Evening star., 1907-08-23

what told him before we came in here to
see you. I didn't want to be preciptate.
but couldn't watt
And he was opposed to lt?''
"Only because he-he thought 1t not wise
just now
why not now?' insisted, almost for
getting my own position in my glowing in
dignation against Courtney Lane.
Your strange disappearance, Julian; for
give me for reminding YOU
Her face flushed.
Il think I'll show you something" she
said. as If to change the subject.
She was gone but minute. returning
with a sheaf of kilograms and letters, to-
gether with copies of the morning papers
Since you've. seen one of the papers.
she explained. thus acknowledging that the
servant of whom I had taken the morning
paper had told her of it.
She took chair by me and began to dis
play the kilograms and letters Many of
them were addressed to Mr.. Julian Ran
dolph, the others to her. and they were
congratulatory. She had opened all Of
them The senders had read the morning
papers. and then had hurried these mes
sages of good will to Mrs Randolph and
her husband"
This is from Sir Philip Cuthbart," she
said. taking up a large. square envelope
and extracting a note in big. boyish hand
writing. I'VE met him in England, you
know. and he chances now to be in New
York and is at the Waldorf
l looked cur:ously at the upright hand
writing and at Sir Philips sprawlng sigma
ture.
And this is from Mr.. Wilson Spindrift,
the yachtsman. You sailed the Idler against
defeated him.
1 sailed the Idler! Ye Gods!
And this" she opened a telegram "is
from Mrs. Beale-Florence Beale, you know
the mousie little woman with catty eyes
and reddish hair who tried so hard to break
into society at Newport that time. She. is
still at 1t, and hurried this to me. She is
one of the Climbers You never liked
her. and 1 didn't She threw herself at
Harold Dekoster, and then threatened to
sue him for breach of promise The idea"
She laughed lightly.
And here Is a telegram from Joseph
Stllman. who is really fine architect,
but not at all fashionable. He doesn't try
to break in anywhere, with a jimmy or
otherwise. We became so we'll acquainted
with him when he designed and built the
Poplars.''
There were scores of them, and she went
through them all, while 1 read and listened
in wonder. My position was becoming every
moment more difficult. l thought of 1t as
she read and commented; thought of Court
ney Lane and the scoundrelism with which
my imagination clothed him; thought of
plans by which l might thwart him and
save Mrs Randolph from the financial dis
aster l feared: and considered, too the
possible blows he would deliver in return If
l stood my ground and dared to attack him.
My head buZZed with 1t all.
When she had gone through the tele
grams and letters she turned to the news
papers, and together We looked them over,
while / absorbed from them information
concerning Julian Randolph.
Some of these things are ridiculously
preposterous," she declared. II discharged
two of the servants this morning for talk
ing to the reporters. Much of 1t. you know,
is out of whole cloth-there is not shred
of truth in it,
7 didn't know thouph she assumed that
I did. Yet from her criticisms of the news
stories l gained some knowledge of what
to believe in them and what not to believe.
Isn't this jolly?" she cried suddenly, re-
ferring to the joy she found in sitting by
me and talking these things over with me.
Her blue eyes were bright with happ.-
ness.
Then she saw the shadow on my face.
Il know 1 distress you, Julan!'
NO, I urged, "it is not that
You'll be willing to see some of these
people soon?" she said. taking up some of
the letters and kilograms. She seemed
chilled by my apparent coldness. 'They
will expect it. And I'm sure 1 shall enjoy
1t. I've been thinking of a reception. Silly
of me, you'll say"
Still did not answer. How could I meet
these people? l knew not one of them
and was glad that l did not. But they had
known Julian Randolph. How could pass
their scrutiny? Yet l had passed hers sue
cessfuly. and If 1 could deceive her could
deceive anybody. Mixed with these quick
reflections was thought Of Courtney Lane.
She needed some one to protect her against
him.
My dear woman" I said speaking out
this thought revoke Mr.. Lanes power of
attorney at once-without days delay"
And that is how you answer my sugges-
tion?''
This is more important than a score of
such things
But you do not object?'
'Oh. nov-no!' Really, whatever you do
will please me-
Now that is like your old self"
Before l could prevent it OWNED her
intention she kissed me on the cheek.
Julian she cried with a sob of joy, Il
am so happy! l can't tell you how happy
l am
Go be Continued Tomorrow.)