The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1911-10-14
BECAUSE"

her eyes began 10 dance WIch0o1S-
somehow shs always gathered eour-
age, after the manner OF spoiled chill
dren. In the warm uncritical moth
eriy presence. Allen was saying flor
idly:
What can do for you. Miss Nor
ton? Shall IL be punch? OR cup OF
tea? Or a cushion for your feet? I'm
ready 10 fetch or carry anything.
'rhen-go fetch back Frank Eldon.
l am just finding out l want him a
while longer" Mavis answered, her
eyes wickeder than ever.
Allen looked disconnected. Il think
Frank ought to suffer for his bad
taste in leaving u.s." he began. tenta-
lively, but Mavis broke In impera-
lively:
Never mind that. You go and
bring him to me! Quick, 1t won't do
to let his horse get too mucn the start
OF your car
Dye mean that" Allen demanded.
pursuing his lips.
Cross my heart. Mavis answered.
with her most ravierIng smile. She
did not in the least know why she
was sending him upon such an errand
only that IL had suddenly come TO
her she hated the sight OF him.
Ten minutes later Allen was shout
ing to Eldon; Hi. there. You're want
cd. MACK at tnd ktubls PotAy
Who says So" Eidon asker, not
drawing rein--he had set his horse
galloping as soon as he was on the
highway.
Allen leered at him knowingly. The
Queen herself said so-she sent mo
Queen Mayis. you know Her motto
seelns to he: Let no attractive man
escape Wise young person. that
mighty wise II we hook up in double
harness, / shall have the time of my
life teaching her not to be 80 wise.
NO Doubt Eldon said. through
his set teeth. He had but half heard.
Words get tattered between galloping
hoofs and the burning OF motor.
Go back and say l won't coIne--you
know you can't make me-"
"Oh, | think cam" Allen muttered,
sending the car recklessly ahead. A
hundred yards In front OF Eldon. hs
turned squarely across the road. stop
ped and shouted; BE good! You cant
pass ma-and your horse isn't up to
jumping the fences. Go back and face
the music-and the Mavis."
''f IT Will-2-but not Until i've thrashed
you soundly," Eldon said hoarsely,
leaping from his saddle.
Allen was alone. he had not waited
to call his chauffeur. Before he could
start thu machine Eidon had wrenched
him from his seat and was shaking
him as terrier shakes rat. Il ought,
to XIII you.' he said very low. II would
do it-only you are--just a catspaw.
Flight now--defend yourself-if you're
any part of a man. I'll give you .
mans chance little as you deserve IT,"
"Why. Frank. I--I--you know we've
got no quarrel" Allen sputtered rue
fully. He was taller and heavier than
E,ldon, but gross of habit and In soft.
i'll condition. Il came after you all III
fun Queen MavisA'
III you dare name her again / shall
have. to kill you." Eldon Jinterrupte0.
but turned away as he spoke.
Very shortly they were on the Nor
ton lawn again standing a little dir.
tance from Mavis. who beamed at the
sight.
Allen said suddenly: You sea
brought him." but got no farther.
Eldon had gone up to the girl and
stood holding her hands aud asking
"Why did You want me back?"
"Oh. just because." Mavis answered.
saucily. but moving apart from the
rest When there was no danger Of
eavesdropping she added softly. Be
cause l found out all at once. you had
taken the sunshine with you-and
wanted 1t back again."