The San Francisco call., 1910-03-20

so unselfshy. And she knew-she knew-he was
suffering She clenched her hands at the thought Of
it,
The path wound out of the woods at the verge OF
little ravine where silver green brook twisted and
danced among the stones Carter started down the
incline briskly. Maude did quite what hap
pened. But suddenly he gave a sharp cry, his left
knee went limp, he stumbled, wavered and pitched
headlong down the bank
He lay very white and still among the stones and
dead leaves and waving grasses, of the suit cases
under him and across his knees. He felt that he
had done it well, rather too we'll There was cut
his forehead and sundry bruises upon his limbs
that were not absolutely essential to realism But he
comforted himself with the certainty that he had
achieved artistic triumph Maud Stuyver came
noby TO the front Alter the first terrified scream
she had scrambled after him. Now she bending
over him. bathing his temples with handkerchief
broken murmur and the touch of her hands was soft
and gentle The scamp had the grace to flush little
under her tender solicitude
oh she exclaimed when he opened his eyes "I'm
so glad Are you-are you badly hurt?" He sat up
and began to feel his left ankle, wincing in a way
that wrung her She watched him with wide eyes
from which all trace of hostility and defiance had
vanished;
you're going to catch that train She stared mo
ment, not comprehending. Then:
That's unknd, Mr.. Carteret. You don't think Id
leave you here. Is it very serious2"
No it's nothing" His hurried manner sui
hcient contradiction But-Im sorry-it's my bad
i
thrown during the paper chase. I'm really afraid
can't go on"
"Of course not You mustn't suggest such thing"
But there's the train"
Bother the train"
With all my heart" They were smiling now the
girl eagerly seeking amends for her indifference and
coldness the injured man who had been so brave
and planning and had suffered through acoui-
escence IN her whim He lowered the tension easily
leading the conversation away from their situation bv
skul play. With his peculiar charm and facility he
began discussion OF people and events in the world
which was hers by birth and which he had forced and
made his own 1t was the hour he had counted upon,
and he made the of it.
THE OPEN GATE
As he had OWNED she was frank in1Dulsive ,var,,
in her sympathes, quick to answer an appeal and
loyal in her friendships What his chivalry and nm
failing courtesy had won his ready tongue and tact
held as undsputed ground After time he looked at
You've missed the train What's to, do now"
don't KNOW she said, looking blank What
=, Suggest? You'll find me ready enough at that
I'm m one OF the best little suggesters
- - will" she broke OUT
She nodded That's the least can do after what
you've done and tried to do for me-"
Well look here. Carrie isn't to blame She's not
responsible Tor these things; she really isn't When
she learns what's happened she'll be absolutely and
miserably unhappy. If you think you owe me anv-
tning or are grateful, anything like that-a bosh
OF coursewhy let's get up little conspiracy to save
neT punishment for her oversight Shall WEI"
he was like big, pleading boy, and he finished
nc WINGED patnetlcally and touched his ankle But
what can we do? she asked doubtfuly
Its easy enough. James will be coming along here
IN tne dogcart within few hours to meet the mail
tram at o'clock You'll ts of sight and I'll stop
MN andi induce him to go back foot, offering TO
get the mail myself I'll tell him l want to take a
drive or something Then in due time I'll drive you
up to the house You down the mail train
ana found you dlsconsolate at the station CarrieT
be too tickled to ask questions"
But can you get to the road9'
YES he said. setting his teeth very firmly; "yes
III do 1t some way
And you really want to?'
I beg you to-"
very nice of you to ask favor for Carrie" she
SAID, She wondered how she had overlooked the fact
that Mr., Carteret perfectly delightful
Is 1T he answered innocently. Well Carrie de-
serves IT. Aftersa few moments she spoke reAec-
lively ieec-
DO you know Stephen, my elder brother?"
Not--very well, he said gently. Il don't believe
virtues" '@iOuS
He never understood you" she said drectlv and
with so much conviction that he flushed again
here is no oneSwth whom | would rather he -
friendly TERMS, he observed with perfect truthfUI-
ness u'iui-
: m gong to get Carrie TO have him down in H..
or two, was her apparently irrelevant Comment ~
And as Carteret settled back with SIGH mo, ~.
two suit cases cigarette between his fingers raad
Tor pleasant wait until James and the dogcart shig
come he seemed to the gilded portal OF the Geo.
Dough country club through the cloud of blue snooL
And the gates open. Ne-
Au0