Evening star., 1905-10-14

'WelI?"
And yet" with great intensity. you
couldn't jest about such a thing! That
would be too cruel" Again the tears rose
to her eyes,
mo; there is no jest will gladly, most
gladly, pay in the amount. And-and don't
worry about 1t any longer"
VIII you pay 1t now-this afternoon?'
Yes; at once. Shall we charter cab, or
do you think car would get us there
quickly enough?'
''Oh, 1t doesn't matter-nothing matters,
If only. But how shall 1 thank your
Please don't attempt 1t. Here is our
car And presently they were sitting side
by side, she with tightly clasped hands and
compressed lips, her longing to see the real
ization of his promise evident in every tense
line of her figure
She hardly uttered a word until their des-
tination was reached, and her face was
white as they entered the bank.
Shall l make the payment or will your
he inquired.
''Oh, you. you, please! And you'll make
them give you receipt?'
Certainly; they'd probably insist upon it
anyhow" he laughed back But the solem-
nifty of her expression did not relax.
Not until the money had been paid in and
the receipt was actually in her hands did
she seem to breathe freely.
Let US get outside" she murmured indis-
tinctly The prettiest flush had come into
her cheeks, and her eyes were brilliant
L don't know who you are-or what-but
l think you are-an angel!' she said very
quickly, but with an indescribable sweet
ness.
''Oh, nonsense! AS a matter of fact, that
particular charity always rather appealed
to me-"
Are you in earnest?"
quite, l assure youi'
"Oh-h! And is that why you did it?''
He regarded her gravely for an instant
before he answered, No"
why, then?"
las a personal indulgence, I'm afraid
don't like to see people unhappy, you see,
So"
so you are willing to pay for the privi-
lege of-taking away their unhappiness ?"
Some indennable change had come over
tie girl. In a way that he would have
found 1t impossible TO describe, her person
ality seemed transformed.
" Angels unawares!" she said softly. II
don't even know your name-or you, mine!"
He gravely produced a card which he
handed to her.
Mr.. Richard French" she read, and an
address indicative of financial Importance,
al all events.
Now. you have tho advantage of me-"
ho suggested presently,
"Oh, yesi so ] haYe t-eF-do you want
to know my name7 She was plainly em-
barrassod. The flush In her cheeks deep
ened to crimson. III mean-that is, I'm
nfFaid | Gan never pay you baeki'' she Eaur-
INJURED In a faint, depFeeatiRs voice.
"That ie tie last thing ! was thinking Of
Do not give mo your mama IL you would
rather hoti'
II wouid-se much rather; But will
wFite-you shall hear"
lie bowed silently,
'Oh If you knew-if you knew how CRATE
full am, you-you---" she broke of. You
won't mind IL say good-by now and--and
thank you, q thousand timesi On, there's
my Carl She hailed passing uptown car
with unnecessary vigor, fairly flew up the
steps and was borne swiftly away.
The following evening French received n
note. signed Rachel Baker, briefly stat
ing that the purse had been found and In
closing a check for the amount deposited
in the bank, together with very fattering
expressions of gratitude.
He called on Miss Baker shortly after
ward, but could elicit no further informa-
ton with regard to the fair unknown"
She a young lady, Miss Baker satd
who had kindly assisted her from time to
time in collecting funds for the institution
"a girl of very timid nature, who shrank
from anything like publicity. She was deep
ly grateful, but desired to remain unknown.
French left the house, having obtained
nothing more substantial than a cup of ex-
ecrable tea in exchange for the very liberal
donation he had begged Miss Baker to ac
cept.
He was more than ever determined 10
discover the timid lady. He proceeded to