Los Angeles herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1900-1911, 1909-05-16

luO ollCdH VI llShb do hO opPiOc'SiSN
A moment later his eyes fell upon
little white object that lay in the shadow o
column by the door. He stopped and pickle
lady s kid glove, still warm, he fancied, al
ing a subtle odor that appealed to him
vivid personality, reminding him of some
calable He glanced round in search of {
owner but the place was deserted. After a
hesitation he walked on, still holding the
seemed dissertation to drop the dainty,
thing back to the muddy pavement. Will
glance round, he slipped it half furtively
coat pocket and forgot about it.
The wind blew swrling mist into his f
turned the corner abruptly, brushing ag
outer of two ladies who approached from the
direction. His hasty apology was followed
denly awakened interest as his eyes fell
younger of the two, slim girl, who sway
little in the effort to avoid him. A pair of b
luminous eyes looked out from marble-y
brows, great soulful eyes that, even in the {
ness, he saw were swimming in mist of un
tears He wheeled round, and, impelled by
motive it would have been impossible to say,
lowed the pair. Certainly there appeared to
something insane in the proceeding; but, cur
ly, some impulse stronger than his reason u
him to it. lie walked almost mechanically
though waiting for the justification Of his
ton to appear. And very soon it came
Suddenly he saw the elder woman stop
throw her arms round the reeling figure of
girl at her side, while a little cry of alarm b
from her lips Raymond sprang forward,
ing strong hand upon the woman s arm as
half staggered under the unexpected burden.
looked inquiringy into the woman s eyes.
GA faint he said, in voice of encour
ment. "Let me help you.
ly, dispassionately, but so hopelessly that he
stirred to the depths. "Don tt he said,
most imploringly, still supporting the uncC
scious girl. ''Don t cry. It's only a sligl
swoon, ism It it9''
Disregarding his presence, she continued
to weep. dorothy! Dorothy" she cried,
TREMENDOUSLY. "'Wake up, my darling Try
to walk. 1t is only little farther now
a very little farther
She gazed about her with a distract
ed searching look which Raymond mis-
interpreted. lie looked up the road 4
from whence came the sound of
wheels. I3
LET me call a cab, he said, with u
sudden relief; "'that will be the best y
thing
mo, mol" exclaimed the woman,
in tones of fresh alarm. 1--WE live
only little way off. Ny daughter
will be better Dorothy!' she i'm
plored. "Dorothy!"
Inc girl stirred, ana moment later Op
eyes. Looking straight into her mother s
was unaware of the presence of stranger
"It's all right, mamma" she said, with
ing sigh. II shall soon be better. What CT
matter with me! | suppose it is because l
ribly-hungry.
Her mother put up her hand, as if to ward
terror, while Raymond looked with startled e
one to the other. In an instant he comprehel
was in the presence of one of those grim pc
of destiny which he had heard of, but, up to
failed to realize. This was no gaunt spectacl
erty, Haunted in the eyes of compassion, bu
more terrible reality of secret, silent destit
dured by delicate gentlewomen.
The girl drew herself up, and saw him at
For an instant a slight flush dyed her chez
seemed that exhaustion gave her something
numbness of apathy. Her eyes fell YEARLY
moment.
81 can walk now, mamma, she said, mo
ward.
But Raymond saw that her whole frame
with violent trembling
"How far have you to go!' he asked, ta
girl S arm again.
GA little way only-Chesney street, re
mother, still tearfully.
They walked in silence. At the door of the
genteel house in Chesney street Raymond
handing his card to the elder woman.
"May / call in the morning?' he asked.
His mind was in whirl. What was to be