The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1909-04-09

and watched the residents, ike
stream of human ants, carrying valu-
ables to safety. Then, as one awaken
ing from a troubled dream recognizes
the environment, she realized she was
looking at the Stones house and that
it was afire!
Attracted by a shrill scream, she
raised her eyes to the third floor. The
beautiful Miss Cuyler stood in win
dow. her blond head silhouetted against
a curtain of fire.
Beryl was conscious of "a commotion
in the crowd. Then a man in evening
dress fought his way to the burning
structure and went up the ladder with
eager steps. At the second floor a
tongue of fame lit his features, and
Beryl almost swooned with horror as
she recognized her brother Dick.
The next five minutes were each
fearful, anguish laden century to the
watching girl. At any instant the
walls might collapse and engulf them
both.
She saw the cameo-like face, pearl
white against that red curtain, bright
en- with hope as she recognized the
coming hero. Beryl saw Dick lift her
from the narrow ledge and begin the
perilous downward journey with her
arms around his neck
They reached the second floor IN
safety, though the ladder swayed I'M
steadily. willing hands held 1t as well
as inexperienced people could, but dan
ger threatened every step. Forgetting
that she stood among strangers, Berry,
clutched some one near. Il can't
lookv' she cried despairingly. "Oh. II
they should fallw
"Why, Miss Stanhope," answered an
amazed, familiar voice, "why are you
here"
She chung to Lindley Wood with
little sob Of relief. 'Tell me-" she
begged pitifully.
By the necromancy Of intuition he
understood. '0They are safe," he said,
tucking her hand under his arm LET
me take you home. You are icy cold.
Dick is all right" reassuringly.
She trembled violently. To reassure
her the artist assumed light testing
tone.
eff Dick and Miss Cuyler were not
already engaged they will be now" he
went on. How can manage, Won
der. to make myself appear equally he
roic to you, Miss Stanhope"
'Why?' in gentle whisper.
Because I love you," drawing her
into the shadow of a building away
from the crowd. 81 was coming to
say it, but it is easier to say it here
under the stars than it would be in
your lighted rooms. I can better en-
dure your No if you cannot see its eff
feet"
"Your ideal Beryl is cameo blond"
she reminded. II am plain"-
"What has my ideal Beryl to do with
you?" he interrupted. looking his sur
prise.
"My name is Beryl," she answered.
Didn't you know"
mot" he cried emphatically, and in
Stantly the memory Of his words in
the studio stood before him in letters
Of fame and he saw their significance.
atom always calls you Sis and-and-
believed your initial represented Bar
bara. A blond Beryl may be my ideal
on canvas, but the woman love and.
would call wife has eyes like deep,
dark wells. Don't draw away, dear.
Miss Cuyler is only model to me-"
He paused moment, as she did not
speak. Perhaps there is some one
else" he said sadly. II dare not hope
that you can care for me-"
The hand on his arm frightened gen
thy. "There is no one else" she said
softly, none but you. If you are
satisfied will never again complain
or envy my-future sister-her beau
ty."
"Why should your" cried he, press
ing her to his heart Beauty of soul
shines from your every lineament, my
queen and wife, and-don't you know
that you are true type Of dark beau
ty, anyway"