Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1910-08-06
CHAPTER TX

yet beyond her understanding. Kirby
knew thar he was dealing with mo- eco
Quette, who sought 20 pauder 20 van.
fty or who considered all men the play
things o. am idle hour. 10 was not sal
much Adcie'S words as her manner
which betrayed frIuk liking aud BOZ.
terest. which. despite his modest ar-u-
ments 90 The contrary. could no LONGER
be attributed 60 an impersoual regard
1or his safety and welfare. He saw
that. unknown Co herself she WAS rap.
idly passing through the various stages
cf liking and interest. heading straight
for that inevitable climax which is
diCaihed by the term love. 10 view II
the fact that be bad already arrived
there and bad made every effort 10 as
sist her toward the same goal. the
present misEivings nud self ceusure
which now aSsaUed bliss We're decided
g ont Of place
True TO his character, he had acted
first and considered last lie bad put
forth every effort 20 please. TO awaken
her heart and now that there were
signs that Il was answering be was
dismayed. In the 3ush OF his new and
welcome experience he had forgotten
his calling. bis reputatiou-forC
that he was common gambler. with
no claim upon such society as be was
now enioyug-forgotten everything
but that. by some miraculous fortune.
be had been trunsplanted 20 the land
Of his dreams. had met its central ur-
ure and had promptly plunged head
over heels Ia love.
Kirby's thorough II tardy self cen
sure, however. was hardly jLS fed.
for be had made no conscious efforts
20 enlist Adele's regard. and their mu
tual attraction bad been as inStan
taneous and spontaneous as Il was nat
ural and 10 be expected But tho
knowledge Of her identity had avail
encd him 20 a lively sense OF his true
position, and. although he was far
from being the scOuudrel which Mo-
rcau had pictured aud Adele believed
him. his regard FOR her clearly 8 wed
him that by remaining be was leopard
izing her future peace and happiness
He must save her from herself ana
from him and. no matter how difficult
10 would prove. XII her dawning inter.
est, which naturally was based on the
superstition that be was a gentleman
privileged 60 associate with one OF her
standing Filled with this resolution.
he now turned and said.
Miss Randall you've been kinder
20 me than any woman ever was You
saved my life this morning. But my
friend Is right. I'd better go. Already
you've helped me more than you
ought"
Instantly the angelic. wrapt express
sion was sponged from her face. and.
astOnished. almost angry. she turned
upon him
Why? What right have you TO say
that she demanded. do you think
don't want tog"
NO" he admitted "But-but I
can't stay"
do you want me to believe that
you're afraidY'
Eyes. Pm afraid"
Afraid because we expect the real
Colonel Moreau tonight or tomorrow Z
I'm not afraid OF his coming. and you
can't make me believe that you are.
don't believe you were ever afraid
OF q man in your life" She stood very
straight and looked into his eyes. an
incredulous. challenging smile on her
lips
mo. was never afraid OF a man.
he admitted quietly. But I am afraid
Of
"of mey' she whispered interpreting
the pause.
YES" ne said simply
Her eyes battled 20 meet his own
but every effort proved futile. and at
length. coloring wildly. she sought the
garden seat. half turning her back
while he pre-empted the arm. toying
restlessly with the white camelIia he
still carried.
II gather from the stories you read
the General" be continued. bending
toward her. while be smiled half Gym
fcally. that the bad prince always
keeps following the beautiful princess.
and OF course she always finds him
out. Now. IL looks TO me Ike a weak
ness In his character that he dOeSn't
quit before she has the chance 20. In
my opinion. he's a fool 10 take the
risk"
Her answer came TREMENDOUSLY. but
withal brave and 10 the point
Il suppose 4 could find a story In
which she would want him to take the
chance. Now-nOw, are you going To
stayT turning and looking up. half
daringly. into his eyes.
Il can't" he said doggedly. And
the sooner / go the better. Don't let
anything ever make you sorry that
you helped me. GOOdby." And. throw
ing the camelIia on the bench. be res
olutely offered his hand
But she ignored the hand and picked
mp the discarded flower.
Not yet. not yet" she whispered.
''There is Ann calling me- and / must
dress for dinner But 1 shall expect
To see you again before you leave.
You will wait here? You may tell me
goOdby then-if you wish to-
he bowed seating himself detected
ly on the garden seat while she few
into the house
The sun had set. and twilight was
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