Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1907-12-28

IS true about me. why shouldn't she
say IL? Do you believe that sort OF a
fellow would prove a very good kind
TO look after young lady?"
I amt a young LADY,"
mo; well. you're going 10 be n 7
have my way, and 7 don't believe the
sort Of a gent described would be very
apt TO help you much in getting there"
You amt an that"
'Wen, perhaps not. Like an ANA
teur artist. madam may have laid the
colors on a little thick. But I am no
winged angel, Kid, nor exactly model
Tor you TO copy after. ! reckon YOU
better stick 20 the woman and cut me"
She did not answer. yet he read an
unchanged purpose In her ewes. and
his own decision strengthened. Some
Instinct led him 20 do the right thing.
he drew forth the locket from beneath
the folds OF her dress. holding Il omen
TO the light He noticed now a name
ensravon on the gold case, and bont
lower to decipher the delicate letter
ing.
WAS her name Naida7" he qucs-
toned. sharply. 1T is an uncommon
word"
Yes"
Their eyes met. and those OF both
had percepubly softenod.
Nadia" his lips dwelt upon the
peculiar name as though he loved the
sound. II want you 20 listen 10 me.
child. 1 sincerely wish I might keep
you here with me. but I can't. You
are more TO me than you dream. but IL
would not be right for me thus DELHI
erately TO sacrifice your whole future
10 my pleasure. I possess nothing to
oncr you.-no home. no friends. no
reputation. Practically I am an out
law. existing by my wits. disreputable
IN the eyes OF those who are worthy 10
live In tho world. She, who was your
mother, would never wish you to re-
main with me. She would say did
right In giving you up into the care
or a good woman. Nadia. look on that
face in the locket, your mothers face.
1t Is sweet, pure beautiful the face Of
good. true woman. Living or dead.
IL must be the prayer Of those lips that
you become a good woman also. She
should lead you. not I. for I am IN
worthy. For her sake. and IN her
name, l ask you TO go back TO Mrs.
Herndon."
He could perceive the gathering tears
in her eyes. and his hand closed tieht-
ly about her own. It was not one soul
alone that struggled.
You will go?"
20 Bob. wish you wasn't a gam
bleri"
moment he remained silent. But
unfortunately I am" he admitted. so
berry, and II is best for you 20 20
back. Won't your"
Her gaze was fastened upon the
open locket. the fair face pictured
there smiling up at her as though in
pleading also.
You truly think she would wish it?"
Il know she would"
The girl gave utterance TO a quick.
startled breath, as II the vision fright
ened her. Then l will go" she said.
her voice a mere whisper, Il will go"
He led her down the steps, out into
the jostling crowd below, as II she had
been some fairy princess. Her locket
hung dangling, and he slipped II back
into It's place and drew her slender
form yet closer against his own. as
they stepped forth into the black, de-
serted road. Halfway up the gloomy
ravine they met a man and woman
coming along the narrow path. Hamp-
on drew her aside out OF their way.
then spoke coldly.
Mrs. Herndon. were you seeking
Jour lost charged have her here"
The two passing figures halted. peer.
ing through the darkness.
I was not seeking her" she re-
turned, icily. Il have no desire to cuI-
tivate the particular friends OF Mr..
Hampton"
So / have understood, and conse-
Quently relinquish here and now ALI
claims upon Miss ellis. She has in
formed me OF your flattering opiuion
regarding me. and / have indorsed IT
as being mainly true to life. DO /
state this fairly, Naida?"
i have come back" she faltered
lingering the chain at her throat. Il
have come back"
Without Bob Hampton?"
Inc girl glanced uneasily toward
him, but he stood mouonless In the
gloom.
fes1I-I suppose l must"
Hampton rested his hand softly upon
her shoulder, his fingers trembling, al
though his voice remained coldly de-
hberate.
trust this is entirely satisfactory,
MRS. Herndon." he said. Il can assure
you know absolutely nothing regard
Ing her purpose OF coming to me to-
night. 1 realize quite clearly my own
deficiencies. and pledge myself here
after not to interfere with you In any
way You accept the trust, believer"