The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1907-08-18
II

before. as she thrust out her hand
and gripped olives. ''A1y; but where
were you raised7"
II was born in South America; my
mother came originally from the
United states-bllssourl."
my, but that's greatl sakes alive.
but I'm Just real glad"
My father was English" continued
Olive, seeing that her companion was
Interested enough to forget her own
troubles for tho moment. HE mar
rled my mother in the Argentine and
had cattle and land and things"
And made a pile. guess. I've
heard it's wonderful place."
Yes, he was rich"
You don't say. And do. you rich
girls on this side go about hlone like
this?"
II am not rich now and as they
walked. Olive went on to speak OF the
old life In the Argentine and present.
ly OF her school life in Paris and Eng
land. and then ofssthe time at Silver
beech. not mentioning any names
however.
How old are your asked Selma.
Nearly twenty-one."
so am I; but sakeB alive, what a
different life I've had" and the weak
blue eyes clouded again. Would you
care to hear It? My room is close
here. VIII you come and see? We
can talk better there than in the
street"
Not paying much heed to the direc-
tion In which they were going. Olive
and her companion had crossed OK
ford Street. passed along Tottenham
Court Road, and were now close to
Mornington Crescent in the Hamp-
stead Road.
Her companion stopped at one of the
houses in very quiet street, and re-
peated the invitation.
Olive hcsitated about accepting.
Her landlord. Inspector Robson, had
warned her about the dangers of Lon
don. and her first inclination was to
refuse. But Selma Interested her
deeply, and her instincts assured her
that there was no harm In her; SO
she changed her mind and entered
the house.
Afterwards she often recalled that
momen.ary hesitation, and when think
Ing over all the momentous results
that followed from the visit. speculated
curiously about the difference 1t would
have made in her life had she not
conquered that first disinclination.
They went up TO the front room on
the second nocr-a bed-sftting- room,
In the language offlodging- housekeep-
ers. It was scrupulously clean and
tidy. plainly furnished with the usliesr
of furniture. and almost absolutely
devoid of ornaments. A small tray
with tea was ready on the table in the
window, and close to It.. swept out of
the way to make room for the tray.
were a couple of photographs in cheap
gilt frames.
Better than Chicago. anyway" said
Selma. noting olives glance around.
But I reckon they ought to go one
better still Guess they'll have to,
too she added as she threw her hat
on the bed. I'm getting wise again
on this side. you See
Olive sat down at the table. why,
you're quite English. Afternoon tea"
IT kind of cotton to It, Guess III
ask Mrs. Braider for another cup.
She's the boss here" and she rose to
call to the landlady.
May i look at ,these?" asked Olive.
taking up the photographs.
II guess you may that. They'll
come in the story" was the reply as
she went out of the ROOM
| Olive picked them up and glanced
| Idly at the first one Then she started
violently and uttered an involuntary
| cry.
1T was alikeness Of Gilbert Merri-
dew.
In a fever of sudden excitement she
snatched up the other. 1t was the face
| of Mrs. Merridew.
In sudden fear she rose, feeling the
| color had left her cheeks. ~
! Had she fallen into another trap?
She turned to hurry from the room
| at once and then Selma Hammond
came back. shutting the door behind
her.
LET me go. Let me go at once
cried Olive. wildly, facing her COM
panion. who stood blocking her escape.