Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1908-07-29

was thinking or Planks words, and he
knew Plank had spoken the truth. She
could not give herself to Quarter If he
stood firm. His was the stronger will.
after all; his was the right to inter
fere, to stop her, to check her, to take
her, draw her back-as he had once
drawn her from the fascination of de
structlon when she had swayed out too
far over the cliffs at Shotover.
IL came in with Leila We're asked
to Lenox for the weeks end. We 20
to Stockbridge on the early train to-
morrow morning." she said.
TN not going to let you go yet"
said Siward.
IF took to my heels here in the
park, would you chase me, StephenT'
she asked, with mock anxiety.
Eyes, and if l couldn't run fast
enough I'd call that policeman Now.
do you begin to understand
"Oh, I've always understood that
you were spoiled. I'm partly guilty OF
the spelling process too. Listen. I'll
walk with you a little way"-she
looked mt nina little way" she con-
tinued gently; then l must GO There
is only a caretaker In our house, and
Leila VIII be furious If leave her all
alone Besides. we're going to dine
there. and 70 won't be very gay If
don't give a few orders first"
But you brought your maid"
NATURALLY"
''rhen telephone her that you and
Leila are dining out"
where, silly? DO you want us to
dine somewhere with your"
want you? You've got tor
stephen. 1t isn't best"
eft is best"
She turned to him lmpulsively "Oh.
/ do want to so much. Do you think
l might? 1t is perfectly delicious 10
see you again. I-you have no idea
"Yes, have" he said sterny.
They turned, walking past the four
tain toward Fifth avenue again Fuf-
lively she glanced at his hands, with
the city pallor on them, as they grasp
ed the crossbars of the crutches, then
looked up at his worn face. He was
much thinner, but now In the softly
fading light the shadows under the
eyes and cheek bones seemed less
sharp his face fuller and more boyish;
the contour OF head and shoulders, the
short, crisp hair were as she remem-
bered, and the old charm held her,
the old fascination grew. tightening
her throat, stealing through every vein.
stirring her pulses, awakening imper-
ceptibly once more the best in her.
There is no use," she said under her
breath. 81 can't go back to Leila.
Stephen, the dreadful part of II is that
IL wish she were In Jericho! wish
the whoe world were In Ballyhoo and
you and | alone once morer'
Under their gay laughter quivered
the undertone Of excitement. Sylvia
said:
'Td like to talk to you all alone. II
won't do, OF course But l may say
what I'd like, mayn't I? What time
is It? If I'm dining with you we've
got to have Leila for conventions sake
II not from motives of sheer decency
which you and l seem 10 lack, Ste
phen."
1--WE lack decency," said Siward
"and we're proud Of It. AS for Leila
I'm going TO arrange for her very sim.
ply, but very beautifully. Plank will
take care OF her Sylvia, there's not g
soul in town, and we can be as impru.
dent as we please"
sNo, we can't. Agatna's at the SAINTS
Regina. She came down with u.s."
"But we are not going to dine at the
Santa Regina. We're going where
Agatha wouldn't intrude her colorless
nose-to a thoroughly UNREASONABLE
and selectly common resort overlook
Ing the classic Harlem, and we're go
ing to whlz thither In Plank's car anC
remain thither until you yawn for mer
cy, whence we will return thence
stephen, you silly I'm perfectly
mad to go with your Then with sud
den self reproach and quick solicitude
Am l making you walk too far
wouldn't you like to go In nowf"
mo, I'm not tired. I'm millions o.
years younger, and I'm as strong al
the nine gods of your friend Porsena
Besides. haven't l waited for thisf'
And under his breath fiercely, Haven
I waitedv' he repeated, turning on her
"Do-do you mean that as a re
proach7" she asked, lowering her eyes
"No. I knew You would not come Of