The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1909-06-29

her coffee the pensive droop to her
mouth subsidized, and her face took on
courage and resolution
There are not exactly twelve basket
fuls,' observed Graham, as they I'm
ished, surveying what was left with
some satisfaction; 'tbut ] dare say with
what is here and my little teapot up
in the cupboard you can manage to exc
a Iunch2'' She glanced up at him.
startled
Yes. You don't suppose I am going
to permit you to go away from here
without a cent of money in your pocket
or any settled abiding place. II will
take a little time for me to get some
funds and secure you a suitable lodg-
ing, so you will have 10 wait here until
''But-" she stared TO object.
NO" he held UP a deprecatlng
hand. 4 may have bungled this affair
abOminably to date; but / am sure 1
am on the right track now. Please let
me have my own way; want to prove
to you that / am not entirely an idiot
'Bungled!' she cried. Il am sure no
one could nave CJSie better under the
circumstances. ECU have been so
thoughtful, so cOnsiderate IN every way,
that 1 should be an ungrateful wretch
.Then you viii follow my guidance?'
broke in Graham, cutting her short.
You viii agree to co as / say?
YES" she assented humbly. You
I feel that l cannot do better man
trust myself in your hands.
well, then, he drew back his chair.
''Iet US get at the straight of things. l
am a lawyer you know, and | am going
TO cTOss-eXamine you bit. suppose, In
the first place, you tell me your name /;
for, strange as it may seem. haven't
yet heard it"
MY name" she answered readily, lis
Hilda-4ilda Montgomery
And you come from Montclair. I be-
lieve you said? ?"
yes" adding Of her own volition the
name of her parents and the street and
number of their residence.
Now, then" suggested Graham.
don't you think the wisest thing for
you would be to communicate with them
at once, and, begging their forgiveness,
ask TO be taken back2"
But she shuddered and shook so at
this proposal, crying that he did not
know her father. and that the latter
would never think of permitting her to
return, that Graham concluded not 70
press the subject further at the time.
Tell me about the man with whom
you ran away. then, ne SAID II you
still wish to marry him, and viii give
me his name and address, ] think" his
jaw closed significantly. i can possibly
persuade him to take a proper view Of
his responsibilities.
vehemently than before. u never want
to see him again I don't even wait TO
think Of him. Unless there is some verE
good reason for it, she added appeal
ingly, i would rather not let even
you know his name"
well. perhaps you are right" agreed
Graham, not without trace OF disap-
pOfntn1ent There is a bare. chance
he might be somebody I know or might
meet. and In such case I don't believe
] could keep my hands OF him-a pro-
ceeding which, however much to his
deserts. might. bring you into unpieas-
ant nnfor{efy -
YES he reflected. u guess 1t is Just
as well for me TO remain In blissful ig-
norance. Indeed, I only mentioned him,
because I thought it my duty in dis
cussing the affair with you to cover all
possible contingencies.
But now" he proceeded, ''since you
won't return home, and decline to have
anything more to do with him. what
may 7 ask, are you planning 10 do?''
ct shall work" declared Hilda proud
".
Very good. But at what? Have you
any special training?"
Il don't believe / exactly understand -
II mean, have you ever done any sps-
ciaI line7 Are you BY chance stenog-
rapher. or dressmaker, or school teSch-
er, or library assistant, or have you ever
been 10 any Of the schools where such
things are taught? This is a town where
experience is demanded, you know, and
unless one can show credentials, the
chances Of securing a place are pretty
SLIM
She looked a little frightened at this
No she confessed, II have never
been trained IN the way you speak Of;
they did not teach such branches at
Miss Ogilive's. where I went to school
'T'u tell you, though" she exclaimed
brightly, II can go on the stage.
used to be considered rather good in
amateur shows at Montclair. Once I
played Pauline in The Lady Of Ly-
ons.' ."
Graham could only regard her ingenu-
Gus confidence with pity.