Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1910-01-18

4 l. laugh Of fine drawn nerves.
Good God. sir!' be cried. "You
don't know
81 can surmise," interrupted the
elder man shrewdly.
"You turned up in the nick Of time.
for all the world like
Harlequin popping through stage
trap?
Moan incarnation Of the provi'
dence that watches over children and
FOOLS"
Brentwick dropped calming hand
upon his shoulder. "Your simile seems
singularly happy. Philip Permit me
to suggest that you join the child IN
my study" He laughed quietly, with
q slight nod toward an open door at
the end Of the hallway. "For myself.
I'll be with you In one moment"
A faint, indulgent smile lurking in
the shadow Of his white mustache. he
watched the young man wheel and
dart through the doorway. Young
hearts, he commented audihly and a
trace sadly. "Youth!'
Beyond the threshold Of the study
Kirkwood paused, eager eyes search
Ing it's somber shadows for a sign OF
Dorothy.
BY the fireplace. u little to one side.
she stood. one small foot resting on
the brass fender. her figure merging
into the dusky background. her deli
cate beauty gaining an effect OF elu'
sive and ethereal mystery in the wan.
Ing and waxing ruddy glow uphuns
from the bedded Goals.
"Oh. Philip" She turned swiftly to
Kirkwood with extended hands and a
low, broken cry. I'm 80 glad"
A trace of hysteria in her manner
warned him, and he checked himself
upon the verge Of too dangerous ten
derness. THERE he said Soothingly,
letting her hands rest gently In his
palms while he led her to chair.
1--WE can make ourselves easy now
She sat down, and he released her
hands with II reluctance less evident
than actual. "If ever l say another
word against my luck
"Who," inquired the girl, lowering
her voice-"who Is the gentleman IN
the Powered dressing DOWN."
"Brentwick-George Sylvester Brent
wick, an old friend. I've known him
for years, ever since l came abroad.
Curlously enough, however, this Is the
first time I've ever been here. l called
once, but he wasn't ina few days ago
the day we met. thought the place
ooked familiar. Stupid Of me"
"Philip." said the girl, with grave
face, but a shaking voice, 1T was
she laughed provolsingly-"it was so
funny. Philip. don't know why !
ran when you told Inc to. but ! did.
And while | ran was conscious u
the front door here opening and this
tall man In the lowered dressing
gown coming down to the gate as II
1t were the most ordinary thing In
the world for him to stroll out dressed
that way IN the evening. And he
opened the gate and bowed and Said
ever so pleasantly, Won't you CONF"
In, Miss CalendarT"
"He didw exclaimed Kirkwood. But
how
How can l say?" she eXpostulated.
AT all events. he seemed to know me.
and when he added something about
calling you In, too-he said Mr.. Kirk
wood'-I didn't hesitate"
"It's strange enough. surely, and for
tunate. Bless his heart!" said Kirk
wood.
And "Humr' said Mr.. Brentwick
considerably, entering the study. He
had discarded the dressing gown and
was now In evening dress.
The girl rose. Kirkwood turned.
"Mr. Brentwick"- he began.
But Brentwick begged his patience
with an eloquent gesture and rang the
bell.
A soft footed butler, impassive as
Fate, materialized mysteriously In the
doorway.
"You rang, sir?" he interrupted rrls-
Idly.
"If any one should ask for me I'm
not at home"
Every good. sir"
"And il you should see u pair OF dis
reputable scoundrels skulking in the
aeighborhCod, one short and stout, tie
other tall and evidently II seafarine
man. let me know"
Thank you. sir" a moment later
| the front door was heard to close.
Brentwick turned with little bow
| to the girl. My dear Miss Calendar,
he said. rubbing his thin, fine hands
Il am cid enough. trust. to call yca
| ;uch without offense-please be sei.i-
ed"
"Would you mind telling us how ycU
knew began KirkwOCd anxiously.
| Not In the least, my dear Philip. II
Is simple enough possess an imaSi
nation. From Ely bedroom window
ON the floor above. ! happen to behold
Two cabs racing down the street. th@
one doggedly pursuing the other. The