Waterbury evening Democrat., 1907-09-06

does not talk to all and sundry con corning the most sacred feelings of his heart. Moreover, your remarks at ou! last meeting were not to my taste."
 T apologize" said Mrs. Krill prompt ly, "and will not offend in that way again. I did not know you then, bu since MT. Hay has spoken about yor to me know and appreciate you. Mir Beecot."
 But Paul was not tdf1e cajoled 1T this manner. The more suave the wo man was, the more he felt inclined tc be on his guard, and he very wisely obeyed the prompting of his instinct "I fear you do not know me, Mrs Krill," said he as coldly as Hay could have spoken, "else you would hardly ask me to discuss with you, of all peo pie, the lady whom I intend to mako my wife,
 You are rather a difficult man to deal with" she replied, drawing her thick white eyebrows together. But I like difficult men. That is why admire MT. Hay. He is not a silly, useless butterfly like that young lord there"
 silly he is not, but I doubt his be- ing useful. So far as I can see, Hay looks after himself and nobody else"
 He proposes to look after my daughter"
 "So 1 understand" replied Beecot politely, "but that is a matter entirely for your own consideration"
 Mrs. Krill still continued to smile in her placid way, but she was rather nonplused all the same. From the appearance of Beecot, she had argued that he was one of those many men she could twist round her finger. But he seemed to be less easily guided than she expected, and for the mo- ment she was silent letting her hard eyes wander toward the card table, round which sat the four playing an eager and expressing game of bridge. You don't approve of that, perhaps?'
 No" said Paul calmly; T certainly do not"
 Are you a Puritan, may ask?'
 Beecot shook his head and laughed. "I am simple man who tries to do his duty in this world," said he, "and who very often finds it difficult to do that same duty"
 'How do you define duty, MT. Bee cotY'
 "We are becoming ethical" said Paul, with , smile. T don't know that I am prepared with an answer at present"
 "Then the next time we meet, for I hope" said Mrs. Krill, smoothing her face to a smile-it had grown rather somber-'that we shall often meet again. You must come and see us. We have. taken house in Ken sington."
 Chosen by MT. Hay?"
 "Yes. He is our mentor in London society. 1 don't think" added Mrs. Krill, studying his face. that you like MT. Hay"
 AS I am Mir. Hays guest" said Paul dryly, that is rather an unkind question to ask"
 T asked no question. I simply make a statement"
 Beecot found the conversation rather embarrassing. In place of his pumping Mrs. Krill, she was trying to pump him, which reversal of bis design he by no means approved of. He changed the subject of conversation by drawing Q powerfully attractive red herring across the trail. You wish to speak to me about Miss Norman" he remarked.
 q do," answered Mrs. Krill, who saw through his design. but apparent ly that subject is as distasteful as a discussion about Mir. Hay"
 Both subjects are rather personal, I admit, Mrs. Krill. However, if you have anything to tell me which you would like Miss Norman to hear l am willing to listen."
 "Ah! Now you are more reasonable" she answered in a pleased tone. It Is simply this, Mir. Beecot: am very sorry for the girl. Through no fault of her own she is placed in a difficult posi- tion. I cannot give her a name, since her father sinned against her as he sinned in another way against me. but can, through my daughter, who Is guided by me, give her an income. It does not seem right that should have all this money"-
 That your daughter should have all this money" interpolated Beecot.
 "AIy daughter and are one," replied Mrs. Krill calmly. "When [ speak for myself I speak for her. But, as I say, 1t doesn't seem right we should be in affiuence and Miss Norman in poverty. So propose to allow her five hundred a year on conditions. Will she accept. do you think, Mir. BeecotT'
 'T should think her acceptance would depend upon the conditions"
 They are very simple" said Mrs. Krill in her deep tones and looking very straight at Paul ''She is to marry you and go to America"
 Beecot's face did not change. since her hard eyes were on 1t But he was puzzled under his mask of indifference Why did this woman wast Sylvia to marry him and go Into exile? He tenn porized. with regard to your wish that Miss Norman should marry me" said he quietly. it is of course very good of you to interest yourself in the matter. fall to understand your req