Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-12-25
THURLEY RUXTON

ity,immediately, at least by the end of the
Thurley could scarcely credit her senses.
But Mrs. Van Kirk"
Il know you don't understand it, of course,
naturally, why 1 should wish it, what
possible advantage I hope to derive from
such an arrangement l told you l
meant to be frank" She paused to lean for
ward and take the girls soft hand in her own.
" l need you very much indeed, and l 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 I
am making. Candid1y, require magnet,
such 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, my
dear, would supply. l shall wish to treat
you precisely as l might younger sister,
just come out, and would exact only prom
Use that, no matter what might be conjec-
tured as to whence you came, you divulge
nothing to the world, assert nothing, deny
nothing,-and agree not to marry, or to
promise yourself in marriage, for at least a
year from Our association"
MORE and more Thurley's bewilderment
A"A increased. But 1 can't in the least
understand your motive she confessed.
What could l possibly do that would re-
pay you for your venture?"
Dear child, you can wear gorgeous jew
els, furs and gowns like Princess. You can
60 with me everywhere, help me entertain,
fill my hollow house with the people 1 wish
to attract, give me the things most desire
and better your fortunes by the process"
hor hoo
see why you think so, Mrs. Van Kirk. have
never had that sort of education"
But you have always been POPULAR"
"A 1ittle-with the college boys, I sup
pose. l hoped so-thought So once"
II was certain of that from the first" said
Alice decisively. "My dear, that is all
desire"
Thurley looked at her quickly, light of
girlish inquiry burning in her eyes. "Do you
menu"
Men, of course, men and women of the
social set that once paid me tribute slavishly,
and now-well, things are different now.
am no longer novel, l suppose. Perhaps
am too respectable. But you could help me
bring them back-oh, all of it nicely, my
dear, nothing dubious. I said before, and
repeat, wish you to occupy just such place
as I'd give to younger sister of whom
could always be proud and fond. Doesn't
that clear away your doubts? Heavens!
hadn't the slightest thought that l might
be misunderstood"
Thurley burned warmer color. But
you can see how strange it seems to me?"
why, yes, Child, see it perfectly. That's
why I'm going to ask you to think it over
first. I asked the Major to bring you home
to dine with me tonight; but perhaps you'd
rather 60 in the car with me. Only he might
tell you all about meas he told me a little
of you. l 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 ex-
pect you to make my existence much more
happy, as 1 should hope to make yours more
bright and promising. That's all. l am
dying to make the fairylike Transformation
on girl already lovely-and surely you are
not without ambition!"
Thurley smiled. ut is fairy story, isn't
1.-THE way it comes, and alp It sounds
too good for-New York city, shall say2
And coming like this-to me"
Fate, my dear, believe me. How, other