The Irish standard., 1908-10-10

Window Of a Top-Floor Hall Bed
room In the eoardinq-House On.
posite.
shades drawn-O'Hagan's last act be-
fore leaving with the suitcase-addi.
tional proof that Maitland was not ex-
pected back that night. For the tenn
perature was high, the air in the
closed room sitting.
Crossing to the windows, the girl
drew down the dark green inner
shades and closed the folding wooden
shutters over them. And was con-
scious of deepened sense of security.
Next going to the telephone, she re-
moved the receiver from the hook and
let it hang at the full length of the
cord. In the dead silence the small
voice OF Central was clearly articu-
late: What number? Hello, what
number?"-followed by the grumbling
of the armature as the operator tried
fruitlessly to ring the disconnected
bell. The girl smiled family, aware
that there would now be no interrup.
tion from an inopportune call.
There remained as a final precau.
tion only a grand tour of the fiat:
which she made expeditiously, passing
swiftly and noiselessly Zone contem-
plating midnight raids does not attire
ones self in silks and starched things)
from room to room, all comfortably
empty. Satisfied at last. she found
herself again in the study. and now
boldly. mind at rest, lighted the brass
student lamp with the green shade,
which she discovered on the desk.
Standing, hands resting lightly on
hips. breath coming quickly, cheeks
flushed and eyes alight with some in
innate and inscrutable emotion, she
surveyed the room. Out of the dusk
that lay beyond the plash Of illumina-
tion beneath the lamp, the furniture
began to take on familiar shapes; the
divans, the heavy leather-cushioned
easy chairs, the tall clock with its pal
lid staring face, the small tables and
tabourettes, handily disposed for the
reception of books and magazines and
pipes and glasses, the towering, old
fashioned mahogany book case, the
useless, ornamental, beautiful Chip
pendale escritoire, in one corner; all
somberly shadowed and all combining
to diffuse an impression Of quiet, easy
going comfort.
Just such a study as he would natur-
ally have. She nodded silent approba.
tion OF it as whole. And, nodding,
sat down at the desk, planting elbows
on its polished surface. interlacing her
fingers and cradling her chin upon
their backs, turned suddenly pensive.
The mood held her but briefly. She
had no time to waste, and much to
accomplish. Sitting back,
her fingers sought and pressed the
clasp of her handbag and produced
two articles-a golden cigarette case
and a slightly soiled canvas bag. The
Maitland jewels were returning by a
devious way, to the their owner.
But where to put them, that he
might find them without delay? 1t
must be no conspicuous place, where
O'Hagan would be apt to happen upon
them; doubtless the janitor was trust
worthy, but still Misplaced
opportunities breed criminals.
1t was all risk to leave the treas.
ure there, without the protection of
nickeled-steel walls and timelocks;
but risk that must be taken. She
dared not retain it longer in her pos
session; and she would contrive a way
in the morning to communicate with
Maitland and warn him.
Her gaze searched the area where
the lamplight fell soft yet strong upon
the dark shining wood and heavy
brass desk fittings: and paused az