The Durham recorder. [volume] (Durham, N.C.) 1879-19??, 1909-05-27
Gbe
BLACK
BAG
By Louis Joseph Vance


Kirkwood noted the fact with a feel
ing of some relief that their ride was
TO be so short Like many OF his fell
low sufferers from 1.-THE artistic tenn
permanent" he was acuteiy disconcert-
ed BY spoken words of praise and graf
i.ude.
Nor had she fully relieved her mind
nor voiced all that perturbed her.
There's one thing more" she said
presently-.my father. IL hope you
viii think charitably Of him"
Indeed. I've no reason or right to
think otherwise"
Il was afraid = afraid his actions
might have seemed peculiar tonight"
There are lots of things don't un-
derstand. Miss Calendar. Some day
perhaps 1t will all clear up-this trou-
Bile of yours. At least, one supposes 1t
is trouble Of some sort. And then you
viii tell me the whole story. Won't
your" Kirkwood insisted.
I'm afraid not" she said. with
smile Of Swallowed sadness. I'VE are
to say good night in a moment or two.
and-it will be goodby as WELL It's
unlikely that we shall ever meet
again"
Il refuse positively to take such
gloomy view Of the case"
She shook her head. laughing with
him. but with shy regret Its SC.
none the less. We are leaving London
this very night. my father and I-leav-
ing England. for that matter"
Leaving EngiandT be echoed.
You're not by any chance bound for
America. are your
II can't tell you.-
But you can tell me this-are you
booked on the Minneapolis?"
moo. 1t is a-quite another boat"
"of course-' be commented savaSe,y.
cit wouldn't be me 70 have any sort
Of luck,'
"Since we are TO say goodby so very
soon.'' suggested Kirkwood. may !
ask parting favor. Miss Calendars"
She regarded him with friendly eyes.
You have every right" she affirmed
gently.
sThen please to tell me frankly are
you going into any further danger"
And Is that the only boon you crave
AZ my hands. Mr.. Kirkwood;'
Without impertinence'-
For a little time. waiting for him &c
conclude his vague phrase. she watch.
ed him II an expectant silence. But
the man was difhdent 70 degree. Al
length. somewhat unconsciously. i
think not" she answered. NO: there
VIII be no dag awaiting me at Mrs
Hallams. Yer need not fear for me
any more. Thank you
He lifted brows at the unfamiliar
name. .M-s Hallam'-
Il am going 10 her house In Craven
street"
.Your father Is to meet you therey
persistently.
He promised to-
'But II be shouldn't
why Her eyes clouded. Sh.
pursed her lips over the conjecture
annoyance. why, In that event
suppose il would be very embarrass
ing. You see. ! don't know Mrs. Hal
lam. I don't know that she expects
me unless my father Is already there
They are old friends. could driv'
round for awhile and come back.
suppose
Wont you let me ask II Mr.. Caien
der Is there before you get out. then
don't like TO be dismissed" be laugh
ed. ''and. you know. you shouldn't g
wandering round all alone"
The cab drew up. Kirkwood put
hand on the door and awaited be
will.
Yt-it would be very kind. hat
20 impose upon you"
He turned the knob and got out. Il
you'll wait one moment" he said 81
perfuously as be closed the door.
Psusing only 70 verify the numbel
be sprang up the steps and found th
bell button.
Il was a modest little residence.
nothing more remarkable than II
neighbors unless Il was for q certai
air Of extra grooming. The area raj
ing was sleek with fresh black pain
The doorstep looked the better for Vi.
orous stoning. The door itself wa
Immaculate, its brasses shining la
trous against red lacquered woodwork
"A soft glow filed the fanligbt. Owe
head the drawing room windows shor
with a coy. warm radiance.
The door opened. framing the fgui
Of maid sketched broadly In masss
Of somber black and dead white.
"can you tell me. is Mr. calendi
NE servants eyes left bis fac
looked past him at the waiting ca
and returned
"r'm not sure. SIR. II you viii plea,
step In"
Kirkwood hesitated briefly. then q
'eeded. The maid closed the door.
what name shall say. sirT
"Mr. Kirkwood..
"If you viii please TO wait one N
iment. sir"
lie was left IN the entry hall. q
servant hurrylng 20 the staircase m
ZAP. Three minutes elapsed. lie WI
on the point Of returning 70 the 81
when the maid reappared
Mrs Hallam says will you kind
ster upstairs. sir"