New-York tribune., 1910-12-25
THURLEY RUXTON

ity- immediately, at least by the end of the
week
Thurley could scarcely credit her senses.
But Mrs. Van Kirk
know you don't understand it, of course
naturally, | should wish it. what
possible advantage I hope to derive from
such an arrangement.-but | told YOU I
meant to be frank" She paused to lean for
ward and take the girls soft hand in her own.
'' | need you very much indeed. and | rather
hope YOU need me- Before you say anything
at all, wish to assure you there will be no
dubious conditions, no string to the offer |
am making. Candidv, require a magnet.
such a magnet as all the gold in the world
may never be,-a living, radiant magnet, to
brighten my home, to draw success and in
tereSt about me,-Such a magnet as you, nv
dear, would supply. | shall wish to treat
you precisely as | might a younger sister.
Just come out, and would exact only a prom
lse that, no matter what might be coniec-
tuTed as to whence you came, you divulge
nothing to the world,-assert nothing, denv
nothing, agree not to marry, or to
promise yourself IN marriage, for at least
year from our association"
MORE and more .Thurley's bewilderrnent
AVA increased. But | can't in the least
understand your motive she confessed.
What could l possibly do that would re-
pay YOU for your Venturec'
Dear child, you can wear gorgeous jew-
els. furs. and gowns like Princess. You can
go with me everywhere, help me entertain,
fill nv hollow house with the people l wish
to attract, give me the things | most desire
and better your fortunes by the process.
Thurlev shook her head gravely. Il don t
see why YOU think so, Mrs. Van Kirk. have
never had that sort OF education.
But you have always been POPULAR"
"A little-with the college boys, sup
pose. l hoped so-thought SO, once
Il was certain of that from the first, said
Alice decisively. My dear, that is all [
desire
Thurlev looked at her quickly, a light Of
girlish inquiry burning IN her eyes. DO you
mean you would wish me to-attract lot OF
nen?"
Men. OF course, men and women OF the
social set that once paid NE tribute slavlshly,
and nOw-well, things are different now. l
am no longer novel, suppose. Perhaps l
am TOO respectable. But you could help me
bring them back-oh, all Of 1t nicely, my
dear. nothing dubious. l said before, and l
repeat, wish you to occupy just such place
as I'd give to a younger sister OF WhO1n L
could always De PROUD anu IOIlu- DOoo4i :
that clear away your doubts? Heavens! l
hadn't the slightest thought that l might
be misunderstood
Thurlev burned warmer color But
YOU can see how strange II seems to me:
WHY, yes, Child, l see It perfectly That S
why In going to ask you to think It over
first. l asked the Major to bring you home
10 dine with me tonight; but perhaps you q
rather go in the car with me. Only he might
tell YOU all about meas he told me little
Of you. want you to know there is nothing
sinister behind my offer, nothing you may
not accept with pride and honor. There are
elements OF business in it, Of course; for l ex-
pect you to make my existence much more more
happy, as should hope to make yours more "
bright and promising. That's all am
diving to make the fairylike Transformation
on a girl already lovely-and surely you are
not without ambition >.
Thurlev smiled. 1T is a fairy story, ls1l t
the wav it comes, and all? 1t sounds
too good for-New York city, shall say
And coming ike this-to me-
'nvT-F ~