The Fairmont West Virginian. (Fairmont, W. Va.) 1904-1914, 1910-05-27
AT THE II BACK DOOR.

All I!AHE BACK Dl(OOIR.
Clara in her mask and domino,
standing insthe shade ofaone Of the
trees lii thsSformal gardenggased ut
the brilliant scene about her and de-,
clded unequlyoea1ly, that Mrs. Ander-.
son 9 outdoor mask party was q huge
success She felt a pleasurable thrill.
as she thought again Of the tall, broad
shouldered man who had paid such.
marked attention to her She Won
dered who he was.
Suddenly her heart gave great
bound. Coming straight for her, down
one Of the paths was the mans famll-
lar figure. shame-faccdly she told
herself that 1t was absurd that q
masked man, whom she did not know
from Adam, could AFFECT her 50 strong.
ly. And yet, and yet. she knew that
her very being thrilled wnen those
+ - 81 81 Il In y. ! -
soulful eyes Of his met hers through
the Sits IN his mack. Now he was.
up to her. IA. "a s,
"Ah, here you are" he cried in q
pleasant, yet commanding voice, "l've
been hunting all over for you. You
know, it's almost time to ,unmask, and
| want to be near you so that can
have the first glimpse Of those eharm-
ing features BiddeB behind that black 4
covering,
But I've told you; that p my features
are not chqrmingls. insisted Clara.
'.And, oh, YOU mus, not talk to me
like .this--itis impossible, utterly inn
possible.
What ISL" questioned the man.
But even fit is. I'm enjoying myself
Immensely, and you cant deny that
YOU are, too" I.
YES, Il am acknowledged the girl.
'I'm having the time Of my life, but
1t can't last and its wrong absolute
ly wrong
.'Bosh!" cried the man,
Then, taking her by the arm, he led
her down to the boat landing. where
the gayly decorated craft were tied.
Into one of these he handed the girl.
then followed. Out on the artificial
lake, where the .winkling lights on
the waters and the lanterns among
the trees made the place seem like
.ralryland, he pursued his conversation.
why not lake off your mask now?'
lie queried. Surely you're going to
let an old friend like me see your
pretty face frst!"
IAN old frIend?" laughed the girl.
And then, after rapid glance around,
in which she saw no one swaS near
them the girl swiftly took on her
mask. Her pretty. piquant face coll
ored somewhat under the mans ar
dent gaze, Following lei example.
the man diyested himself Of his mask,
and witt. Interest the gil noted his
square JAW had Determined aspect.
When we 60 back, said the girl,
somewhat sorrowful, '1'll have to put
on my mask again. I-don't dare
APPEAR there without It" she contin-
lued hesitatingly.
The man gpzcd at her with renewed
interest.
"Why not?a he asked, DO you know
I'm In the sane hoat-when we go
back l must put on my mask, 100"
"I-I." confessed the girl with
averted face, u don't belong here, I'm
only Mr.. hndPrson;s pl z '9 I
y What -laeE!@ cried DE man, I'm
only a detective hired to star here tin-
til they uhmaals" -.s
Somewhat sa6ylS The gIrl looked at
linn, then again tl,'' her head
away. SSi
''You better luke me back she said.
They'll llnmask nov II away"
Sure, acrisd the & 7ISsto yantly.
iBiit Inns coming Ioaorrow
night to call (on sp,; Z Ms
"All right SAID gBnt. 7"
said she@lwith d ST ..!ot
only OF sorrow % ~ test
at Mrs! AndersOn's part D Of
Joy in the prospective g i be
sure and call for,me at the 49,. ,ooT.''
--Fraak II. Williams