The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1907-09-07

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of questioning, and he cannot seem to
make them clear to her mind. Some
Of her questions are so irreverent as
to be positively shocking to spirit
ually minded person"
They lapsed into silence, swinging
easily to the guidance of the music.
His face was grave and thoughtful.
This picture just drawn of the per-
verse Nadia had not greatly lowered
her in his estimation. although he felt
irstinctively that Miss Spencer was
not altogether pleased with his evi.
dent interest in another.
ut is very interesting to know that
you two met in so unconventional
way" she ventured, softly, "and SO
sly of her not even to mention it to
me. We are room-mates, you know,
and consequently quite intimate, al.
though she possesses many peculiar
characteristics which l cannot in the
least approve. l shall certainly do my
best to guide her Alright Would you
mind giving me some details of your
meeting?"
For moment he hesitated, feeling
that if the girl had not seen fit to con-
fide her adventure to this particular
friend, it was hardly HIS place to do
so. Then, remembering that he had
alreadv said enough to arouse curl
osity, which might easily be developed
into suspicion, he determined his
course. In few words the brief story
was frankly told, and apparently
proved quite amusing to Miss Spencer.
ooh, that was Nadia. beyond a
doubt" she exclaimed, with laugh of
satisfaction. ut is all so characteris-
tic of her. l only wonder how she
CHANGED to guess your name; but real
ly the girl appears to possess some
peculiar gift in thus discerning facts
hidden from others.
The music coming to pause, they
slowly traversed the room.
Il presume, then, she is not pres
ant?" he said. quietly.
Miss Spencer glanced into his face,
the grave tone making her apprehen-
sive that she might have gone too far.
"She was here earlier in the even
ing, but now that you remind me of it.
I do not recall having noticed her of
late But, really, lieutenant, it is no
part of my duty to chaperon the young
girl. Mrs. Herndon could probably in
form you of her present whereabouts. f"
Miss Spencer was conscious of the
sting of failure, and her face flushed
with vexation. 1T is extremely close
in here, don't you Think" she COM
planned. And was so careless as to
uhislay my fan. feel almost suffo-
Gated"
did you leave it at home?" he ques-
toned. Possibly might discover a
substitute somewhere in the ROOM
"Oh, no; l would never think of
troubling you to such an extent. No
doubt this feeling of lassitude will
pass away shortly. 1t was very fool
ish of me, but left the fan with my
wraps at the hotel. It can be recov'
cred when we go across to supper"
1T will be no more than a pleasure
to recover it for YOU" he protested
CALAMITY.
The stairs leading down from the
hall entrance were shrouded in dark
ness, the street below nearly deserted
of loiterers, although lights streamed
forth resplendently from the undraped
windows of the Occidental and the
hotel opposite. Assisted in his search
by Mrs. Guffy, the officer succeeded in
recovering the lost fan, and started tc
return. Just without the hotel door
under the confusing shadows of the
wide porch, he came suddenly face tt
face with young woman, the unex
pected encounter mutual and embar
RAISING surprise.