The San Francisco call., 1909-03-07

A II Wv II CnlOllOu was
M poignant Mrs. Hallams as
M tonishment paralleled and her
relief transcended it. In order
to understand this it must be
remembered that while MIR.
kirkwood was aware of the lady's
presence in Antwerp, on her part she
had known nothing of him since he
had SO ungallantly fed her COM
pany in Sheerness. She seemed to
of his fellows would be discovered at
the door-to have surmised it with
out any excessive degree of pleasure.
Only briefly she hesitated, while her
surprise swayed her; then with a hard
ening of the eyes and curt little nod,
I'm sorry" she said with decision,
but | am busy and can't see you
now. Mr.. Kirkwood"; and attempted
to shut the door in his face.
Deity Kirkwood forestaned her in
tentfon by inserting both foot and a
corner of the newly purchased handbag
between the door and the jamb He had
dared too greatly to be thus dismissed.
Pardon me- he coun tered, unabashed.
but I wish to speak with Miss Calen-
der"
Dorothy returned the lady with
spirit, lis engaged. -"
She compressed her lips, knitted her
brow-s, and with disconcerting sudden
ness thrust one knee against the OBJ
structing handbag; Kifkwood hap
PLY, anticipated the movement just in
time to reinforce the bag with his own
knee: 1t remained in place, the door
standing open.
The woman flushed angrily; their
glances crossed, her eyes flashing with
Indignation; but Kirkwood's held them
with level and unyielding stare
81 intend "a told har
Miss Calendar. It's useless your trying
to hinder me. We may as well under
stand each other, madam. and I'll tell
you now that if you wish to avoid a
scene"
Dorothy" the woman called over
her shoulder; ring for the porter"
by all means" assented Kirkwood
agreeably. I'll send him for a gen
darme''
You insolent puppy"
Madam, your wit disarms me-"
What is the matter. Mrs. Hallam %
interrupted voice from the other side
of the door. WHO is it?''
Miss Calendar" cried Kirkwood
hastily raising his voice.
Mr.. KirISwood" the reply came on
the instant. She knew his voice
Please, Mrs. Hallam, l will see Mr.
Kirkwood."
him, Dorothy" said the woman coldly
II must insist
But you don't seem to understand
it is MT. EIrk~Sndr' argued the girl
as if he were ample excuse for any i'm
prudence,
Kirkwood's scant store of patience
was by this time rapidly becoming ex.
hausted. II should advise you not tc
interfere any further. Mrs. Hallam" ht
81 T. i,1 Low
with meaning.
How much did he know? She eyec
him an instant longer. in sullen suspi-
cion. then swung open the door. yieldins
with what grace she could Wont yol
come in, Mr. Kirkwood2" she inquired
with acidulated courtesy.
IF you press me- he returned win.
ningly. how can 1 refuse? You ar,
too good!''
His impertinence disconnected ever
himself; he wondered that she did no
slap him as he passed her. entering tn,
room; and felt that he deserved it, de
spite her attitude. But such thought.
could not long trouble one whose eye,
were enchanted by the sight of Dor
othy. confronting him IN the middle o
the dingy room, her hands bristlins
dangerously with hat pins, busy witt
the adjustment of a small gray toou
dtOp. llc WOHOCi ludl was nGT QulI
So vivacious and charming she seemed
so spirited and bright her welcominl
smile, so foreign was she altogethe
to the picture of her, worn and dis
traught, that he had mentally con
jured up, that he stopped in an extrem
of disconcertion; and dropped the hand
bag, smiling sheepishly enough unde
her ready laugh--mirth irresistibly in
cited by the plainly read play of ex
I
you must forgive the unconven
tionality. Mr.. Kirkwood." she apollo
gized, needlessly enough, but to cove
his embarrassment. II am on the poin
of going out with Mrs. Hallam--and- Q
: course you are the last person Of
t earth expected to meet .herem
IT'S good to see you Miss Calendar.
he said simply. remarking with muc
, satisfaction that her trim walking COS
tune bore witness to her statemen
that she was prepared for the street
The girl glanced into mirror, pate
the small ybewitching hat an infinitesi
| mai fraction of an inch to one side. an
turned TO him again, her hands free
|, One of them, small but cordial, reste
in his grasp for an instant all to briei
i the while he gazed earnestly into he
face, noting with concern what tn
: first glance had not shown him,-th
almost percepllDuek SHADOWS Deneatl
| her eyes a=d cheek-bo pathetic rec
ords of tf,s hours the girl had spent
} since last he had seen her. in com
!, pany with his own grim familiar, Car,
: Not a little of care and distress O
{ mind had seasoned her portion In thos
two weary days. He saw and knew il
and his throat frightened inexplicably
. again. as it had out there in the cor
ridor. Possibly the change in her ha
5 passed unchallenged by any eyes othe
+; than his, but even in the little tim
! that be had spent In her society, tn