiness in your house
You have shown me another world
How can you ask such a question:"
He turned away and looked at the
shimmering pavement upon which a
few flakes OF the drifting snow had
begun TO melt.
Yes" he said, I made a promise
and I have redeemed il. You are the
most beautiful woman in Paris to-
night The world is open TO you You
have in your hands power which is
the most subtle a woman can possess.
II for the cf,ag % @E,o-o ~ -.
your love and confidence. In my own
time we will bestow our secret upon
others, but that day is not vet. Per
haps il may never be. Destiny PLAYS
strange tricks with US when opportuni-
~ is our need. am more concerned
tonight, Esther, that you should call
me friend. II may mean something in
the days TO come"
His mood alarmed her not a little
All the best instincts Of her generous
nature were awakened by this appeal.
She felt Ike one who is asked by 2
father, DO you trust me?' She Ionged
10 tell him much, but could say so
little.
You have given me life itself" she
exclaimed. Il could never thank you
enough 1 have no words to thank
you You are the best, the only friend
have ever l6nowni"
He drew her to him and kissed her.
Call me that always, camarade-calI
ne that whatever befau."
q The carriage stopped with his words.
and they alighted quickly and went
Up TO the splendid apartment he had
engaged for her in the Avenue Hoche.
Esther has never forgotten that great
white salon dimly lighted by shaded
lamps, so full Of riches, so dainty in
Its minutest ornament; that salon in
which she stood to say Good night"
70 her friend and benefactor. For q
moment she saw him. his kindly ewes
beaming upon her, his cloak thrown
back, his white glove crushed between
his iron fingers: then, without a word
ne was gone, and Suzanne, her maid.
stood at her elbow.