Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-07-28
X-Continued.

A little lie would clear her-yes. But
it was not to be cleared that she now SO
passionately desired; 1t was to have him
believe in her. even against the evidence
Of his senses. even in the face Of the
worlds condemnation. and 50 prove that
he. too. cared-cared for her as his atti-
tude toward her had taught her to
care. 80
had fed her starved heart with the hope.
faint hope though It were. that he would
come to care little. that he would not
utterly despise her. that he would under
stand and forgive. when he learned why
she had played out her part. nor believe
that she was the embodiment OF all that
was ignoble. coarse and crude: that he
would show a little faith in her. little
faith that like pickering taper might
light the way for love-.
But that hope was now dead within her
and cold. She had but to look at him to
see how groundless It had been. how ut
terly unmoved he was by her distress. He
waited patiently-that was all-seeming SO
DISTINGUISHED and at ease in his evening
clothes-waiting. patient but cold. dis
passionate and disdainful.
II am waiting you see. Might I sug-
BeSI InaL we nave not all week IOr
our mutual differencesf"
His tone was altogether changed; she
would hardly have known 1t for his voice.
Its incisive. clipped accents were like a
knife to her sensitiveness. She
summoned the reserve OF her strength.
stood erect. unsupported. and moved for
ward without a word. He stood aside,
holding the lamp high. and followed her.
lighting the way down the hall to the
study.
-
chair. while he proceeded gravely to the
desk. put down the lamp-superfuous
now. the gas having been lighted-and
after moments thought faced her, with
a contemptuous smile and lift Of his
shoulders. thrusting hands deep into his
pockets.
"well?' he demanded. cuttingly.
She made little motion of her hands,
begging for time. and. asserting with a
short nod. he took a turn up and down
the room. then abstractedly reached up
and turned out the gas
when you are quite composed I should
enjoy hearing your statement"
- have none to make"
"So!-with his back to the lamp. tow
ering over and Expressing her with the
THAT Is very odd. isn't it?"
II have mono explanation to give that
would satisfy you or myself" she said.
brokenly. IL don't care what you
lieve the worst and-and do what you
wih-have me arrested"
He laughed sardonically. "Oh, we
won't go SO far as that. I guess: harsh
measures. such as arrest and imprison-
cerned. But I am interested to know
why you are here
Her breathing seemed very loud in the
pause: she kept her lips tight. fearing to
speak lest she lose her mastery of self.
And hysteria threatened: the fluttering
In her bosom warned her. She must be
very careful. very restrained. II she
were to avert that browning misfortune.
Il don't think quite understand you.' -
he continued, musingly; surely you must
have anticipated Interruption
Il thought you safely out Of the
zone presumed that" He laughed
Maitland? Didn't you have him in your
calculations. Or"
He paused, unfeignedly surprised by her
expression. And chuckled when he COM
pretended.
by the powers. l forgot for a moment!
So you thought me Maitland. Ell? Well.
I'm sorry 1 didn't understand that from
the first. You're so quick. as rule. you
know-I confess you duped me neatly this
and only afraid that I'd give you what
you deserve. II they had sent any
one but that stupid ass. Hickey. to nah
me. I'd be in the cooler now. As 1t was,
you kindly selected the very best kind of
a house for my purpose; I went straight
up to the roofs and out through q build
ing round the corner. 80
But the shock of discovery. with it's at
tendant revulsion OF feeling. had been too
much for her. She collapsed suddenly In
the chair. eyes half closed, face pallid
as a mask Of death.
Anisty regarded her In silence for q
meditative instant. then. taking up the
a. A,~~ he hall kN< .A,~,
returning presently with a glass brim-
ming with an amber-tinted. effervescent
liquid.
Champagne" he announced. licking