The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1907-08-02

MISS GraySOn alighted was utterly de
serted. Pale CLEANS from half opened
tenement shutters and the dim, murky
yellow of the street lamps were reflect
I'd In the streaming cutters and the
sidewalk S miniature pools Miss Gray
ton Splashed briskIy ahead, looking
neither to the right nor to the left,
till she nrarrd her own abode and
turned her head 10 glance in the win
dows. The partition of what had once
been IL narrow han had been removed,
and ~. whole WAS turned into Il spa
ciOuS sitting room. The cmberS of a
half spent CRATE fire threw n softened
color over books and pictures, and the
dark, thin face of little Tessa, who
was seated on the hearth rug.
We'll. TcSSa," called Miss Grayson,
opening the door and pausing a mo-
ment to wrcst the key from the reluc-
tant lock, Did you sit up for me?
And where's Miss I1lliston?'
But TeSsa'S slow, sweet voice was
checked midway In reply, for of a
sudden Miss GraySon was thrust VIC
lcntly into the room, and the half
opened door was closed behind her.
Against 1t leaned the threatening fig
IRE Of Grinaldo his lips in an ugly line.
What do YOU mean by breaking in
like this:" demanded Miss Grayson,
sternly quiet, though pulse beat hur-
riedly in her throat
Grinaldo fixed his narrow eyes on
her. Angry red surged under the
brownish pallor of his skin. She had
taken his daughter, he said, his daugh-
ter who earned for him. Now he had
come TO fetch Tessa away She would
not be found n second time.
Tcssa was staring at Il window at
the other end of the room as if She
did not hear Grlnaldo's words, but
Miss Grayson's eyes were on the thin,
keen knife that flickercd In his hand.
IF the lady screama or Gala the
police, | strika now" said Grinaldo
softly, with Il threatening gesture.
"Oh. no YOU don't" cried Rranton
Pldgcly, crashing in the window with
his walking stick and vaulting over
the sill With the jump that had won
him medal at college. Beyond were
the amberllke lamps of his waiting
hanson, the cabman whistling shrilly
for the police Miss Grayson saw as
through maze the things that fol
lowed, Ridgely's arm striking out and
GrinaldO Sprawling. She heard les
sa's cry of relief, the startled voice of
Miss Ellisten. who panic stricken, was
descending the stairs. Lastly came the
police. 1t was Ridgely who told them
the necessary details; 1t was Ridgely
who Gained the excited Miss Elliston
and half hySterical TcSsa; 1t was
RidGely who came to Miss Grayson
when it was ali over with a fervent
Thank heaven, / was in time"
How did you know
"Why, after you were gone l felt n
premonition, so l. took n cab and fol
lowed"
Miss EllistOn had discreetly turned
her back Miss Grayson lifted a bunch
Of violets from bowl on the table
and held them out to him.
INSTEAD of laurels." she began trem-
ulously.
i couidn't-I can't-you see-that is"
- stammered Ridgely, coloring to the
roots of his hair.
Their eyes met.
"Oh," cried Miss Grayson, With a
deep breath, then it was you who sent
them! And the money too"
But the mitials?" she questioned,
perpleXedly after moments silence.
STAND for Earnest Trifler,'" he said
lightly Il thought I'd like to help
but I'm pretty much of a thick headed
blundcrbuss and didn't quite know
how. You see, n trificr wouldn't stand
much of Il chance With you. would he,
Miss GFaysan;"
can earnest trff1er would" she an
swered, looking down at the violets
she still held In her hand.
Really" cried Ridgely, with a de-
light half boyish In its impetuosity,
Yes, really" said Miss Eleanor
Grayson in a tone that made Ridgely's
heart skip ut least three beats.