Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1911-05-05
I h e
| Social Bucaneer
BY Frederic s. Ishom
4 copvrioht 1910, by Bobbs- Merrill Company
CHAPTER XXIII.
A WARNING.
coDvrioht 1s1o by the Bobbs-MerriII Company.

trying than any ne naQ neretolOre uh-
dergone. Buttoning his coat, about
an hour later, he started to walk to
his rooms. The concert, a special,
out-of the season affair, had termi-
mated early, to give people time to tilt
back to their summer places. The
gaiety of Fifth avenue was not that Of
the metropolis at its best; nearly all
of the dwellings were closed; mo-
notonous array of windows with cur
tains drawn looked out upon the park.
At length, the young mans brisk
pace brought him to the big building
on a comparatively quiet street where
his rooms were located. At one side
of the marble entrance hall was a lit
tie waiting-room for visitors. Passing
it, to reach the elevator, Bruce noticed
the draperies move. Then he saw
some one, and stopped, as If stunned.
Recovering himself with a great ef-
fort, he stepped in.
For the first time that day COM
posure seemed to leave him; his face
had gone pale. Assurance and he
were surely SITdHSSIS, hC iOOhSN 60
her as one might stare at ghost.
Miss Wood" he said.
Her eyes were brilliant. Beneath
her composure, could be felt great
perturbation: she looked at him
strangely.
It don't quite know why came, un-
less" She paused, her hands tightly
clasped. 1t was easy to see she was
not herself. She stood there as If be-
meath a spell.
His face was troubled. Never
mind!" he said, in a low tone.
Did he not know-did she herself
not know what had brought her there?
Il found the key near Mr.. Gold
berg's," she said, with an uplift OF
the dark lashes.
"Indeed?" he answered. No more.
Why did he not say something else?
She waited.
II came because l thought you
must be in great danger-terriole
trouble" The words faltered.
No danger" he exclaimed, almost
bruskly. And then, with less severity,
he added, 1T was rather foolish OF
YOU"
No danger!" she repeated, as If not
hearing his last words. But l over
heard Sir Archibald and his valet"
A flush dyed her face. Il caught
words, do not know just whar-ter-
rible words-or what seemed beneath
them-his tone. And you had gone
BELIEVE me-" he said gravely, "all
is well with me as it ever can be.
Your father knows you are here?" alb
ruptly.
II believe l said something about
the subscription concert"
He looked at his watch. You have
lust time for the last express" AS
he spoke, ne held back the curtain;
she walked out and followed him to
the front door. A taxi was passing.
Bruce nodded to the man; he drew
M TO the curb. The girl now was
very pale.
"I-I-dont understand" she said;
Il wish l did"
He looked at her. Perhaps, it Is
as we'll not" he said slowly.
You mean we shall never meet
again?" she said.
Yes" His face, too was pale.
Then l shall never know more
than now-always be in the dark, the
terrible dark"
"Wait!" He considered. will you
see me once more, just once, so that'
perhaps, you may understand just a
little better?"
II remember" she said, you were
brave for me, and" with trembling
smile, Il liked you for it, When one
makes a friend"
The words died away. A cold draft
from the half-open door of the hall
swept out upon them; she shivered
slightly.
Why" he said, If you will so hon.
or me, we shall meet then once more.
Perhaps l can explain better-such lit
tie explanation" bitterly, 'as there
may he, to make!'
"When?" said the girl, with clearer
more SteadtaSt eyes
The night of the Japanese play-at
your house, if you will"
Yes. yes!" she said. Somehow, I
believe in YOU. l can't understand; 1
don't. Anything you may say, to
make me know, to" She hesitated.
"To clear up the horrible dOubts?"
he suggested.
A mist sprang to her eyes. She
moved toward the curb and stepped
into the waiting vehicle.
Grand Central station" he said to
the driver.
Aren't YOU" She looked at the
place by her side.
A radiant light came to his face. She
did not understand; she was full or
doubts; but she did not altogether dis
believe in him. He bent his head as
to a princess, peerless, unattainable,
beautiful. Her hair was dark cloud;
the mist in her eyes like rain. momen-
tarily dimming the blue.
Thank you; but if you don't need
me"
She sank back and said no further
word. He is not in danger; what a
mad, foolish trip!-a horrible dream!"
Thus she may have thought. The taxi
moved away Bruce stood with his
hat in his hand. even after it had dis
appeared.
Il slipped your mail under your
door. sir" The voice was that of
Stebbins. the janitor.
Bruce moved automatically back in
To the hall. and took the elevator TO
his rooms
His mail was large and comprised
many invitations. Hunting. fishing,
Yachting, golfing and polo-playing
constituted n few of the inducements
held forth to summon him here and
there. away from the noisy metropolis.
He set them aside, to be answered
,t.gth