The Lexington intelligencer. [volume] (Lexington, Mo.) 1901-1949, 1908-09-19

- self at her home in the
evening, urbane, courtly, but charac-
teristically aggressive. Her action in
boarding him in his den was not sur
prising. even though it might have
been considered unusual. He had been
well aware for some time that she was
sorely uneasy and that 1t was only a
question of time when she would
make the expected advances. Since
the announcement Of James engage
ment Bansemer had been punctiliously
considerate. And yet underneath his
faultless exterior Mrs. Gable felt that
she could recognize the deadly poise
Of other intentions. She lived In fear
that they would spring upon her as If
from the dark and that she would be
powerless to combat them. Something
stronger than words or even intuition
told her thar James Bansemer was not
to be turned aside by sentiment.
Driven at last to the point where she
felt that she must know his intentions,
she boldly ventured into his coDsulta-
ton room, a trembling but determined
creature whose flesh qulvered with
chill despite the furs that foiled the
Wintry winds. Elias broom passed her
on into the private room, with a polite
grin that set her teeth on edge.
She left the building fifteen minutes
later, nursing a wild but forlorn hope
that James Bansemer meant no evil
after all. without hesitation she told
him plainly that she anne to learn the
precise nature of his attitude toward
herself and the girl. Bansemer's re-
sentiment appeared too real to have
been simulated. He was almost harsh
in his response to the inference. In the
end, however, he was a little less than
tender in his efforts to convince her
that she had cruelty %misjudged him.
She went away with a chill in her
heart dislodged. but not dissolved.
When he asked if she and Mr.. Gable
would be at home that night for a
game of cards she felt obliged to urge
him to come. It was not until she was
in the carriage below that she remem-
bered that David Cable was to attend a
big banquet at the Auditorium that
night and that Jane would be at the
theater with friends.
Bansemer smiled serenely as he es-
corted her to the door. I'VE will not
permit anything to happen which might
bring misery to the two beings so dear
to u.s." he assured her at parting.
Shortly after s he entered the Cable
home. He had gone to Chicago avenue
beforehand to send a telegram east.
From the corner Of Clark street he
walked across town toward the lake,
facing the bitter gale with poor grace.
In Washington place he passed two
men going from their cab into the I'm
ion club. He did not look at him, MOI
did he see that they turned and stared
after him as he buffeted his way across
Dearborn avenue. One Of the men was
Bobby Rigby, the other Denis Harbert
Of New York.
ITS the same Bansemer," said Har-
bert as they entered the club, I'D
know him in a Million
At the Cables a servant on opening
the door announced that Mr.. Gable
was not at home.
rs Mrs. Cable at homer" asked Mr.
Bansemer, making no effort to find his
cardcase.
Yes, sir" responded the servant aft
er a moments hesitation. BansemeI
passed through the vestibule,
Say Mr.. Bansemer, if you please"
He removed his coat and was stand.
ing comfortably in front of the blaz-
ing logs in the library when she came
down.
81 thought the night was too dread
full for any one to venture out un'
less she was saying as she gave hin
her hand.
"a night indoors and alone is a thou
sandfold more dreadful than one out
doors in quest of good company in
terrupted Bansemer. He drew VI
chairs in front of the fireplace and
stood by waiting for her to be seated.
Il had forgotten that Mr.. Cable was
to attend a banquet at the Auditori
um," she explained ~nervously, conf.
dent, however, that he felt she had moi
forgotten.
'9To be sure" he said. This is th'
night Of the banquet. l was not In
vited."
Il tried to telephone to ask you t
come tomorrow night. The storm hal
played havoc with the wires. 1t i
impossible to get connection with any
one" A servant appeared In the door
way.
you are wanted at the telephone
Mrs. Gable. Shall ] say you vii
comeT'
Flushing to the roots Of her hair
the mistress Of the house excused her
self and left the room. Banseme
leaned back in his chair and smiled
She returned a few minutes later witt
a futtering apology.
"What a terrible night it must be 70
those poor linemen,' she said. II re
member what 1t meant to be a railroa'
nneman in the west years ago. Tn