Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-06-02

turning, Richard Strong confronted one OF
the porters OF the hotel
"Scuse me, sah." repeated that person.
displaying a formidable array OF white
where. Mistah stronsi Done thought I
o @sss eeaA e sast sss pfs Always
Well. now that you've found me- what
'fIeah am telegram FOR yo'. sab! De
clerk told me to find 20, chen II hab to
hunt ober de whole country. Pretty near
done dat. sah already
How long ago did 1t conner
Half an hour, sab! Use done been hunt
In ebber since!"
Mechanically Richard Strong took It. The
lad still remained, shifting from one foot TO
the other.
Done been huntin'-" he began again.
when the recipient of the message handed
him something. With 6 grin broader than
ever the dusky messenger vanished.
What can it beT' said Richard Strong,
opening the envelope. ITS In cipher, at
any rate" he continued. glancing at tho
mfssive. Would you mind going back to
the hotel with me. EinorT'
She. too. looked at the telegram and her
face changed a little.
''Oh. no." she answered careiessly.
left my code in the ROOM" he ex-
planned. This may be something i'm
poTtant - certainly. it's long messagel
wonder as they retraced their
steps T,, f It has anything to do with
seemed excited"
An indefinable light came into her eyes.
ness?'
Yes. But cannot think It a pressing
matter. Everything seemed in good shape
when We left, although "-thoughtfully--
Yesterday, as they say is ancient history
IL the street,
Once more in their rooms, after a brief
search. he found his code, and seating him.
GOLF NTH - Ig.4f
before a desk, worked silently for some
time. Standing near the window Elinor
mutely watched him. The sunlight threw a
strong glow on his features. emphasizing
that which was massive and bringing out
all the resolute characteristics of a man
who had never spared himself-or others.
1t was a hard face when he set himself 10
a task, she thought; too hardl She OBJ
served how slowly he proceeded, searching
Tor each word carefully, verifying IL, and
setting down its equivalent neatly with the
pencil he held In his hand. His countc-
nance betrayed no emotion; only once or
twice he started a little His mouth grew
hrmer; his jaw more pronounced: a ha rsh-
ness OF expression that now awoke a secret
resentment in her breast
Abruptly he arose.
What is it?' she asked mechanically.
MY absence has been the signal for at
tack, he answered tersely
What sort of attRck?'
"A cowardly despicable oner'
deliberately, heavily, he strobe across
the room: stood with his back 70 her a mo-
ment, and then returned.
''Elinor," he said suddenly, and his voice
sounded TO her as harsh as his face had
looked, we must leave hereP
Leave?' She could not conceal start
Of surprise. Where for?"
For New York At onceT'
She regarded him steadily II she had
heard and OWNED all he had said she heed
ed not its significance: only his expressed
determination to leave abruptly for home
This fact without the e,r
1t, became paramount In her mind to every
other consideration.
But" she said, rising, her hands clasped
nervously, fine irony ia her voice for
businesS-a matter of few stocks-a little
money-you would give up our wed-our
trip?'
He made no reply. Looking down at the
carpet. motionless, he was considering pos
sible combinations, probable moves. ard the
strategic position his enemies had already
taken. He again glanced over the teIe-
gram. Had he read Alright? Yes; even his
honor had been attacked. Hints were rife
of mfsmanagement of funds improperly APP
Piled
His silence. his disregard of her. caused
her features to harden. In her tense mental
mood every act, every expression, bore an
exaggerated significance. Something seemed
to rise in her throat and choke her What
she endeavored so hard to hide threatened
to oVerpower her. She yet strove to fight IL
down Suddenly he saw her face
''Elinori' he cried.
Well?" she said. very white.
He paused. His mind moved slowly from
one object to another.
You do not mind? You
Il? Not in the least" she answered.
ccldly
Observation-Disclosures modern prince
would turn back with his bride fora little
money.
ut is harder for me than for you to give
1t up he said You do nor know what II
has been to me-being here with youl-
Elinor, darling!'
Perhaps Ii was the strangeness in her
eyes, but he caught her suddenly tc his
breast; kissed her passionaiey again and
again. as If by physical force. he would hold
her to him forever
A moment; an eternity. A terrible weak
ness; a terrible strengthened suddenly she
tore herself from him and sank into a chair,
her head buried against the arm. Sobs
shook her figure.
"Elinor,' he said.
Compassion, tenderness transformed his
face.
''Elinor," he repeated, in plying wonder.
What is it?''
oh" she said, cant you see-it is all a
mistake-we can never understand each
other-never-I do not love you as 1 should
l can't-I can't"
Go be continued tomorrow)