The Montgomery advertiser., 1907-03-24
MARY WEAVES
 A TANGLED WEB
By HELENA SMITH DAYTON.


 Copyrighted, 1907. by M. M Cunningham
 You see 1t happened to be my house!
 Good night, MT. Dwyer." Her foot tapped the lower step nervously,
 "But, Miss Hazieton." I protested, 'allow me to see you quite to your own door"
 Here I amr waving her huff airily toward my house. I almost gasped.
 Isn't there some mistake?" I ven- tured.
 Did you imagine lived in a tree. like Peter Pan?" She laughed, doubt less thinking I was awed at the splen- dor of her abode.
 This gave me an idea. Perhaps the poor child had humble quarters and in her pride sought to play a Fuse. Rather ironical that she should select my house!
 My aequantance with Mary Hazle- ton had consisted of many encounters at my cousin Belle's studio. A couple of Philistines. we often chatted in Bellies cozy corner, drank Bellies tea and amused ourselves watching Belle's guests-all alleged celebrities. Indeed, we talked of everything but Miss Hazleton. Nor did Belle seem to know much about the girl, which was not strange, for Belle often took up an attractive girl, made her welcome at the studio and pressed her into service as a model Belle, like all extravagant persons, has her own ideas on economy,
 On this particular evening I had chanced upon Miss HazIeton, hurrying through the streets, and had taken 1t upon myself to see that she arrived at her destination in safety. After walking blocks, often retracing ground, I was naturally puzzled when she stopped before my own door and coolly fnfnTTaad n ~h Hol hoped some time to offer 1t to her.
 Good night, MT. Dwyer and thanks for coming so far out of your way" she said again.
 May I not see the princess enter in safety?" I asked, thinking this would bring her into very close corner in- deed.
 'You are too soIicitous. MT. Dwyer." she said sweetly. T think I will sit on the porch few moments alone"
 T, too. like to sit on porches." hint ed
 Come up then" she invited prompt ly. But you musn't disturb n.y." The sentence trailed off.
 was charmed with her daring. I wanted to tell her one might shout with out fear of disturbing old Martha. who was doing" for me until mother and the servants returned.
 I sat down on the top step. Listen Ing to her clever chatter, I advanced theory after theory to myself to explain her motive. Even when a possible plot against the silver spoons suggested itself. couldn't judge her harshly, A lady burglar! Well, we've had some mighty pleasing ones lately--in books and on the stage. was on the point of offering myself as a confederate against my own silver when she once more said:
 You really must go now, Mfr. Dwyer."
 May I come again2" queried.
 "I'll see you at Belle's," she eluded.
 Belle sails for Europe Wednesday" l reminded.
 Mary looked dismayed
 So l may come up here instead for our usual chat on the artsY'
 "No--no-no" she cried.
 Do I infer that you wish to dron the acquaintance--when Belle sails?'' I persisted.
 ''No--oh--noi"
 Then shall hope to find you here tomorrow. Much more romantic than sending in one's card and all that sort of things" I explained lameIy.
 T love unconventional things" agreed Mary, suddenly enthusiastic.
 I walked briskly down the sterrt. stopped at the first shadow, ana look ed back. Mary came down the stens
 
 direction. I followed at a safe dist ance, and then my calculations were upset by seeing her turn in at the residence of the great Lombard brothers. She disappeared very neatly through a basement window. All the way home I whistled Mary was a Housemaid." Next morning I learned the Lombard house had been robbed.
 That evening when joined Mary on the porch she was confident to the point of arrogance, perfectly at her ease. and played the role of hostess with great aplomb. From my vantage point, how pathetic seemed all the little airs and graces she assumed. Perhaps the poor child didn't even have a home! In spite of almost positive proof, could not believe her thief Surely there was some mistake.
 My speculations were brought to an abrupt ending. A carriage had whirled up. My mother alighted and came rap- idly up the walk. Mary arose, a little gasp of consternation escaped her. Her little plot had indeed caught her in a tangled web. Fearing she might run away and I should never sec her again, put my hand firmly on her arm and whispered to leave tt ali to v.e-thaf T lpAwr aVePvthfnR