The Democratic advocate., 1909-04-09

and watched tine residents. nike a
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 thdt
ii was afirel
Attracted BY shrilI scream, she
raised her eyes to the third fioor. The
beautiful Miss Cuyler stood in a win
dow, her blond head silhouetted against
a curtain Of fire.
Beryl was conscious OF commotion
in the crowd. Then a man in evening
dress fought bis way to the burning
structure and went up the ladder with
eager steps. AT the second floor a
tongue Of fame lit bis features, and
Beryl almost swooned with horror as
she recognized her brother Dick.
The next five minutes were each n
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. Beryi 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 u1-
steadily. willing hands held II as well
as inexperienced people could, but dan
ger threatened every step. Forgetting
that she stood among strangers. Beryl
clutched some one near. II can't
lookr' she cried despairingly. "oh. II
they should falli''
why. Miss Stanhope." answered an
amazed. familiar voice. "why are you
hereT'
She clung TO Lindley Wood with a
little sob OF relief. Tell me-" she
begged pitifuily.
By the necromancy OF intuition he
understood. They are SAFE" he said,
tuckIng her hand under his arm. ''Let
me take you home. You are icy cold.
Dick is all right" reassuringiy.
She trembled violently. To reaasure
her the artist assumed n Hight. testing
tone.
IF Dick and Miss CuyIer were not
already engaged they win be now be
went on, How can manage, won
der. to make myself appear equally he.
roic to you, Miss stanhopcT-
"Whyf" In gentle whisper.
because lovo you" drawing her
into the shadow OF a building away
from the crowd. Il was coming 10
say It. but II Is easier 70 say II here
under the stars than Il would be In
your lighted rooms I can better en-
dure your No II yon cannot see its cf-
feet"
Your ideal Berry, IL a cameo blond. .
she reminded. Il am plain
what has my ideal Beryl to do with
your" he interrupted. looking his sur.
prise.
my name is Beryl," she answered.
Didn't you knowT"
Nor he cried emphaticaIly, and ir.
stantly the memory OF his words In
the studio stood before him In letters
OF fame and be saw their significance
''Tom always calls you Sis and-and :.
believed your initial represented Bar
bora. A blond Tieryl may be my ideal
on canvas. but the woman l love and
would call wife has eyes like deep
dark wells. Don't draw away. dear,
Miss Cuyler IA only model 70 me. y
He paused moment. as she did not
speak. Perhaps there Is some one
else" he said sadly. Il dare not hope
that you can care for me-"
The hand on his arm frightened gen,
tly. There Is no one else" she said
softly, none but you. II you are
satisfied / win never again complain
or envy my-future sister--her beau
ty."
why should your cried be. press
ing her TO his heart. Beauty Of soul
shines from your every lineameni, my
queen and wife, and-don't you know
that you are a true type OF dark beau
ty, anyway"