The Starkville news., 1905-02-03


had been afriad, slightly open. AS
she opens it wide she trembles, but re-
members having read of little children
not afraid of burglars, and why should
she, big woman? Mildred's friends
would have laughed at the big
woman" She looks out into the
night and bravely in her sweet soft
voice speaks to the astonished man
outside.
''You may come in here and hide
for a little while. A policeman is
looking for you now at this very mo-
ment across the street"
Vague and uncomfortable thoughts
Of compromising a felony and of being
an accessory to crime fit through
her mind.
AS for him, he advances reverently,
cap in hand, fearing that it is vision
that will vanish if he speaks.
He wonders was there ever Juliet
as lovely as this girl in blue dressing
gown with long plait Of fair hair
hanging over her shoulder, standing
in the moonlight, sweet concern for
his fate in her face. AS he still hesi-
tates, she goes on little impatiently:
You had really better come at
once if you don't want to be caught.
You may hide here this time, but /
hope you will tlrn over a new leaf
and never steal or do anything wrong
again.
The missionary spirit that lies latent
in all women warming up into life
within her. Oh! she thinks, if she
could only pluck this brand from the
burning.
She sees it is a very handsome
brand" as he steps quietly into the
room. At her words a gleam Of some
thing else besides admiration shines in
his deep gray eyes.
You are very good; l don't know
how to thank you" He evidently has
seen better days, she thinks. His
voice and manner, as we'll as his appear
ance, are Enthusiastically those Of
gentleman. All! the pity of it, for he
looks quite young. He must be tired
after his run, and sitting down her
self she thoughtfully requests him to do
the same They have both lowered
this the first time you have been guilty?'
Mildred asks. AS he sadly confesses 1t
is not he lowers his head to hide the
absurd CLEAN that comes again into his
eyes Absurd, indeed, for what is there
to be amused at?
Mildred feels rather horrified, evi-
IDENTIFY hardened criminal OF the worst
type and quite used to prison. y Have
you never thought of reforming? Has
no one ever tried to turn you from your
evil ways or read to you in the penlten-
tiary?" she whispered.
only once; bounder with long hair
and glasses" he whispered back, turn
for invention he hadn't suspected COM
ing to the surface Mildred feels quite
stern at the levity of the tone.
You shouldn't criticise anyone that
meant kindly. l dare say he was very
good man What started you on your
downward path?"
Il was in love and the girl most cruel
glibly to his lips
Poor mani" Mildred sighs.
"She was a beautiful GIRL he goes on
enthusiastically, land seemed as good
as she was beautiful She had large
brown eyes and chestnut hair"
well, if l were you would just try
and forget her." Mildred breaks in,
strong feeling of resentment rising up
against the unknown brunette. Il
wouldn't let any woman ruin my life
but should just make up my mind to
begin over again-working for an hon.
est living and looking forward to that
better, brighter life to come" Her
voice has grown very sweet and earnest,
and he really feels ashamed and thinks
what darling she is.
"Oh! if l could only persuade you
could only help you," she goes on.
What do you do-when you, when
your" She hesitates. Calamity he
comes to her assistance.
When out of job, oh! nothing. l
just sleep anywhere, and help myself
to food and clothes-being used to it
you see it comes natural and is quite
easy" She notices that his clothes, al
though old, are of a good style and cut
quite the same kind as her brother and
his friends wear. She wishes she dare
steal up to her brothers room now to
get a suit OF his clothes to give this
man-but what if it should awaken him
better not risk it. Instead she pulls
off ring she is wearing and gives it
to him-he is most reluctant to take it,
but she presses it on him, saying it is
one she doesn't care for at all and that
she has many others. She says if he
accepts it she will take it as sign and