The Cairo bulletin., 1909-06-14


heavy window-curtains, while he rap
idly summed up his chances.
There was Just bare possibility
that he could keep up the delusion
little longer: the master Of the house
was about his own build and had the
same close-cropped, fair hair.
Perhaps In the dimness, with his
back turned
Quick as thought he wheeled stntc
position just as the door swung open.
There was moments silence.
In the stream OF light that flowed
from the hall the tall, broadshouldered
figure could be distinctly seen, stand
Ing motionless, with head bowed and
hands clasped behind him. every fold
of the violating overcoat expressing
melancholy and deep contrition.
1t was an effective and touching pic
ture.
The steps paused on the threshold
Holding his breath, the Burglar wait
ed. his senses keenly alive to the soft
rustic of feminine drapery behind
him. the faint scent of orris that filled
the air.
One minute passed, two, then
There's no need to look so tragic,
John" (The tone was crisp, even con
descending, yet the Burglar felt a
thrill OF relief) 'The matter really
Isn't worth thinking about, much less
discussing. 1t was quite unnecessary
TO slam that door, (Her tone was
dignity itself) Il wouldn't have men
toned the subject again for the
world"
She paused, and the Burglar heaved
sigh, tragic, dispairlng sigh. He
felt that 1t was the proper and artistic
thing to do at this juncture. Though
she'll find me on: in a moment" hs1
told himself, grimly and reflected that
it was just as well that the rifled side
board stood in an alcove and out OF
her range of vision.
Let's make up, Jack" ITO his In.
finite perturbation she took an I'm.
pulsive step toward him. I've no
doubt you thought me very silly and
childish this morning. but | did want
that dress. You see. dear, haven't
had anything new for two whole
years"
Her voice trembled little, and the
Burglar shifted uneasily from one
foot to another He felt profoundly
moved and very uncomfortable.
"Of course. 1t isn't that l mind
strict economy" she fastened on, "one
servant, and spending the summer in
town, and all that But sometimes
confess | do long for pretty things-a
few trinkets. you know. and clothes,
and-and silver"
tShe thought she saw the broad
shoulders wince)
Don't think it's your fault, dear old
hoy" Her voice was a caress. Il
know how hard you work from morn
ing till night in order to make both
ends meet and deny yourself every
thing for my sake. Why, you wouldn't
even have that overcoat now. IL |
hadn't bought it for you myself on
the sly out of Uncle Georges check
You're the every best man in the world &"
tAnd her hand fell affectionately on
his sleeve)
This was going a little too far.
With n hoarse, smothered eiacula
.tlon. the Burglar turned swiftly from
Der and made for the door in two
strides.
The black bag stood In the shadow
of the portiere, but he only kicked II
impatiently out of the way IS he went
out. leaving the mistress Of the house
alone.
Jack, oh, Jack" she cried in terror
as something fell heavily in the hall
outside. and running to the threshold
she gazed horrorstricken ar a long
black object that lay on the floor at
her feet.
The Burglar closed the front door
and walked down the steps minus an
overcoat, but with a stately mien that
betokeued conscious rectitude.
Don't mention II" he said gracious.
iy to the master of the house, who
stumbled against him on the curbing
and anoIoptzpd nroflcplv