Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1910-04-08

| 1t was wet, there IN the street. why
should l rebel at this stealing charm of
color or fragrance-let those name II
| better who can. At least l sat, smiling
to myself in my purple e-amber shadow,
now in no very special hurry.
At last l could not. in politeness. keep
this up further.
How may serve the Baroness
said l.
She started back on the seat as far
as she could go.
How did you know" she asked.
And who are you?"
l laughed. Il did not know, and did
not guess until almost as l began to
| speak; but if it comes to that, might
say l am simply an humble gentleman
of Washington here. l might be priv
ileged to peep in at ambassadors balls
through the windows, at least"
| But you were not there-you did not
see me? l never saw you in my life
until this very moment-how. then, do
you know me? Speak! At once!' Her
| SdIlIlS TuSlltu. Mic" sic wa" N''bP''e
foot on the carriage floor
Madam" l answered, laughing at
| her: by this amber purple shadow.
| with fiecks of scarlet and pink; by this
perfume which weaves webs for me
here in this carriage, l know you. The
light is poor, but it is good enough to
snow one who can be no one else but
the Baroness Won Ritz"
l was in the mood to spice an ad-
venture which had gone thus far. or
course she thought me crazed, and
drew back again in the shadow but
when 1 turned and smiled, she smiled
in answer-herself somewhat puzzled.
The Baroness Won Ritz can not be
disguised" l said; mot even If she
wore her domino"
She looked down at the little mask
which hung from the silken cord, and
flung it from her.
"Oh, then. very WE'LL" she said. IF
you know who l am, who are you. and
why do you talk in this absurd way
with me, a stranger?'
And why, madam, do you take me
up. a stranger, in this absurd way. at
midnight. on the streets of Washing
ton?-I, who am engaged on business
for my chief?"
She tapped again with her foot on
the carriage floor. Tell me who you
are." she said.
Once a young planter from Mary
land yonder; sometime would-be law
yer here in Washington. 1t is my mis-
fortune not to be 50 distinguished in
| fame or beauty that my name is known
by all; so l need not tell you my name
perhaps, only assuring you that l am
at your service if l may be useful"
Your name!" she again demanded.
| told her the first one that came to
my lips-I do not remember what 1t
did not deceive her for moment.
"Of course that is not your name,
she said; because it does not fit you.
You have me still at disadvantage"
And me, madam? You are taking
| me miles out of my way. How can l
help you? Do you perhaps wish to hunt
| mushrooms in the Georgetown woods
when morning comes? | wish that l
might join you, but l fear"
| You mock me-" she retorted. Very
good. Let me tell you it was not your
personal charm which attracted me
when l saw you on the pavement!
Twas because you were the only man
in sight"
| bowed my thanks. For a moment
nothing was heard save the steady
patter of hoofs on the ragged pavement.
At length she went on.
Il am alone have been followed.
was followed when | called to yOu-by
another carriage. asked help of the
first gentleman | saw. having heard
that Americans all are gentlemen"
True" said /: II do not blame YOU
| Neither do | blame the occupant of the
other carriage for following you.
Il pray you. leave aside such clatter!
she exclaimed.
| Very well, then, madam. Perhaps
the best way is for us to be more
| straightforward. If l cannot be OF
service | beg you to let me descend, for
l have business which | must execute
tonight"
She dismissed this with an impatient
gesture, and continued
See, l am alone" she said. Come
with me. Show me my way-l will
pay-I will pay anything in reason.
Actually | saw her tumble at her purse
and the hot blood flew to my forehead
What you ask of me, madam. Is inn
possible" said |. with what courtesy
could summon. You Oblige me now
TO tell my real name. [ have told you
that am an American gentleman-Mr
Nicholas TriSt. We Of this country dc
not offer our service To ladies for the
sake of pay. But do not be troubled
over any miStake-it is nothing. Now
YOU have perhaps had some little ad-
venture in which you do not wish to be
discovered In any case. you ask me
to shake off that carriage which fol-
lows us. If that is all. madam. it very
easily can be arranged.
Hasten. then" she said. Il leave
it to you. was sure YOU knew the
city"
| | turned and gaZed back through the
rear window of the carriage. True
there was another vehicle following us
We were by this time nearly at the enc
OF WashingtOn's limited pavem"ntS. il
would be simple after that. Leaned
out and gave our driver some brief or
dcrs. We led our chase across the val
ley creeks on up the Georgetown hills
and soon as possible abandoned tho
last of the pavement. and took to the
turf. where the sound Of our wheels
was duled. Rapidly as W" could We
passed on up the hill. until We STRUCK
a side street where there was no paw.
ing. Into this "" whipped swiftly. fol
lowing the flank of the hill. our going
which was all of earth or soft surf, now
. we'll wetted by the rain. When at las