Gilpin observer., 1910-11-24
Penelope and a Burglar
(copyright 1910. BY Associated Literary PressJ
BY CLARISsA MAckIE

Ao AA1ehh AoOAO0 Luo
red slipper and then at Penelope gaz-
ing sternly at him. Il really thought
you were lady Rafles," he said. with
note Of doubt in his voice. IF you
have any right here l shall be glad
to hear your explanation. Mrs. Brad.
ly gave me to understand the apart
ment was, quite vacant"
Mrs. Bradly!" gasped Penelope
DO you mean to say that Mrs. Lean
der Bradley told you our apartment
would be vacant?"
Mrs. Bradley said her apartment
would be vacant" he corrected, mild
ly; Il happen to be Mrs. Bradly's
brother and she sent me here to se-
cure small package from her writ
Ing desk. but"
Penelope's brown eyes were dane.
ing now and her uplifted hand halted
the words on her lips.
This isn't Mrs. Bradly's apart
ment," she said. sweetly. Its on the
floor underneath this one!"
He stared incredulously at her.
| "Why-I couldn't have made such q
mistake" he said. helplessly.
Have you ever been to Mrs. Brad
ly's apartment2' asked Penelope.
"No-she described 1t to me and
gave me the key. and as the elevator
was not running I walked up. We're
all staying down at Breezehurst, and
We motored up for the theater-the
rest Of the crowd are down at the
door in the car! By Jove-|how cDsld
I make such a mistaken" He glanced
apprehensively at Penelope and then
at the writing desk, Uttered with let
ters and packages from the pigeon
holes.
You're awfully untidy." complained
Penelope, as she crossed the desk and
tucked the letters back in their places.
One envelope she held toward him:
he read the address and gave it back.
1t was now his turn to redden.
'T don't know what to say. Miss
Farnum." he murmured. contritely.
''You must think me silly to break
into your rooms here and ransack your
desk and then accuse you of being .
burglar! IL really didn't know what
a fool could make of myself till this
night"
You should feel encouraged" said
Penelope. wickedly. You're really
doing very well. indeed!"
An automobile horn brayed impa-
tiently in the street below.
II must go-they are waiting for
me. Miss Farnum. I'd like to bring
my sister upstairs to assure you that
1t is all a mistake. you know"
But do believe you, Mr.. -r
Penelope houndered helplessly.
"Drayton-Jack Drayton," he said.
II suppose you know my sister Peggy
well?"
Yes, indeed-Peggy and /. are
great friends-in fact was going
down to Breezehurst for the week
end"
"Was?" he repeated. anxiously.
4 am going" corrected Penelope.
demurely.
Then I can make my apologies all
over-it's awfully funny. but I know
I've seen you before. Miss Farnum."
Peggy has my picture-we were
roommates at college,"
THE little violin GIRL" he said,
dreamily; and then his face colored
and he laughed boyishly. II always
liked that picture-but l didn't recog.
nize you in that disguised"
All Peggy said was simple Good
night" but as he ratified down the
stairs to the floor below he whistled
softly to himself.
And Penelope locked the door and
went back to bed; but she slept never
a wink the whole night through. Morn.
ing found her propped among her pill
lows with dreamy brown eyes.
'T shall take the pink evening
gown-it's the most becoming frock
I've got. How foolish Of me to have
thought he looked like burglar. Why.
he's splendid!"