The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1908-09-19

were numbering over the MyannlS
bridge. A little further on Maitland
slowed down and, jumping out. lighted
the lamps. In the seat again-no
words had passed-he threw in the
high-speed clutch, and the world flung
behind them, roaring. Thereafter,
breathless. stunned by the frenzy of
speed, perforce silent, they bored on
through the night, crashing along de-
serted highways.
In the east band of pallid light
lifted up out of the night, and the
horizon took shape against it, stark
and black. Slowly. stealthily, the
formless dawn dusk spread over the
sleeping world; to the zenith the light
smitten stars reeled and died, and
houses, fields, and thoroughfares lay
a-glimmer with ghostly twilight as the
car tore headlong through the grim,
unlovely, silent hinterland Of Long
Island City.
The gates Of the ferry-house were in
exorably shut against them when at
last Maitland brought the big machine
to tremulous and painting halt, like
that of an overdriven thoroughbred.
And though they perforce endured a
wait Of fully Is minutes, neither found
aught worth saying; or else the words
wherewith fifty to clothe their thoughts
we're denied them. The girl seemed very
weary, and sat with head dropping and
hands clasped idly in her lap. To
Maitland's hesitant query as to her
comfort she return monosyllabic re-
assurance. He did not again venture
to disturb her; on his own part he was
conscious Of clogging sense of ex-
haustion, of drawn and haggard feel
ing about the eyes and temples; and
knew that he was keeping awake
automatically, his being already a.
doze.
The fresh wind of the sullen river
served in some measure to revive
them, once the gates were opened and
the car had taken place on the fer
ry-boat's forward extreme. Day was
now full upon the world; above hori-
zon belted with bright magenta, the
cloudless sky was soft turquoise and
sapphire; and abruptly, while the big
unwieldy boat surged across the mar
row ribbon of green water, the sun
shot up with shout and turned to
an evanescent dream Of fairy.land the
gaunt, rock.ribbed profile of Manhat-
tan island, bulking above them in tier
upon tier of monstrous buildings.
On the Manhattan side, in Difference
to the girls low-spoken wish Maitland
ran the machine up to Second avenue.
turned north, aud brought it to stop
by the curb, little north of Thirty
fifth street.
And now whither?" he inquired,
hands somewhat impatiently ready
upon the driving and steering gear.
The girl smiled family through her
veil. "You have been most kind" she
told him In tired voice. Thank you
from my heart, Mr.. Anisty," and
made a move as If to relieve him of
his charge.
"Is that all?" he demanded, blankly.
Can say more?"
II l am to go no further
with yon?" Sick with disappointment,
he rose and dropped to the Sidewalk
anticipating her Affirmative answer.
IF you would please me-" said the
girl, "you won't insist"
Il DON'T" he returned. ruefully.
"But IRE you quite sure that you're all
right now?"
"Quite, thank you, dear Mr.. Anisty!"
With pretty gesture Of conquering
impulse she swept her veil aside, and
the warm rose-glow of the newborn
day tinted her wan young cheeks with
color. And her eyes were as stars.
bright with a mist of emotion. brim-
ming with gratutude-and something
else. He could not say what; but one
thing he knew, and that was that she
was worn with excitement and fatigue,
near to the point of breaking down.
You're tired" he insisted, solicit
tous. Cant you let me-"
II am tired" she admitted, wistfully.
voice subdued, yet rich and vibrant.
mo, please. Please let me go. Don't
ask me any questions-now."
"Only one" he made supplication.
give done nothing"
Nothing but be more kind than
can say!"
"And you're not going to back out
Of our partnership"
"Oh!" And now the color in her
cheeks was warmer than that which
the dawn had lent them. "No.
l shan't back out" And she smiled.
And If call'a meeting Of the board
Of management of Anisty and Went
worth, Limited, you will promise to
attend?"
"Ye.es-"
"Will it be too early IL I call one
for today"
'Why-"
Say at two O'clock this afternoon.
at Eugene's. You know the placer"
Il have lunched there"
Then you shall again to-day. You
won't disappoint me?"
Il will be there. I I shall
be glad to come. Now-please!"
you've promised. Don't forget"