The San Francisco call., 1904-09-18
CHAPTER XVII.
Mr.. Montague Hill Makes Himself
Objectionable.

II was a queer little bed-sitting-room
almost in the roof, with a partition
right across it. As usual, Brendon lit
the candles and Sydney dragged out
the spirit-lamp and set it going. Anna
opened a cupboard and produced cups
and saucers and a tin Of coffee.
only four spoonfuls left she de-
clared briskly, and your turn TO buy
the next pound, Sydney"
Right" he answered. ''pll bring it
tomorrow. Fresh ground, no chicory,
and all the rest Of it. But-Miss Pellis-
sieri''
''WeIl?"
Are you quite sure that you want us
this evening? Wouldn't you rather be
alone? Just say the word, and we'n
clear out like a shot"
She laughed softly.
You are afraid she said, that the
young man who thinks that he is my
husband has upset me-"
"Madman!"
"Blithering asst"
The girl looked into the two indig-
nant faces and held out both her hands.
You're very nice, both OF you, she
said gently. But I'm afraid you are
going TO be in a hopeless minority here
as regards me-"
They eyed her incredulously.
You can't imagine" Sydney ex-
claimed, that the people downstairs
VIII be such driveling asses as to be-
lieve piffie like that"
Anna measured out the coffee. Her
eyes were lit with a CLEAN of humor.
After all, it was really rather funny.
We'll, l don't know" she said
thoughtfully. Il always notice that peo-
pie find it very easy to believe what
they want to believe, and you see I'm
not in the least popular. Miss Ellicot,
proper person"
Miss Ellicotl That old catl" Sydney
exclaimed. Indignantly.
Miss Ellicoti" Brendon echoed. "As
IL IL could possibly matter what such a
person thinks of you"
Anna laughed outright.
You are positively eloquent tonight
both of YOU" she declared. But, you
see, appearances are very much against
me. He knew my name, and also that
I had been living in Paris, and man
doesn't risk claiming girl for his wife,
as q rule, for nothing. He was pain
fully in earnest, too. / think you will
find that his story will be believed,
whatever / say; and in any case, if he
is going 10 stay on here, shall have to
go away"
We shall see that he never annoys
you"
Anna shook her head.
He is evidently a friend Of Mrs.
Whites" she said, ''and If he is
going 10 persist in this delusion,
we cannot both remain here. I'd
rather not CO." she added. This
is much the cheapest place L know
OF where things are moderately clean.
and I should hate rooms all by myself.
Dear me, what a nuisance IL is TO have
a pseudo husband shot down upon one
from the skies"
And such a beast OF a one" Sydney
remarked vigorously.
Brendon looked across the room at
her thoughtfully.
Il wonder" he said, IS there any
thing we could do to help you to get
rid of him?"
"Can you think Of anything?" Anna
answered. II can't! He appears to be
q most immovable person"
Brendon hesitated for a moment. He
was a little embarrassed.
There ought to be some means of
getting at him. he said. The fellow
seems TO know your name, Miss Pellis-
sier, and that you have lived in Paris.
Might we ask you IL you have ever
seen him. If you knew him at all before
this EVENING""
She stood up suddenly. and turning
her hack to them, looked steadily out
Of the window. Below was an unin-
spring street, thoroughfare of board
lighthouses and apartments. The steps,
even the pavements, were invaded by
little knots of loungers driven outside
by the unusual heat of the evening,
most OF them in evening dress. or what
passed for evening dress IN Montague
street The sound Of their strident
voices ioated upward, the high nasal
note of the predominant Americans,
the shrill laughter of girls quick to Ap-