The Washington herald., 1908-03-01

matters had gone so far as they evidently
have he said. II. of course. knew that
/ he has greatly admired Maud from the
very first He was in fact, always
speaking of her in admiration. yet I be-
lieved that he did not consider his posi-
tion TO be sufficiently established in war
ranting him to declare his love TO her.
Snail throw out a gentle hint to him
that the secrets meetings would be best
discontinued
IF he were to discontinue his visits
I here altogether it would. [ think be
best said Petrovitcn. in a hard voice.
/ quite unusual TO him.
Max was surprised at this. Had any
unpleasantness occurred between the two
men. which his friend was coneealing,
knowing that Rolfe was his most inti-
mate chum?
Does he come ofteng'
He calls about once a Week-upon me-
! ostensibly. but really in excuse 10 see the
child
And now-let us speak frankly old
fellow, Max said. bending slightly to-
ward the man seated opposite him do
you object to Rolfe paying his attentions
to your daughter
/ ''Yes-I do"
Then / very much regret that / ever
/ introduced him. We were together al
AiX-les-Bains for three weeks last sum
mer- and, as you know. we met. You
were my old friend and I could not help
introducing him. ! regret it now. and
can only hope you viii forgive me such
an indiscretion"
III was not indiscreet at all-only un-
/ fortunate he answered, almost snap
pishly.
| But tell me straight out-what do you
wish me to doT' Max urged. "ReeoIleet
that If can serve you I'm any way you
have only TO command me-"
Even at the expense of your friends
| happiness2" asked Petrovitch his sharp
eyes fixed upon the young man.
| If he really loves her. the circum-
stances OF the case are altered" was the
/ diplomatic answer
And if he does not? II IT is. as I sus-
pect, a mere lirtation-what them"
Then I think you should leave the
matter to me- 10 act with my discretion. q"
young Barclay replied. He recoliected
that Charlie was MariOns brother. and ne
saw himself already in a somewhat diff
cult position. MY own idea is" ne went
on. that it is something more than q
mere Irritation, and that the reason OF the
/ secret meetings is because he fears 10
ask your consent TO be allowed 10 pay
cVuTt 10 your QduSnter
/ What makes you think so?"
! From some words that his sister Mar
ion let dEop the other day"
| "Ah, Marion is a sweet and charming
/ girl, the elder man declared What q
| pity she should be compelled to drudge
IN shop"
Yes" replied Max. quickly IL is a
| thousand pities. She's far too refined
and good for that life
"A matter Of unfortunate necessity. ]
suppose
Necessity, Max Barclay bit his lips
/ when he recoilected how very easily She
might leave that shop life If she would
only accept money from him. But how
/ could she2 How could he offer Il 10 her
without insult?
/ No Until she consented 20 be his wife
she must sun remain there. at the beck
/ and call OF every irritating tradesman' S
wife who cared 20 enter the department
20 purchase "a ready-made costume or a
/ skirt with material for bodice
I TN sorry fer Marion" Dr. Petrovitch
went on. she frequently comes here OF
an evening. and often on Sundays "a
keep Maud company. They get on most
/ eXcellenuy together"
Yes; she is devoted to Maud She has
/ told me So"
Il believe she is" Petrovitch said. And
yet Il is unfortunate. for friendIiness with
Marion must also mean continued friend
liness with her brother"
I 'Ah' ] see now that you do not like
/ him. Max said, openly for he could not
I now fail TO see from his friends express
sion that something had occurred. What
/ il was he was utterly unable 70 make
/ out
NO, ] don't. was the ex-minIster's
l plain. determined answer And 10 ter
you the truth, have other views regard
l ing Maud's future. So Just tell the young
man whatever you think proper. ONLY
/ request him nether 10 call here. nor 10
attempt 20 see the child again.