Lewiston evening teller. [volume] (Lewiston, Idaho) 1903-1911, 1908-03-16
tchapter Fourteen Continued


What was coming was coming be-
tween himself and Plank alone. The
result must be attained swiftly. with
secrecy and with the aid of ITO man.
For he did not count Mortimer man.
AT the door of Major Belwether's
house Sy1yia's maid received Quarter
smiiingly, saying that her mistress was
not at home. but that Mrs. Mortimer
was which saved Quarter the neces-
sity of asking for a private conference
with Leila. which was exactly what
he had come for. But her first I'M
guarded words on receiving him as he
rose at her entrance into the darkened
drawing room changed that plan, too
changed 1t all so utterly and so much
for the better that he almost smiled to
think of the crudity of human combi-
nations and inventions as compared to
the mastery Vaccinations of fate.
Leila said, laughingly: ooh, you are
too late, Howard We are dining with
Mr.. Plank at Riverside inn. What in
the world are you doing in town so
suddenly
"A business telegram. ! might have
come down with you and Sylvia if
had known. Is Plank dining with you
aioneT'
II haven't seen him." smiled Leila
eyasively. lie viii tell us his plans
of course when he comes
@sOhr' said Quarter, dropping his
eyes and glancing furtively toward the
curfained windows. At the instant
hanson drove up. Sylvia sprang out,
ran lightly up the low steps, and the
silent, shrouded house rang with the
clamor of the bell.
Leila looked curiously at Quarter,
who sat motionless, head partly avert
led, as though listening to something
heard by him alone. He believed per-
haps that he was listening to the voice
OF fate again, and 1t may have been
so. for already for the third time all
his plans were changing to suit this
new ally of his-this miraculous fate
which was shaping matters for him
gas he waited. Sylvia had started up
9sfafrs like a f-agrant whirlwind, but
her flying feet halted at Leila's CON
sstraiDed voice from the drawing room,
and she spun around and came into
the dnrKened room like an April breeze
Leila! They'll be here ut a quarter
TO IT,
Her breath seemed to leave her body
las h shadowy figure rose in the I'M
4certain light and confronted her.
Your
He said. Didn't you recognize the
ear outsider
She had not even seen 1t, so excited.
$50 deeply engaged had she been with
the riotous tumult Of her own thoughts.
And still her hurt. unbelieving gaze
widened to dismay as she stood there
halted on the threshold and still bis
eyes. narrowing, beld her under their
saxpressionless inspc ction.
when did you come? Whyg" she
asked In an altered voice.
II came ON business. Naturally, be
ing here. | came to see you. under
stand You are dining oatr'
tsYes. we are dining out"
.'I'm sorry | didn't wire you. because
we might have dined together l saw
Flank this afternoon. He did not say
you were to dine with him. Shall
see you later in the evening, Sylvan
-I-it win be too late"-
t'Oh, tomorrow theni What train Dc
you fake?'
Sylvia did not answer. He picked
zp his hat. repeating the question care
gessly, and still she made no reply.
s'Shall | see you tomorrow" he ask
ed. swinging on her rather suddenly
Il fhink-not There viii be M
fine
He bowed quietly to Leila. offering
his hand. 'yho did you say was Il
dine with you besides Plank?"
Leila stood silent. then, withdrawing
her fingers. walked to the window,
Quarter, bis hat in his gloyed hands
looked from one to the other. his in
auiring eyes returning and focused OF
Sylvia.
"Who are you dining WITH" he ask
ed with authority.
'.Mr. Plank and Mr. Siward."
''AIr. Siward." he repeated in sur
prised displeasure, as though he haC
not already OWNED it.
ssYes-a man like
"a man | dislike" he rejoined witt
the slightest emphasis.
A dL SAiC Geifu oAAhpiSs
$50 am l. Sylvia. And / am coins
to ask you to make him an excuse
Any excuse win do
.Excuse2 What do you mean, How
ardY'
!. II mean that do not care to have
you seen with Mr.. Siward. Have
ever demanded very much of you, Syl
xfa7 Very well. / demand this o
you now"
And still she stood there. her eye
wide. her color gone, repeating: lex
cuse2> What excuse? What do yo'
mean by excuse Howard?"
Il have told you. You know m!
wishes. II be has telephone you car
communicate with him
@And say that I-that you forbid