New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1911-06-18

was so ignorant Of what could be done to
Winthrop. fingered only with the idea Of
being able to help her.
"Ycs," she answered. rs that YOU,
John: Wait up: What Is
il YOU want me TO sign: on She
| held the receiver to her ear long while;
but she didn't say anything else except
"GoOdby.
what is it someone wants you to sign:
Laura wanted to know.
Il don't know she replied. at was
ohn. | shall have to wait up and see.
The tone was casual, 50 casual that Laura
went back to her room without another
question.
was Just getting into bed when = knock
came. It was not Laura decisive tap, nor
Ceie's nquiring one. threw on a dressing
gown and opened the door. Natalie stood
there, her tall, slim figure gracefully out
lined against the lighted corridor.
Wont YOU come in" asked mechanic
ally. falteringly. | was amazed. What
could have brought her:
May l." she smiled droopily. NO, |
won't sit down. as | snapped on the lights
and indicated a chair; 81 Just want to say
something to YOU couldn't sleep until
did. | want to apologize to you, to tell
YOU that | spoke in haste about that-lost
ruby. I'm sorry. | know you couldn't
possibly have done such thing -couldn t
possibly! | made frightful mistake. |
Shall also apologize to Mrs. Hazard. Do
YOU believe me-" She suddenly put out a
Slim hand. and | remembered the time
when was adrift and that hand had been
a protecting one. \ little wave OF friendli-
ness swept over me.
"YcS, believe YOU, | replied. You are
very kind TO come and tell me 50.
LET us be friends. Miss Goldman" she
drawlcd. Her cool hand touched mine. 81
think YOU dislike me; but we'll change that
if YOU will. We missed you tonight. There
wasn't lust the usual cheerful order Of
things. Everybody was i'll assorted and
aggressive. argumcntativc | hope YOU will
not be i'll again. We can't spare YOU. Well.
goodnight" She melted to the door Il
lost my head this afternoon. or should
never have said what | did. DO YOU sin
cercly forgive me-"
"Yes," | replied. Goodnight"
She regarded me for a moment through
half closed lids rs ii had agreed too read
lily; then her lips parted in a smile. Good
night, she repeated chccriully.
crcpt into bed wondcringly, bcwidercd,
and lay there for a long time staring wild
eyed, qucstioningly, into the darkness. Why
this apology, What had caused Natalie to
change her mind:
lust how long had been asleep | don't
, know; but | suddenly found myself sit
ting up in bed, conscious that door had
opened and closed, conscious too that some
one was in the room. My hand flew to the
button beside my bed had to know the
extent of my danger
The lights flashed The person who stood
there was Hap. blinking in the sudden glare
Of the light, looking comically surprised and
rather dishevclcd in a most becoming yellow
dressing gown. The situation would have
been embarrassing If | had not been SO
scared.
Il beg your pardon" he managed to say
81 really beg your pardon
He turned, jcrkcd at the door. and was
gone. jumped out Of bed, turned the key
in every lock, and sank in a heap on the
floor. The day had been too much for me.
Chapter XVII.
THE insistent rattle of gravel on the screen
woke me. got up, put on my white
flannel. tied the ribbon round my head with
fingers that were far from steady. and picked
no my racket The tennis WIS pnino ia ne q.