Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-08-16
vi.
The Sword.

For q moment the little fair-haired
woman stood irresolute. There was q
faint smile on the corners Of her mouth
as she looked at the man with the
strange sarb and long black hair. Then
she came quickly forward to her hus-
bands side.
I'm 80 sorry. Harry" she said. In a
tone Of apology. II didn't know You were
busy. If this gentleman will excuse me
moment"
MY Wife" said Mr.. Lampirthy, grim
ly. "Violet, this is Father Francis You
have heard of him.
The preacher rose to his feet and bowed
awkwardly. He seemed conscious that
the ordinary civilities of society were in
ridiculous contrast to his appearance; but
his dark eyes were fixed on the woman s
face. The name, something in the tone
of the voice, something even in the fea-
lures. called up memories OF the past
which he had thrust aside and forgotten.
II am pleased TO meet you." said Mrs.
Lampirthy, In q tone which implied that
or not "Wir you excuse me one min
ute?'
"Weu," asked the husband. sharply
what 10 It. Vioiet?"
"A man is round here from the Diche
Canfort people about eihyrs motor car
horsepower motor car. thought sixteen
horsepower would be enough for child
like her"
let her have what she likes" an
ths mr. dment sSyi hers.. appeared
on the scene. She lad been listening be-
hind the door for her fathers verdict
And she now ran into the room with all
the impulsive rudeness of q spoilt child.
a beauty. Do lot me have IT, Then she
caught sight of Father Francis and her
cheeks flushed. She paused, as charming
a picture of willful innocence as has ever
been conceived by an artist. Her sweet
there was q frightened look in her eyes
as she met the stern gaze OF the strange
man.
'Sibyl," said Mr. Lamplrthy quietly
this room at all. You can have tho car
any car you Ike. But you mustn't rush
in hero like Alike a street Arab"
For reply the little girl dashed at her
father and threw her arms round his
neck. Then. remembering tho presence OF
a stranger. her lips shrank tinnidly from
Mr.. Lampirthy's face. and the kiss
which she would have given from sheer
gratitude and childish JOY, was not
pressed upon his cheek.
and fed out OF the room. al though some
one were pursuing her. Mr.. Lampirthy
smiled. but the keen eyes Of Father
Francis were still hxed on Mrs. Lam
pirthy's. face.
rs that all. violetf' said Mr. Lam
pirthy, in tone that she could not pre-
tend to misunderstand.
Yes. Harry. that's all. Lunch will be
ready In twenty minutes. II this gentle
man will honor ua--' and sha stopped
with q smll6 that was half an invitation
and half an Insult.
mo. thank you," said Father Francis.
quietly. mo. thank you very much.
must leave here In 4 few minuteS-"
He was. halt starved for want OF food,
but the look on tho womanss face for
bade any possible aoosptancs Of the In
vitation. She evidently regarded him %
q curiosity. something which might
amuss her by uncouth habits and Sidicu-
lous mistakes in the way he ate his food.
He remembered that at one time society
ladies had made . great pet Of m intslli-
gent ape. He had no wish TO es exhibited
a. quaint specimen OF humanity.
Mrs. Lampirthy bowed and left the
room. For few moments neither Of the