Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-08-23

girls side. laid her hand upon the CULVER
ing shoulder.
derby. ut will be all right. 1 think 1
can promise you 1t will be all right. 1
will give him work here-at better wages.
1t will be different to working for Mr..
Bland He can have no scruples about
this sort Of business
"Oh. thank you, Lady Betty. thank you
so much. 1t is SO good OF you to help
me-
Not at all child. You help me and I
want to help you. That's all Come.
wipe away those tears. and put on your
hat and coat You must look your best
tonight. and perhaps you won't have to
send Harry to me after all. girl can
do lot by herself. II she looks pretty
and charming
Alice smiled and dabbed at her eyes
with handkerchief
"You are sweet to me, Lady Betty"
she said. II often think-but, of course.
it's impairment of me to think about
She paused and blushed furiously.
What is it you think, dear?''
May / say it. Lady Betty? 1t is so
often in my mind. 1 know person in
I'VE are fellow workers. Alice-in the
same position"
You are sweet to me. Lady Betty
she said. slowly. How lovely 1t would
be for any man who married you. any
clever. great man. who wanted help in his
work.
Lady Betty was silent, but her eyes
filled with tears. Her love had been given
to a man who was neither clever nor
great and the man was dead.
You are angry with me. Lady Betty, "
faltered the girl, after long pause.
Angry, dear? No, of course not. Why
should be angry? You have paid me a
great compliment. But you mustn't talk
of such things to an old maid"
HI@ ~ Nlrn@ fnfn
face and she understood.
II am so sorry-so sorry.
For reply Lady Betty leant down and
kissed her.
Come, Alice" she said cheerfully.
you've got your own matrimonial affairs
to think about. Put on your things and
go and deal with this obstinate young
fellow who loves you
The girl rose to her feet and took up her
hat. AS she was thrusting the hatpin
through it she paused and listened. Afar
off she heard the shrieks and yells of
drunken men.
Lady Betty also heard the sound. 1t
was not uncommon in that part Of the
world.
You must stay here, Alice. for few
minutes. The streets are not safe for
you. Look out of the window and see
what they are shouting about"
The girl went to the window and opened
it. Then she leant out and looked down
the street. The noise came nearer and
nearer.
ITS him. she cried. ITS Father
Francis 1 can see his funny dress. on
they're il-using him, Lady Betty"
The crowd surged down the street to-
ward the Home of Rest.
He is running cried the girl He is
afraid. Oh, where are the police?'
Lady Betty slipped out of the room and
ran down the stairs to the hall. Then
she opened the door. A tall man ran to-
ward her and paused on the pavement
opposite the house In few few seconds
STOW yer jaw cried one of them,
huskily. What call ave yer to cry out
against the likes Of us. Give us food and
less blather. Beasts Of the field e called
us: mates. Give i'm bit OF claw.
An angry yell rose from the crowd.
which was composed of haggard and
drunken men and half-starved boys.
Give our teeth bit of crust" cried
one voice. "or we'll ave bite out OF
yer"
roar Of laughter greeted this sally
Friends" said Father Francis. and his
strong voice rang out above the tumult.
81 am poor even as you are. /. too, have
starved. but have learnt that pow
erty-
GIVE i'm one in the jaw, Bill. We've
'ad enough of i'm.
The crowd closed in on the tall figure.
Lady Betty ran out from the doorway
and laid her hand on the mans arm. He
not see her face.
"Come in here" she said, quickly. Il
want to speak to you-on matter OF
business
THANK you" he said. quietly. II will
come into your house. but do not think
am afraid"
mo. no. want to speak to you.
am asking favor"
He followed her into the house and she
closed the door.
The crowd outside yelled derision In the
form Of comic song, lewd, fl-written
and unmusical
When the door closed Lady Betty stood
in the full glare of the hall lamp and
Father Francis recognized her.