Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-11-20
THE ACCOMPLICE
FREDERICK TREVOR HILL.
Cpyraht by &
FREDERICK TREVOR HILL.
IV-Continued.
Copyright, 1906. by Harper Brothers
All rights reserved.

at tell Deake he gets so used to controil-
ing the weak-minded that ne can't tolerate
a rational difference of opinion any longer,
she continued, reminiscently. And that
makes him madden than ever. Did you ever
see him lose his temper?' she added. sud
denly.
NO" 1 answered, uninterestedly.
You know him, don't you?" she inquired.
II can't say / do. replied, evasvely.
why, 1 thought everybody knew HIM.
I'm nothing but a hermit" I explained.
"A hermit? That sounds deliceusly mystic
rious. Do you live in cave?'
"In The Hermitage 1 answered.
What; That dear little studio where
some artists used to live?''
Il bought 1t from an artist. You have
been there?"
"Yes-they gave a party there some time
ago. It's simply perfect for a dance. Have
you ever given one?'
'Well-no." l admitted. You see, I'm a
bachelor. and
''Oh, do give one!" she exclaimed, enthu-
siastically and invite me-"
I'm afraid l don't know enough people,
l began.
II have it," she interrupted, gayly.
We're almost at Pollicet now. I'll Introduce
you TO father and mother, and you can stay
to dinner and we'll all see that you know
everybody in the county who's worth
knowing and then you can have party.
Won't 1t be fun?'
1T sounds delightful" 1 responded, smil-
ingly: but
You'll come-won't your she demanded
ITO the party? Certainly
mo. to dinner, of course?
l hesitated for moment, but the refer
ence which had already been made to the
Emory case warned me that local hospital
ity might be embarrassing for the present.
You are very kind, l replied regretful-
ly, and shall be glad to call some other
time-at the first possible opportunity, IF
you will permit it; but tonight feel l must
push on to Hefryville. for am late and
some distance out of my way, suppose"
Nearly four miles, she admitted. I'm
sorry you won't stop; but can tell you how
to save time If you really must hurry on"
I'm afraid 1 must l answered.
well, keep on this road about half
mile farther, and then take the first turning
to the left and follow that until you come to
wagon. shed just beyond the Shaw
house.
But don't know the Shaw house when l
see it, l interrupted.
Gracious! You are hermit. indeed. Well
it's red-roofed farm house with three big
poplars in front of it. You can't possibly
miss 1t, and at the wagon shed Just be-
yond you'll come to a road turning to the
right. Take that and you'll save a mile or
more"
Thank you'll understand" 1 answered,
mechanically, although l had not followed
the directions beyond the Shaw house.
III you're sure you can't stop to dinner
I'm going to ask you to let me out here
Mr. Lambert" she continued, as We drew
near back lane. Il can go directly to
the stables this way, and it will save you
time too"
/ stopped and, taking the leading rein
from her hand, helped her to alight
THANK you ever SO much, Sir knight
she exclaimed holding out her hand
1t may be no true indication of char
acter. but / always receive a strong I'M
pl esson from the manner in which per.
son shakes hands. / never met a girl like
Miss Frayne before. but I felt l knew
something of her quality the moment our
hands met Her clasp was firm and strong.
like mans 1t was a greeting or Cod
speed which no man could fail to recipro-
cate and no decent man would dare pre-
sumo upon. 1t was friendly, frank, fear
less, genuine. hearty, joyous. 1t was like
her.
Don't forget you're committed to that
party at The Hermitage" she reminded
me. as 1 stepped into the wagon.
VIII you dance the cotilon with me.
mademoiselle?" l inquired. picking up the
reins.
"Merci. monsieur" she answered. and
then. lifting her horses head. touched 1t
with her fingers and waved her hand to-
ward me.
Dolly and I salute you," she added,
faughingly, as she moved away.
/ watched her running lightly up the
lane, the mare trotting after her to the
musical Jingle Of it's strrups, and thin
I urged my own horse forward on the
road to the farm house of Gregory Shaw