The San Francisco call., 1906-03-25
CHAPTER XXX.
Wo-rnn Must Chose.

Wo--an Must Chose.
Friendship and characterize de-
mands Of the one reveal the strength
OF the other. AS fire is the test or
clay, so no man may be adtudged
friend until he has been tried and not
found wanting.
On the following Monday morning
while Cathalee was looking hurriedly
over her mail she came upon letter
that for the time being dispelled all
other thoughts from her mind. She
had read but a few words when the
brightness gradually faded from her
eyes, and her features became sternly,
even rigidly set.
Dearest Cathalee,' the letter read,
Il cannot rest until 1 have sent you
note of warfing-indeed, l should go
Immediately to you, were II not that
am leaving town this very afternoon.
who could have so cruelty deceived
you? Do you-of course you cannot
have any idea who the man really is.
1t seems quite like a dream that he,
of all men, should be here in our very
midst. Ny dear. he is a very dangerous
man. He is the leader of band or
men as reckless and unscrupulous as
himself He actually had the audacity
to defy my father, and to hold up our
entire party quite like a highwayman.
There can be no mistake. my dear, as Mr..
Harrington also recognized him beyond
the possibility of doubt. am sure he
recognized us-he could not have failed
10 do so-and will doubtless be on his
guard, as must you, my dear. Mr.. Herr
ringdon will give You such other In
formation, as time forbids me, and you.
may trust to his discretion in dealing
with the man.. / cannot bear TO think
of what might have happened but for
this chance recognition. l shall see
you Immediately upon my return--in
about a week, my dear. Lovingly
yours, CONSTANCE HILLMAN."
Again she read the letter and more
slowly, her eyes seeming TO follow the
tracing of each little word. The maid
came to tell her that her carriage was
waiting, but the words fell upon un-
needing ears. A few minutes later the
maid again looked in but her mistress
had not changed her position; she sat
staring blankly at the letter. The min
utes sped by unheeded; half hour
passed, and she made no movement.
She was Misunderstanding as she had
never done before. She was at the
crossing Of the road, and she must
choose for herself-her own womanly
instincts must be her guide. Nearly an
hour had passed when she suddenly
reused herself, and turning to her desk,
deliberately penned a brief note.
Dear Mr.. Waldron-Saturday is the
day-1:30 the hour, which means that
you are invited to luncheon. You will
meet my mother-a small formality to
be observed-after which 1 may ride
with you in the park. Cordially yours,
"CATHALEE DAvIDGE."
Calling the maid, she gave her few
brief instructions, and taking the let
ter with her she went calmly out to
the waiting carriage. She had chosen
and she would abide the consequences.
Waldron presented himself at the ap-
pointed time and place. He imme.
diately discovered that mother and
daughter were as dissimilar as two per-
sons of the same flesh and blood and
dwelling beneath the same roof could
well be. He also learned that he was
persona non grata with the mother,
and understood that he had been bid
den to come simply because 1t suited
Cathalee's purpose, and at best the
mothers acquiescence had been but
submissive. The inevitable conceded,
nothing remained but to make the best
of an uninteresting situation, and to
observe certain formalities Of which
graciousness and hospitality were not
the necessary accompaniments. Per-
1OICS, III COuCSdlSu, were oSNCi a. =
marks addressed to the guest adapted
with commendable consideration to his
understanding, clearly demonstrating
that Mrs. Worthington had failed to
discern any common ground (indeed 1t
is a grievous error to suggest even the
ground as common on which this aris-
tocratic woman might deign to treaD
on which she and the stranger might
stand. He was from the West. she
understood. Had he never been in New
York before? Yes-many years before.
"Ah! Indeed" expressive of resignation
and a duty conscientiously performed.
for what could possibly avail after
such an admission. The man was quite
impossible. She knew little Of the world
outside of her New York, and possessed
no inclination whatever to make Its
acquaintance, while her desire to rub
elbows with its denizens was even more
remote
Cathalee was easily equal to the nec-
essary formalities Of the occasion, and
no embarrassing situations were al
lowed to obtrude themselves. but even
her admitted talents and CHEEKY good
nature failed to dispel certain frigid-
ness in the atmosphere. and 1t is no
great hazard to say that. while the
luncheon doubtless served its purpose,
all were frankly glad when 1t came to
an end.
Please sir, do not permit anything
terrible to happen. beg of you" said