The Detroit times., 1909-05-26

tone to them when they did appear
was the reverse OF conciliatory. Ii
made the two elderly maidens nerv-
Gus.
Il told, that stupid girl that | came
here 10 see Miss Quaintance" ne said
in a brusque. quarrelsome tone, and
Miss Sophia looked somewhat blank
~ at her sister Jane IL was Miss Jane
who replied.
Miss Quaintance is no longer with
us. Mr.. Quaintance."
The deuce she isn't" gasped Sea-
ger, aghast at the grave possibilities
opening up Then where is she ."
You have surely heard. Mr.. Quaint
ance," she said, that Miss Quaint
ance returned 10 the United States or
America Immediately she heard the
sad news OF Mr.. Miles Quaintance's
death"
The devil she did" he exclaimed
and the two spinsters shrank from
him OF common impulse. They neither
could nor would tolerate such freedom
OF speech in their presence They
rose together and bowed together, and
would have withdrawn ut once had
not he OWNED their reason for that
step and prevented 1t by means of
hasty apology.
Miss Quaintance left us nearly
year ago" said Miss Jane. frigidly.
I'VE had a letter from her afterwards
to say she had reached New York.
She was accompanied by her maid.
most trustworthy person"
And now. Mr.. Quaintance since
we have afforded you such informa-
ton as we possess. you will perhaps
kindly excuse us.
She swept toward the door. her cap
atremble with Indignation. and her
sister followed without further speech.
A photograph caught his eye as he
passed the piano, and his quick ex-
clamation at sight OF II caused Miss
Jane to face about on the threshold
Who's this?" Seager asked. pick
ing up the portrait
why, that's Miss QHaidanee," she
answered.
"Phew!" whistled Seager. "Then I
can tell you where Miss Quaintance is.
She's I'm New York | saw her there
not as hours before started for this
side. and--I didn't know who she
was. Cad, Isn't that j fierce thtffg
10 have happened one.
"Tve never seen either her or her
uncle. YOU see" he wenl on. In re-
Spouse 10 their look OF bewiderment
rive spent most OF my time abroad
for many years past. and only heard
OF my uncle's death while | was in
Africa. | didn't even know then that
he had adop-that he had daughter
must see her AT once, IN connection
T.. -
course has large interest, but on
conditions which only can make
clear to her. VIII you do me the very
great favor TO let me have this photo?"
Miss Sophias imagination had been
fred by the hint OF inheritance. and
the thought that. If 1t would help the
girl, they need not scruple to part
with the photograph.
you're very good" he assured her
In the ball he expressed more pro-
fuse thanks for their kindness and
civility, finally taking himself off I'm
der much more agreeable auspices
than those which had marked the ear
lier stages Of the interview.
Seager turned down the avenue
again, his mind ia a state bordering
on distraction. The photograph at
which ne took two or three surrep-
titious peeps as he hurried toward
his hotel. was that OF the Identical
girl he had encountered. with her
motor car broken down, on the ROAD
into Long leland city, some eight Or
nine days before. IL was that enchant-
ing creature whom he must marry,
And he had not had sense enough even
TO ask her name at the time,
He calculated that there was less
than three weeks left In which 10 com
ply With the stipulations contained
I'm Miles Quaintances last will and
testament. failing whose fulflment ne
would be in q most unenviable plight.
one alive with the greatest risks to
himself Black Dirck nal long
reach. and he himself might not sue
coed In escaping that dangerous devil
the second time. lie would De a