Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1911-09-28

the 1ady's mood changed swiftly ~
her brown eyes perceived standing In
the doorway the erect form OF Keith
the light from the window revealing
clearly his strong face. The man
stood hat in hand, bowling slightly, un'
able to comprehend why he should
have been sent for yet marvelline
again at the remarkable resemblance
between this womSl ard that Other
whom he had left at Fort Larned. AS
Miss Maclaire stood with back toward
the window, she presented the same
youthful appearance, tho same slen.
derness of figure, the same contour OF
face.
Miss Christie Macaire?" he asked,
as though in doubt.
Yes" graciously, won instantly by
the mans appearance and manner.
"you wished to see me? Will you bs
seated?"
He crossed the narrow room TO tn.
stiff-backed chair Indicated, and the
lady sank negligently down into heI
own. resting her head against q pill
low. and regarding him expectantly
He could view her now much moro
distinctly, observing the slight differ.
ence in age, the fuller lips. the darker
shade of the hair, and the varied ex.
preston of the eyes. 1t was as If
different soul had looked forth from
the same face. He bad never before
realized how little, apparently trihing
details marked the human counten
ance, and, embarrassed ny her OWL
scrutiny, his glance swept about the
room. Misund erstanding this shifting
OF eyes. Miss Christie sought to place
the man more at ease.
THE room is a perfect fright" she
observed briskly, but what can one
expect In these mushroom towns,
Really had never been here before
or shouldn't have come They pay
good money though for talent. and
we all have to live, you know Are
are you in professional work."
He shook his head, smiling some
what perplexed at his reception
Really didn't suppose you were
she went on, you don't look IT, But
there are so many who come to ms
to help them that | have grown sus.
picious Of every stranger May ash
why you desired TO see me-"
Another suspicion had taken pos.
session of her mind. for the men Of
that section were never backward in
exhibiting admiration vet somehow
this man did not seem exactly of that
kind.
Il came merely because I was sent
for, Miss Maclaire,' he replied, his
r. foo
Doctor Fairbain gave me your mes
sage; am Jack Keith"
She looked the complete astonish.
ment she felt, sitting up in the chair
her eyes filled with questioning doubt
Doctor Fairbain Ny message
Surely you are mistaken I know nc
one of that name. and have sent nc
message"
You did not express q desire to see
me?"
She laughed. exhibiting a row OF
white teeth
Certainly not; not until this mo
ment was I even aware of the exis-
tence of Nh Jack Keith"
His own eyes smiled in response to
challenge of hers.
II can assure you the surprise was
mine also he fastened to inform her,
now more at ease. as he grasped the
situation. Il could not understand
how I had become known to you, yet
I pledge you my word the message
was actually brought or course you
may suspicion otherwise. for have
seen Won on the stage, and being \
al ,r-ic he hot
devise some excuse for meeting YOU"
indeed" her eyebrows slightly up
lifted
Eyes, make thet confession frank
~ yet this call comes from no such
desire. | had no question when
came but what | had been gent for
you will believe this?"
Il suppose | must. yet It seems very
peculiar" she replied, feeling con-
vinced that he was 4 gentleman, and
troubled as TO what she had best do.
Yet now that you have discovered
your mistake
II hope to take advantage Of tho
opportunity" he broke in firmly.
leaning slightly forward. May l ask
you a question:"
Il could hardly prevent it. and real
ly do not know that I have anything
10 conceal"
Then | will risk the effort-do you
know man named Hawley Bart
lett Hawley?"
Her eyes did not falter. although
red spot shot iuto her cheeks, and
her lips pressed together.
No; that Is have never met him."
she acknowledged, just little con-
fused. But have received two let.
ters signed by that name, and rather
expected the gentleman would call