The Bamberg herald. [volume] (Bamberg, S.C.) 1891-1972, 1907-01-17
Ole
Time Limit
By J. A. T. LLOYD.

!. !. ~ !
- It was August and Intensely hot
and, though there was positively no
body, in town, London was crowded
with painting human flesh. In a par
t;cular West End terrace, however, life
was ANYTHING but strenuous. A yaWn-
ing policeman pcomenaded slowly past
the odd numbers, while young girl,
exquisitely dressed, was walking 6rlsk-
ly past the even in the opposite dlrec-
fion. Except for these two human be-
ing the terrace was deserted. The girl
hesitated before the last house and
stared a little wistfuliy at the hall
door. Then she swung round the cor
ner and hesitated again. 1t was all
so quiet, so ridiculously like the coun-
try. A man had been painting the
gate; the brushes and paint pot were
still there. Evidently he had gone tor
refreshment. The gate was open. The
girl thought hard for half a minute
or so, and took something that closely
resembled an Easter egg out OF her
pocket. She entered the garden and
deposited this beneath rhododendron
bush. Glancing at the house she saw
that the French window leading into
what looked like library was open.
Here again there was evidence OF
quite recently interrupted work. Some
body had been cleaning windows,
and, as likely as not, the girl
reasoned, had Joined the house painter
1a She quest of mutual solace. The
girl walked quietly into the house and
rang the bell. Then she sat down in
the most comfortable chair in the
room. A minute or two later a puz-
zled butler stared protest and admir-
alton at her from the doorway.
Tell Mr.. Semuels that / shall see
him here, in this room; it will be
cooler. Yes, now! Lady Laura Bridge
yale, and do be quick"
The butler bowed and withdrew.
In few minutes fat, stopping Is
Taelite shufled furtively into the IL
brary. The girl smiled at him.
.It's horribly hot she said, gent
nv; ST thought it would be cooler in
the library. Do sit down."
..Bridgevale-Lady Laura Bridge
vale" he muttered.
The brazen cover of "Debrett'' con-
1ronted them both from the near cor
sner of a book case"
81 don't seem to remember he
Scontinued, and he moved pace tow
ard that corner.
5seNo, no; it's no use," the girl in
terrupted. I'm not Lady Laura
Bridgevale; just said the first name
3 that came into my head
Puffy and startled, the man turned
on her. 'sYou mean," he stammered,
false pretences-in the city never
heard"
The girl laughed out loud. She had
81 nice laugh. There isn't much time,"
she said, looking straight into his
eyes.
What do you mean?" At the mo-
ment he wished that his son, Mont
morency, were at home. He hated
talking to these insolent women Of
fashion, who Knocked him even while
they clutched for his money. What do
you mean?" he repeated, avoiding her
eyes.
II want hundred pounds" said the
girl, brightly.
For an instant the dull, heavy eye
brows were raised. Then they re-
Taxed into their old furtiveness.
Eyes, want it at once" continued
the girl. ''They said you were prompt
and liberal
.s .Who said?" gasped Mr.. Samuels.
.The daily papers, of course. Why,
I its everywhere and they say you won't
take security.
Security! What?, Why you must
Z be mad! In the City-you come to me
falking like that-calling yourself
Lady Laura Bridgevale, and talking
about q hundred to my face. Do you
think I find a hundred pounds in my
Earden?" He broke of abruptly. His
angry pomposity fell aaccid beneath
the scrutiny Of her stare. Again the
desire for Montmorency came to him.
The oily, vanished tongue Of his son
had always smoothed such predica-
ments as the present. She might be
laughing at him: she might be a
z duchess for all he knew. He dared
not express the insolence Of his soul.
81 want a hundred pounds contin-
ned the girl, "and- yes, ten shillings
s for hanson"
Il can't do it," said the man of
4 business, his teeth closing in angry
fnalsty.
you've got to do, Mr.. Samuels, d
said the girl.
-. 'tDo you mean just on your note Of
hand?"
eyes, do; but there's a time limit
for you"