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

as to make restitution. And
l STOLE
There was a moments silence, on his
part fncredulous. Il don't know what
you mean. What did you steal? Where
is it?''
81 have lost it.
WAS it in your handbag?'
You found that?''
found it there. There is something OF
mine in it?'' -
Dumb with misery she nodded. and
after little. You didn't look. of course. y
81 had no right" he said. shortly. -,
Other men wo-would have thought
they had the right. 1 th-think you had
the circumstances considered At all
events. steadying her voice. 81 say you
have now: give you that right. Please
go and investigate that handbag, Mr..
Maitland. l wish you to-
He turned and stared at her curiousiy
Il don't know what to think he said
Il can not believe
You mu-must believe. 1 have no
Dear Mr.. Maitland you have been kind
to me. very kind to me; do me this last
kindness. If you will
The young face turned to him was
gravely and perilously sweet; very near.
ly he forgot all else. But that she would
DO this for me. - What you will
find will explain everything. You will
understand. Perhaps" -timidly-"perhap '
you may even find 1t in your heart to for
should. my card case is in the bag. and
80 She faltered. biting her liz
cruelty to steady voice quiverine with
restrained sobs. please, please go al
once. and-and see for YOURSELF" she
implored him, passionately.
OF sudden he found himself resolved
Indeed. he fancied that it were dangerous
TO oppose her; she was overwrought, or
the verge of losing her command of self
She wished this thing. and though with
she desired.
very WE'LL he assented, quietly
Shall 1 stop the cab now?"
Please"
and told the cabby to draw in at the next
corner. Thus he was put down not faI
from his home-below the 33d street
grade.
Neither spoke as he alighted. and she
believed that he was leaving her in dis.
pleasure and adherence, but he had only
stepped behind the cab for a moment to
speak to the driver. In a moment he was
back. standing by the step with one hand
on the apron and staring in very earnest.
ly and soberly at the Swallowed sweetness
of her pallid face. that cleaned In the
gloom there like some pale, shy, sad
flower.
Could there be evil combined with such
sheer loveltneSS, with features that In
every line bodied forth the purity of the
spirit that abode within? In the soul OF
him he could not believe that thiefs
nature fed cankerlike at the heart Of a
woman so divinely. naively dear and de.
sirable. And A." he would not.
WON'T you let me go?"
Just minute. &" should like
to If find that you have done moth
ing so very dreadful" he laughed un-
easily. "do you wish to know?'
You know I do She could not heir
saying that, letting him see that far into
her heart
You spoke of my calling, I believe
That means tomorrow afternoon, at the
earliest. May 1 not call you up on the
telephone?"
1.-The number is in the book" she said
in tremulous voice.
And your name in the card case?"
YES"
And if 1 should call in half ar
hour"
ooh. 1 shall not sleep until know
=" Good night!'
Good night! Drive on, cabby.'
He stood. smiling queerly. until the
hanson. climbing the Park avenue hill
vanished over it's shoulder. Then swung
about and with an eager step retraced
his way to his rooms, very confident that
God was in His heaven and all well with
the world.
(To be concluded tomorrow)