The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1907-08-18
details Of her plans ana Intentions in

sE n.
details OF her plans and Intentions in
regard to him.
But on this Olive was on her guard.
with no one save Jack and Mr.. Case
ment would she ever discuss them.
II am confident that there is no
truth In the story OF the marriage
between my father and Mrs. Merri-
dew; but even Mr.. Easement believes
t. and have nothing but my instinct
to anchor my hopes to-
b ..You must let me help YOU. T. am
sure we could ferret 1t all out between
us. Like you, trust my instincts;
and. what IL more. 1 believe that
woman's wit is infinitely shrewdcr.
than mans. When you come to me
we'll set to work together. Now, when
VIII you comet
My only fear is that might not
feel myself free enough to carry on
my task" said Olive candidly.
My dear, you shall be your own mis-
tress. You know that our American
girls have much more liberty than you
English; and this shall be just your
home--to come when you will and so
where you Will, to see whom you like
and do as you please"
May / leave the matter open for
awhile?"
why certainly. Isn't that part OF
the liberty l speak OF? But / want
you. Olive. and 1 must have you. es-
pecially now that ! know you are a
relative of my dear old Frisco friend.
And the sooner you come the sooner
shall feel I'm paying him back a
bit OF what / owe him
-.
when she left and insisted upon taking
her home in her electric brougham.
Olive was charmed with her new
friends: but then. she did not see
her expression as she drove away.
nor hear what she said to herself.
Guess ! played that Grosscup card
for all II was worth. The little fool!
But was right in one thing-I do
want her badly; and 1t looks as II I'd
get her. sure enough. I'd like to tell
old Gilbert. and that's the fact
Olives thoughts were full of Mrs.
Taunton and the interview with her
for the whole evening, and before she
went to bed she had almost decided to
go and stay with her. 1t would please
Jack--and that meant much. But in
the end she resolved to do nothing
until she had seen Selma Hammond
on the following day and heard what
she had to report.
And in the morning when the gla-
NOR of Mrs. Taunton's manner had
faded somewhat. Olive began to see
the drawbacks to a residence in her
house. She might be perfectly free
as had been promised, but at the same
time there would be the constant COM
panionhip with all 1t temptations to
confidence. She might easily be led
to say to much about her affairs.
and what she did not actually tell.
Mrs. Taunton was quite shrewd
enough to guess.
She was very charming and de-
lightful companion, but Olives move
ments must not be known to any one
except Jack and Mr.. Easement She
was very positive about that, and 1t
had its effect.
| Another consideration occurred to
her on going over all that had passed
between them. Mrs. Taunton had
urged her to marry Jack, 1t was true
| but she had at the same time spoken
about 1t in such way as to make
lit appear even more impossible than
before. All the obstacles seemed even
more formidable than ever
There was touch of Jealousy "
! this thought of Olives. The pretty
I american udu t1ASu ~ wiz ooS1'
away from her. Had she. therefore
bcen making these appeals to hel
/ pride Intentionally? Was she reall!
! sincere? Or was she trying. Indirect
Is. to strengthen Olives reluctance sc
| that the gap should be widened be-
| tween her and her lover to increase
| her own chances with Jack?
1 She had ample time for thinking
all this over carefully, as she did not
1 leave the house until the late after
noon, when she was to see Selma Ham
| mond. And the more intently she
Thought the less willing she became "
iaccept the invitation.
On her way to Selma Hammond:
house all thought of Mrs Taunton
gave way to her eager anticipation o.
/ the news which was awaiting her
land as she neared the house her tmpa.
| thence increased with every step.
4 She looked up at the window from
the opposite side of the street, hal
expecting that Selma would be watch
4 Ing for her. But she was not there
SO Olive crossed and rang the bell.
/ She waited q long time without re
1 sponse, and presently rang again
After a few moments heavy steps ap
! preached the door and a woman opened
1t.
II wish to see Miss Hammond" salt
Olive.
.well, you can't see her. then" wa
the reply, very b1untly spoken.
But she knows that am coming