The Washington times., 1911-04-23

spoke again, languidly:
And one fancied you a brave man,
Senor Curtice!
The blind was swept to one side
with rattle. and to the silky rustic
of skirts, the Sonora de Casada enter
knnarently she had followed him di-
rectly from the ball room, pauslns
only to throw over her shoulders a
thin cloak of dark stuff which serV-
ed to conceal the shimmerlng, cling
ing, low-cut gown that she had worn
at the public reception. the satln
dancing slippers still covered her feet.
Her face was flushed with excite
ment, and her gray eyes shone with
an emotion which Curtice was at
loss to classify.
ment- for moment. then slipped the
fastening of her cloak, throwing 1t
carelessly upon the table as she sank
easily into the chair he had just va
Gated.
"One would think ! had frightened
you, senior" she observed;
"a admit that you startled me,
sonora"
understand. He. considered an in
slant, then passed quickly behind her
and stepped out upon the veranda, 1t
NAV / ask why you did that,
senor?" she Inquired as he returned.
Il was deluded by your voice, Sc
nora: l thought I had heard an
others
"Yes?'
A silence followed. during which she
scrutiniZed him from head to foot.
He was embarrassingly conscious that
he was pleased with the knowledge
that the uniform of the Bulldogs was
one becoming to his figure.
You were about to say, senor-
He stopped her with a gesture.
Pardon; l was about to say nothing
Indeed? You did not intend to in
quire 10 what good fortune you owed
81 did not. sonora. I was waiting
your explanation"
His confusion had worn off. 1t was
not merely a fascinating woman who
sat before him, but a dangerous wom-
an, the mistress of Malone. He per-
ceived that she had come with a set
purpose. To ascertain 1t, he conceiv-
ed that he had but to keep silence and
she would declare herself.
! NY explanation? One can scarcely
tell how to take you, Senor Curtice;
you are something of an original"
"The sonora seems to know me we'll
upon a short acquaintance"
you think so?"
Curtice took chair, determined
upon the patience that exasperates,
6nd offered her his cigarette-cas She
shook her head.
Thank you. L do not care TO smoke"
with your permission. them"
Certainly, Senor.
As he puffed. she threw him a quick,
puZzling. searching look. He bore II
imperturbably. With grace that had
something of the feline, she placed her
elbows upon the table, extending her
hands and playing with her rings.
When she spoke it was without rails
ing her eyes.
1T is rather hard. Senior Curtice,
for me to tell you why I am here
TT should not be-
But you help to make 1t So"
Il confess-but II can be OF assist.
snee, sonora, command me-"
1T REQUIRES only that you should
'T?" he cried TAKE YOU seriously?
Sonora de Casada, let me assure you
that / can not help doing so; I con-
in the republic"
"There 1t is. 1t is not that kind of
consideration I wish"
He noted that she showed no re-
sentiment.
"Then am dense. sonora: it is I who
must ask YOU 10 assist me-
"Oh" she exclaimed intensely. with
q desperate little gesture. You do
not. or will not, understand! And how
am to make you? I am but WON
an-after all!'.
After aIl?"
Eyes" she said "Senor Curtice. you
are the friend of the PRESIDENT"
point. Are you?"
mo" she confessed, keeping still
her eyes from him. Perhaps am his
enemy--indeed. I would have you be-
lieve, senior. that / am so! I do not
deny it,"
"oh. that would hardly be neces-
sary."
AT this she WINGED, but held her tenn
per admirably.
"T am a woman" she went on, as IL
musing, 'and you. senior. are a
really Curtice pretended to stife
"Bit Malone is a weakling: he is
putty. putty in my hands, poor fell
tow!"
you pity him, them"
"Yes."
"If you care enough for him to pitv
sonora why do you not let him go?"
THAT is what I came to see you
about Indeed, / am considering just
such a step"
Let me urge you not to delay. since
you seek my advice: for to win
against the present odds the man
must be master of himself"
TT requires but your consent,
"what?"
She nodded affirmatively.
my CONSENT" he echoed. dazed.
"A consent dependent upon condi- |
lions, senor. / am In a position to !