The San Francisco call., 1909-09-12

your choice; if all the life of some one
that you cared about depended on you.
would you think of being safe?" Flora,
leaning forward. chin in hand, with
shining eyes, seemed fairly to impart
a reflection of her own passionate con-
centration to the woman before her.
Mrs. Herrick, SO calm in her repose-
full attitude, calm as the old portrait
on the wall behind her, none the less
began to show curious sparkle of
excitement in her face. IF I were
sure that persons life did depend on
me-" she measured out her words de-
liberately. But that so seldom hap
pens. and it is so hard to tell
But if you were sure, sure, sure"
Flora rang 1t out certainly.
Mrs. Herrick in her turn leaned for
ward "Ah. even then 1t would depend
on him. And do you think you can
make man do otherwise than his
nature"
You think 1 should fail?" Flora took
it up fearlessly. We'll, IL 1 do. a.
least / shall have done my best. I shall
have to have done my best or 1 can
never Forgive myself"
II see." Mrs. Herrick sighed "But
1T sounds to me a risk too great for
any reward that could come OF Success
She, thought 'Tf you could tell mo
more" Then. as Flora only looked at
some one you can confide In? Not Mrs.
Britton?"
Clara? Oh; no;~ neverr Flora
startled Mrs. Herrick with the passion
ate population.
But could not Mr.. Cressy-" and
with that broken sentence several
things that Mrs. Herrick had been
keeping back looked out of her face.
Flora answered with stare OF
thinking-what you can not help
thinking" she said. that the whole
thing is unheard of - outrageous
especially for girl SO soon to-to
be" She caught her breath with a sob.
for the words she could not speak.
But there is nothing in this disloyal
to my engagement, even though can
not speak of it to Harry Cressy; and
nothing l hope to gain for myself by
what I am trying to do. II succeed
1T Will only mean I shall never see him
the other one-again."
Mrs. Herrick .rose in her turn be-
seeching. "Oh. 1 can't help you go into
it, 1t is too dubious. My dear, know
so much better than you what the end
may mean
Il know what the end may mean and
I can't keep out of it,
But can not go with you" There
was stern note in Mrs Herrick's
voice.
Flora looked around the room, tho
sunny window, the still shadows, the
tall, monotonous clock, as II this were
the last glimpse of peace and protec-
tion she would ever have She rose
and put out her hand.
I'm afraid I didn't quite realize
how much l was asking of you. You
have been very good even to listen to
me. It's right, suppose that l should
go alone
Mrs. Herrick looked at her in dis
may. But that is impossible" Then,
as Flora turned away. she kept her
hand. Think, think" she urged, 'show
you will be misunderstood"
"Oh, L shall have to bear that-from
the people who don't know"
Yes, and even from the one for
whom you are spending yourselfr
Flora gave her head quick shake
He understands" she said
MY dear he Is not worth it."
Flora turned on her with anger.
You don't know what he is worth to
me.'
Mrs. Herrick looked steadily at this
unanswerable argument. Her hold on
Flora's hand relaxed, but she did not
quite release 1t. Her brows drew to-
gether. you are quite sure you must
go~
flOra nOQQ6Q- DIG was SQSSCnle80s
Did Mrs. Britton know you were
coming to me?"
NO She doesn't even know that I
am going out of town. She must not"
Flora protested.
INDEED she must. You must not
place yourself In such false posi-
ton. Write her and tell her you are
going to San Mateo with me-"
'tOh, II you would!" Tears sprang to
ovas sRuf will von evau 7
can't tell you anything?"
Il shall not ask you anything. Now
write her Immediately. You can do 1t
here while am getting ready
She had taken authoritative COM
mand OF the details OF the expedition,
and Flora willingly obeyed her. She
was still trembling from the stress of
their interview, and she blinked back
tears before she was able to see what
she was writing.
1t had all been brought about more
quickly and completely than she had
hoped, but 1t was In her mind all the
while she indited her message to Clara
that Kerr for whom If had haa,a 40