The national forum., 1910-06-04

the adventure that befell me at our
first memorable dinner at Lily Car
ter's, nor the identity Of the prim
waitress who served lis on tnat occa-
sion. And no one but Mrs. Carter
and the person directly involved ever
knew OF the loss and subsequent his
tory Of my pearl scarfpin.
Brief mention must be made of my
eldest SISTERS inordiuate and sinful
regard for the details OF household
management, for thereby hangs this
tale. Her own home is perfectly or
dered, and thus intrenched, outside
the application of the adage concern
ing dwellers in glass houses, she
justifies herself in cavilling at the
domestic peccadilloes of her friends.
Not one that is not afraid to enter
tain Louise. I knew that Mrs. Carter
was quaking over the prospect of our
dining ct her house. She was a
boarding school friend of Louise's
and lee married poor bank clerk,
and this was Lluse's first visit East
since Lily had set up housekeeping.
We were to so out early in order
to be driven about the suburbs before
dark. My sister had preceded me,
and as was on my way from the
station, alone, l detected a short cut
to the house by way Of some vacant
lots. Grip in hand, J sprang up the
banking which sloped abruptly from
the sidewalk, and upon reaching the
top noticed a girl, hesitating on the
brink, as If dubious about trusting
herself upon the slippery surface; for
1t was the winter season. After pass
tng her, pausod, with an instructive
eesire to be of assistance. She was
the prettiest creature l ever saw.
Her blond hair fluffed out from be-
meath boyish seal cap which
matched her rich coat. Upon the soft
curve Of one cheek, where the CO.
quettes Of old used to wear their
patches, a small brown mole en-
HANGED the fairness of her skin She
threw me a conflding look from her
gray eyes which were shaded by Won
derful black lashes and tentatively
stepped upon the icy slope T6en her
feet began to slide.
3 "f1sirIH!" she cried, ana esteadei
TO- 62S G4iH WI dir ioa yElta more
zealphan caution Nas at her side.
the impetus of my sGp preeipitating
us at break-neck pace down the
bank, across the slippery sidewalk
and into the street. With hurried,
"Thank you so much" in a sweet
voice, she disengaged herself from
my support and was gone.
I adjusted my hat and coat collar
with a pleased though regretful
smile, and, with habit l have, felt
for the pin in my scarf. 1t was gone!
And then l remembered with vivid
distinctness the violent pressure Of
tive small hands against my chest as
we made our mad descent. 1t was a
valuable pin, and was sorry to lose
1t. But my deepest regret was on an
other account.
''What charming maid" this in
a stage whisper by Louise to Mrs.
Carter. Has she been with you
long?"
"Not long" Mrs. Carter had time
to respond before the girl re-entered
the dining-room. l glanced UP with
out interest. Her hair was blond,
parted primly in the middle and
drawn smoothly away from her fore
head. Upon the curve of one very
pink cheek, where our colonial bellies
were wont to wear their beauty
patches, was small, brown mole.
So my lady was a professional thief
gaining entrance to this house dis
guised as a servant
The dinner was a success and the
servant perfect. Louise. beamed, ap-
proyal and Mrs Carter basked there
in, After coffee in the library, l
found some pretext for leaving the
room. Listening stealthily at the
pantry door, and hearing the faint
clink of china, catered. She was
seated independently ON the top of a
pair Of portable steps, finishing an
ice. Her face blanched when she met
my condemning gaze, and she sprang
to the floor Her beauty smote me
to the heart.
II know everything" I declared in
dramatic whisper. "If you will
leave at once will not expose your
position" y.
How did you know" she
breathed, wide-eyed.
\ 1T is quite apparent" said |, dry
ly, Especially after the theft of my
pin"
foh!T she gasped. ITS you. is
It'll"
"Yes, 1t is l." grimly. However,
1t is upon my friends account that |
come to you, not my own"
why don't you tell your friends?"
she dened.
felt myself growing red.
1t is man pride to have. a reason
for his acts. then realized that her
beauty's appeal to my sympathy was
my reason now.
"You are young" I replied, Sc
verely. II trust this is your first Of
Tense and that YOU will reform"
She covered her face with her lit
tie hands and for moment her
shoulders shook gently But the eyes
that she raised to mine were fearless,
Since you are so kind / VIII tell
you the truth. l did not steal your
pin, II caught--it caught in my
ponpadourl You will find IL adveT.
tised in the evening paper
Was this clever ruse to throw me
,off? looked at her keenly.