The San Francisco call., 1909-03-07

had met in London. in Antwerp he
found grown to woman's stature and
slowly coming to comprehension OF the
nature OF the change in herself,-the
wonder of it glowing softly In her eyes.
The clear understanding OF mankind
that is an appanage of woman's estate
was now added to the intuitions or
a girls untroubled heart. She could
not be blind TO the mute alteration of
his gaze; nor could she resent It. Be
meath it she colored and lowered her
lashes.
Il was about to go out she repeated
in confusion Its pleasant to see
you too"
..Thank YOU" he stammered ineptiy;
II"
IF Mr.. Kirkwood will excuse US,
Dorothy" Mrs. HaIlams sharp tones
struck in discordantly. I'VE shall be
glad to see him when we return to
London
81 am infinitely complimented. Mrs.
Hallam.'' Kirkwood assured her; and of
the girl quickly: You're going back
home? he asked.
She nodded with faint, puzzled
smile that included the woman. after
a little-not Immediately. Mrs. Hal
lam is so kind"
Pardon me-" he interrupted; but
tell me one thing. please: have you any
one in England to whom you can go
without invitation and be welcomed
and cared for-any friends or rela-
tions?"
..Dorothy will be with me-" Mrs.
Hallam answered for her. in cold de-
fance.
Deliberately insolent. Kirkwood turn
ed his back to the woman. Miss Cali
endar, will you answer my question
for yourself?' he asked the girl point
edly.
'why-yes; several friends; none in
London, but
Dorothy
lone moment. Mrs Hallam." Kirk
wood flung crisply over his shoulder
"I'm going to ask you something rather
odd, Miss Calender. ''he continued seek
ing the girls eyes. / hope
Dorothy, l."
sIf you please. Mrs Hallam." sug-
gested the girl. with just the right
shade of independence. Il wish to
listen to Mr.. Kirkwood. He has been
very kind to me and has every right.
She turned TO him again.. leaving the
woman breathless and speeches. with
anger.
You told me once" Kirkwood con-
tinued quickly, and. he felt. brazenly,
that you considered me kind, thought
full and considerate. You know me no
better today than you did then. but
want to beg you to trust me little
Can you trust yourself to my protec-
ton until we reach your friends IN
England"
Mr.. Kirkwoodr' cried Mrs. Hallam
angriIy, finding her voice.
Kirkwood turned to meet her on
slaught with a mien grave, determined,
unf1inching. please do not interfere
madam" he said quietly.
you are impertinent, sir Dorothy,
1 forbid you to listen to this person.
The girl flushed. lifting her chin a
trife. "Forbid?" she repeated wonder
ingly.
Kirkwood was quick to take advan-
tage of her resentment, Mrs. Hallam
is not fitted to advise you, he insisted,
nor can she controI your actions
1t must already have occurred to you
that you're rather out of place in the
present circumstances. The men who
have brought you hither ] believe you
already see through, to some extent
Forgive my speaking plainly. But
that is why you have accepted Mrs.
HaIlam's offer of protection Will
you take my word for 1T. when l tell
you she has not your right interests
at heart, but the reverse? 1 happen
TO. Know, MISS Od4chOdAs 0AN
How dare you, sir?
Flaming with rage. Mrs. Hanlam put
herself bodily between them, confront
ing Kirkwood In white Tipped des-
peration, her small, gloved hands
cIenched and quivering at her sides
her green eyes dangerous
But Kirkwood could silence her and
he did, do you wish me to speak
frankly, madam? Do you wish me to
tell what l know-and all l know
with a rising emphasis-"of your So
ciaI status and your relations with
calendar and Mulready? 1 promise
you that IL you wish it, or force me
to 1t. :"
But he had need to say nothing
further; the woman's eyes wavered be-
fore his and little sob Of terror forced
itself between her set teeth. Kirk
wood smiled grimly, with face OF
brass, impenetrable. infexible. And
suddenly she turned from him witE
Indifferent bravado.
"As Mr.. Kirkwood says, Dorothy
she said in her high, metallic voice
81 have no authority over you. But Il
you are silly enough to consider for
moment this fellows insulting sug
gestion, If you're fool enough to &c
, with him, unchaperoned through Eu
rope and imperil your"
Mrs HallamY' Kirkwood cut hel
short with menacing tone.
, 'sWhy, then, wash my hands OF you,'
. concluded the woman deflantly. "Mak'
/, your choice, my child she added Will
meaning laugh and moved away
humming a snatch from French
chanson which brought the hot blood
; to Kirkwood's face
, But the girl did not understand; an'
, he was glad OF that. You may judg'
between u.s." he appealed to her di
rectly. once more. II can only offe
. Won nv word OF honor as an American
: gentleman that you shall be landed II
England. safe and sound, by the frs
available steamer
, ..There's no need to say more. Mr.
Kirkwood." Dorothy informed hin
quietly. "I have already decided
think / begin to understand SOM
things clearly now. -. If you are read!
we will go"
From the window where she stood
holding the curtain back and starini
: out. Mrs. HalIam turned with a curl
t ing lip.
Z a.The horror of an American gen
, tleman.'" she quoted with stinginl
sneer; I'm sure wish you comfort o
. 1t, childl'
, .sWe must make haste. Miss Cal