Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1909-04-10
had smiled from Woods canvas above

her name.
Unable to stay indoors. she put on
her wraps and went out, but even the
clear ozone OF the winters night did
not arouse her from the. strange thrall
put upon her by the card.
She turned into the block where
some friends. the Stones. lived. but she
had no intention Of going In. for she
knew that Edith Cuyler was staying
there. Suddenly pillar Of flame shot
from building ahead. In moment
the street was confusion of hoarse
shouts and screams. Beryl stood still
and watched the residents, like a
stream OF human ants, carrying valu.
ables to safety. Then, as one awaken.
Ing from q troubled dream recognizes
the environment, she realized she was
looking at the Stones house and that
IL was aflre.
Attracted by n shrill scream, she
raised her eyes to the third floor. The
beautiful Miss Cuylcr stood In win
dow, her blond head silhouctted against
curtain OF fire.
Beryl was conscious OF a commotion
in the crowd. Then a man In evening
dress fought his way TO the burning
structure and went up the ladder with
eager steps. At the second floor a
tongue of flame lit his features. and
Beryl almost swooned with horror as
she recognized her brother Dick.
The next FIVE minutes were each a
fearful. anguish laden century to the
watching girl. At any instant the
walls might collapse and engulf them
both.
She saw the cameo-like face. pearl
white against that red curtain. bright
en- with hope as she recognized the
coming hero. Beryl saw Dick lift her
from the narrow ledge and begin the
perllous downward journey with her
arms around his neck.
They reached the second floor in
safety, though the ladder swayed I'M
steadily. Willing hands held It as well
as inexperienced people could, but dan
ger threatened every step. Forgetting
that she stood among strangers. Beryl
clutched some one near. II can't
lookv' she cried despairingly. "Oh, IL
they should fall"
"why, Miss Stanhope." answered an
amazed, familiar voice. why are you
here?
She chung to Lindley Wood with a
little sob of relief. Tell me-" she
begged pitifully.
BY the necromancy Of intuition lie
understood. "rhey are SAFE" he said,
tucklng her hand under his arm. Let
me take you home. You are icy cold.
Dick is all right" reassuringly.
She trembled violently. To reassure
her the artist assumed light. jesting
tone.
"If Dick and Miss Cuyler were not
already engaged they will be now" he
went on. How can / manage, won
der, to make myself appear equally he
roic to you, Miss Stanhope?"
"Why?" In u gentle whisper.
Because | love you," drawing her
into the shadow of building away
from the crowd. II was coming to
say 1t. but 1t is easier to say 1t here
under the stars than 1t would be In
your lighted rooms. I can better en-
dure your NO II you cannot see its ef-
feet"
your ideal Beryl Is q cameo blond"
she reminded. II am plain
What has my ideal Berry; 10 10 With
you" he interrupted. looking his sur
prise.
"My name is Beryl." she answered.
Didn't you know?"
Nor he cried emphatically, and In
stantly the memory Of his words in
the studio stood before him in letters
Of flame and he saw their significance.
"Tom always calls you Sis and-and-
/ believed your initial represented Bar
bara. A blond Beryl may be my ideal
on canvas. but the woman love and
would call wife has eyes like deep,
dark wells. Don't draw away, dear.
Miss Cuyler Is only model to me-"
He paused moment. as she did not
speak. Perhaps there Is some one
else," he said sadly. 81 dare not hope
that you can care for me-"
The hand on his arm frightened gen.
tly. There is no one else" she said
softly. none but you. II you are
satisfied ! will never again complain
or envy my-future sister-her beau.
ty."
"Why should you?" cried he, press
Ing her to his heart. Beauty OF soul
shines from your every llneament, my
queen and wife. and-don't you know
that you are a true type OF dark beau
ty. anyway