The county record. [volume] (Kingstree, S.C.) 1885-1975, 1910-10-20

much AdeleS words as her manner.
which betrayed frank liking and in
terest. which. despite his modest arSu-
ments to the contrary. could no longer
be attributed to an impersonal regard
for his safety and welfare. He saw
that, unknown to herself. she was rap
idly passing through the various stages
of liking and interest. heading straight
for that inevitable climax which Is
dignified by the term love. In view OF
the fact that be had already arrived
there and had made every effort to as
sist her toward the same goal. the
present misgivings and self censure
which now assailed him were decided
ly out Of place.
True to his character. he had acted
first and considered last. He had put
forth every effort to please, to awaken
her heart. and now that there were
signs that It was answering be was
dismayed. In the flush Of his new and
welcome experience he had forgotten
his calling. his reputation-forgotten
that be was a common gambler, with
no claim upon such society as he was
now enjoying-forgotten everything
but that, by some miraculous fortune.
he had been transplanted to the land
Of his dreams, had met its central ig-
ure and had promptly plunged head
over heels In love.
Kirby's thorough If tardy self CEN
sure, however, was hardly justified,
for he had made no conscious efforts
to enlist Adele's regard, and their mu-
tual attraction bad been as tnstan-
taneous and spontaneous as 1t was nat
ural and to be expected. But the
knowledge of her identity had awak-
ened him to a lively sense Of his true
position, and, although he was far
from being the scoundrel which Mo-
reau had pictured and Adele believed
him, his regard for her clearly showed
him that by remaining he was leopard
izing her future peace and happiness.
BE must save her from hepelf and
from him and, no matter bow difficult
it would proye, kill her dawning inter
est which naturally was based on the
suppositlon that he was a gentleman
privileged to associate with one Of her
standing. Filled with this resolution,
he now turned and said: !. ~ y
"Miss Randall. you've been kinder
to me than any woman ever was. You
saved my life this morning. But my
friend Is right. I'd better 60. Already
you've helped me more than you
ought" 49, - ~
Instantly the angelic. wrapt expires.
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
I don't want to?'
mo" he admitted. "But-but
can't stay"
"Do you want me to believe that
you're afraid"
Eyes. I'm afraid"
Afraid because we expect the real
Colonel Moreau tonight or tomorrow?
I'm not afraid Of his coming. and you
can't make me believe that you are.
I don't believe you we're ever afraid
CT a man in your life" She stood very
straight and looked into his eyes, an
incredulous. challenging smile on her
lips.
mo, l was never afraid Of man"
he admitted quietly. But am afraid
Of
"Of me-" she whispered interpreting
the pause.
"Yes," he said simply.
Her eyes battled to meet his own.
but every effort proved futile, and at
length. coloring vividly, she sought the
garden seat, half turning her back.
while he pre.empted the arm, toying
restlessly with the white camellia be
still carried.
"I gather from the stories you read
the General" he continued. bending
toward her. while he smiled half Gym
ically. that the bad prince always
keeps following the beautiful princess.
and Of course she always finds him
out. Now. 1t looks to me like a weak
ness in his character that he doesn't
quit before she has the chance to. In
my opinion. he's fool to take the
risk"
Her answer came tremulously. but
withal brave and to the point.
II suppose l could find a story In
which she would want him to take the
chance. Now-now, are you going to
stay% turning and looking up. half
daringly. into his eyes.
II can't" he said doggedly. "And
the sooner l 60 the better. Don't let
anything ever make you sorry that
you helped me. Goodby." And. throw
ing the camellia on the bench. he res
olutely offered his hand.
But she ignored the hand and picked
up the discarded flower.
"Not yet. not yet" she whispered.
s9There Is Ann calling me, and ! must