The Irish standard., 1911-01-07

welcome experience he had forgotten
his calling. his reputation-fcrgotten
that he was common gambler. with
no claim upon such society as he was
now enjoying-forgotten everything
but that. by some miraculous fortune,
he had been transplanted to the land
of his dreams. had met its central fig
urc and had promptly plunged head
over heels in love.
Kirby's thorough If tardy self cen
sure, however, was hardly justified.
for he had made no conscious efforts
to enlist Adele's regard, and their mu-
tual attraction had been rs instan-
taneous and spontaneous as it was nat
ural and to be expected. But the
knowledge of her identity had awak-
encd him to a lively sense OF his true
position, and. although he was far
from being the scoundrel which Mo-
reau had pictured and Adele believed
him. his regard for her clearly showed
him that by remaining he was leopard
He must save her from herself and
from him and. no matter how difficult
it would prove, kill her dawning inter-
est, which naturally was based on the
supposition that he was gentleman
privileged to associate With one of her
standing. Filled with this resolution,
he now turned and said:
Do, 1t
to me than any woman ever was. You
saved my life this morning. But my
friend is right I'd better go. Already
you've helped me more than you
ought"
Instantly the angelic. wrapt express
sion was spongcd from her face. and.
astonishcd, almost angry, she turned
upon him.
why? What right have you to say
that" she demanded. do you think
I don't want to-"
mo" he admitted "But-but l
can't stay"
do you want me to believe that
you're afraid?"
Eyes. Pm afraid
Afraid because We expect the real
Colonel Moreau tonight or tomorrow?
I'm not afraid of his coming. and you
can't make me believe that you are.
l don't believe You were ever afraid
Of man in your life" She stood very
straight and looked into his eyes. an
incredulous. challenging smile on her
lips.
mo, was never afraid of n man."
he admitted quietly. But am afraid
Of
"Of me?" she whispered Interpreting
the pause.
Yes" he said simply.
Her eyes battled to meet his own.
but every effort proved futile. and ut
length. coloring wildly, she sought the
garden seat. half turning her back.
while he pre-empted the arm, toying
restlessly with the white camellia he
still carried.
II gather from the stories you read
the General" he continued, bending
toward her, while he smiled half CYL
ically, that the bad prince always
keeps following the beautiful princess.
aud Of course she always finds him
, out. Now. 1t looks to me like Il weak
ness in his character that he doesn't
quit before she has the chance TO. In
my opinion, he's fool to take the
risk"
Her answer came TREMENDOUSLY. but
withal brave and to the point.
Il suppose could find story in
which she would want him to take the
chance. Now-now. are you going to
stay?" turning and looking up, half
daringIy. into his eyes.
II can't" he said doggedly. "And
the sooner | go the better Don't let
anything ever make you sorry that
you helped me. Goodby." And. throw
ing the camellia on tho bench, he res
oluteiy offered his hand.
But she ignored the hand and picked
up the discarded flower.
mot yet not yet" she whispered.
''There is Ann calling me. and | must
dress for dinner. But l shall expect
to see you again before you leave.
You will wait here? You may tell me
KOOuDv ILcu-l1 YOU WISH ".
He bowed. seating himself detected
" on the garden seat. while she flew
into the house.
The sun had set. and twilight was
fast approaching. the shadows of the
trees blending In one solid gray i'm
palpa BILE mass 1t seemed as II the dis
appearance of the sun and Adele had
been coincident, productive of the
same effect. Without warning the
days work seemed to be clamoring for
toll, demanding more than Kirby own
ed. He felt weary. spent. utterly for
saken and alone. the bleak and barren
future stretching unfortunately before
| him. Hostage Of his bitter humor. he
was obIivious to the fact that the old
negro, Group. watching his opportu-
nifty, had stolen from the house and
was now regarding him fixedly. and be
started when at length the other tim
idly ventured to address him.
"Marse. yo' scuse me. sab. Gould