The Washington herald., 1908-03-02

matters had gone so far as they evidently
have" he said. Il. OF course. knew thar
he has greatly admired Maud from the
very first He was, IN fact, always
speaking Of her in admiration. yet ! be-
iieved that he did not consider his posi-
ton 20 be sufficiently established In war
rantinS him 10 declare his love to her
Shall l throw out a gentle hint TO him
that the secret meetings would be best
discontinued
"If ne were to discontinue his visits
here altogether It would. I think. be
best said Petrovitch. IN 4 hard voice.
quite unusual 10 him.
Max was surprised at this Had any
unpleasantness occurred between the two
men. which his friend was concealing.
knowing that ROlfe was his most inti-
mate chum2
Does he come oftsnT'
He calls about once a week-upon me,
ostensibly. but really in excuse to 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 70 Rolfe paying his attentions
to your daughter2"
'FTes-I do"
Then very much regret that ever
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 7 regret It now. and
can only hope you will forgive me such
an indiscretion."
1T was not indiscreet at all-only un-
fortunate" he answered. almost snap
pishly.
But tell me straight out-what do you
wish me 20 DOR Max urged. 'Recollect
that II I can serve you In any way you
have only to command me"
Even at the expense OF your friends
hapPiness?" asked Petroviteh, his sharp
eyes fixed upon the young msn.
IF he really loves her. the circum-
stances OF the casS are altered was the
diplomatic answer
'lAnd II he does nOt7 II 4 is. as sus-
Pect, a mere fiirtation-what them"
Then / think you should leave the
matter 70 me, to act with my discretion"
young Barclay replied lie recouected
that Charlie was Marion's BROTHER. and he
saw himself already in n somewhat 6ifi-
cult position my own idea is" he went
on, that II is something more than a
mere Irritation, and that the reason OF the
secret meetings is because he fears TO
ask your consent 10 be allowed 70 pay
court TO your daughter"
What makes You think so7"
From some words that his sister Mar
ion let drop the other day
"Ah! Marion is a sweet and charming
girl. the elder man declared What a
Pity she should be compelled to drudge
IN a shop"
ayes" replied Max. quickly. Tt is a
thousand pities. She's far too refined
and good for that life"
A matter OF unfortunate necessity. I
suppose"
Necessity, Max Barclay BIT his llps
when he recOllected how very ensily she
might leave that shop life II she would
only accept money from him. But how
could she? How could he offer IL 10 her
without insult2
No. Until she consented to be his wife
she must sun remain there, at the beck
and call OF every irritating traaesman's
wife who cared to enter the department
10 purchase ready made costume or
skirt with material for bodice"
I'm sorry for Marion" Dr. Petrovitch
went on. "She frequently comes here OF
an evening, and often on Sundays to
keep Maud company. They get on most
excellently together"
Yes: she IS devoted 20 Maud She has
told me So"
I believe she is" Petrovitch said. And
yet X is unfortunate. for friendIiness with
Marion must also mean continued friend
liness with her brother"
All. / see now that you do not like
him. Max said, openly. for ne could not
now fail 10 see from his friends express
sion that something had occurred. What
II was he was utterly unable 20 make
out
NO. I don't" was tho ex-nninister's
plain. determined answer And 10 tell
you the truth. have other Views regard
Ing Maud's future. SO just tell the young
man whatever you think proper. Only
request him neither to call here. nor 10
attempt to see the child againl"