The Newark star and Newark advertiser. [volume] (Newark, N.J.) 1909-1909, 1909-08-23
COAST,% CHANCE
ESTHER AND LUCIA CHAMBERLAIN
-waa a stern note in Mrs. Herrick's

,was a stern note in Mrs. Herrick's
voice.
Flora looked around the room, the
sunny windows, the still shadows, the
tall, monotonous clock, as if this were
the last glimpse of peace and protec-
ton 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, l 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, "how
you will be misunderstood"
"Oh, 1 shall have to bear that-from
the people who don't know"
Yes, and even from the one for
whom you are spending YOURSELF"
Flora gave her head a 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
mel"
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 nodded. She was speeches..
Did Mrs. Britton know you were
coming to me-
NO. She doesn't even know that /
am going out of town. She must not,
Flora protested.
Indeed she must. You must not
place yourself in such a false position
Write her and tell her you are going to
San Mateo with me"
"Oh, If you wouldi' Tear sprang tc
Flora's eyes. But will you, even if
can't tell you anything?
Il shall o ask you anything. No"
write her Immediately. You can do Ii
here while l am getting ready.
III had taken authoritative com
mand of the details of their expedition
and Flora willingly obeyed her. She
was still trembling from the stress o.
their interview, and she linked bach
tears before she was able to see VIVA
she was writing.
1t had all been brought about NOR
quickly and completely than she ha'
honed. but 1t was In her mind ell tn
while she indited her message to Clara
that Kerr, for whom 1t a been &C
complished. was not yet informed 0
the existence of the scheme, or the par
of guest he was to play. Yet she wa
sure that If she asked he would %
promptly there. She wrote to hin
briefly:
at San Mateo, at the Herricks'.
want you there tonight. / have mad
up my mind"
AS she was sealing II she started a
a step approaching in the hall. Sh
had wanted to conceal that betrayin
letter before Mrs. Herrick came bacl
She glanced quickly behind her. an
saw standing between the half-ope.
folding doors the slim figure Of a girl
simmer, younger even than the on
who had passed her at the gate. bu
like her, with the same large eyes. tn
same small indeterminate chin. jus
at the chin the likeness to Mrs. Her
rick failed with the strength Of her las
generation-but the Eyes were perfec'
and they gazed at Flora wondering
with the sixth sense of youth the
recognized the enactment of somethin
strange and thrilling.
Another instant and Mrs. Herrick'
presence dawned behind her daughte
and her voice-"Why. child, what al
you doing there ?'-and her hand
seemed apprehensive in their haste I
hurry the child away, as If, truly, /
this drawing-room, for the frst tim
: something was dangerous