Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1911-10-12
A Chance Conversation.

A Chance Conversation.
The opportunity thus so unexpected
~ afforded was not one to be wasted,
ana Keith accepted It with swift deter
mination. The expression in the wom-
ans face was scarcely one Of vel
come, yet his purpose was sufficiently
serious TO cause him to ignore this
with ensy confidence In himself.
"l am, indeed, most fortunate to dis
cover you alone. Miss Maclaire," he
said, avoiding her eyes by swift
glance over the table, land evidently
at time when you are only beginning
your meal. May join your"
She hesitnted for an instant, debat-
ing with herself and as quickly de-
Gliding on disaSreeablc tactics.
Il presume this "a a public table,
and | consequently havc little choice
in the matter, II you insist" she re-
Piled, her voice more civil than her
words Still, Mr.. Katth, ! avn not
accustomed To asscoSat5nG With Grim
iliais"
He smiled, holding his temper In
wtn.
Then, possibly YOU may rather
welcome b neS Diversion. can as
sure you our criminals out here are
the most Interesting portion of our
poye,,ation. wish I might have your
permission"
Standing there before her, bare.
headed his slightly tanned face strong
and manly. his gray eyes filled with
humor, Miss Maclaire recognized
again that ne was not OF the com.
mon herd, and the innate coquetry Of
her neture obtained mastery. What
harm could It do for her to chat with
him for half an hour' It was better
tnan eating a lonely meal, and. be-
sides, she might learn something Of
value to report to Hawiey. Her own
eyes frightened, the slight frown 1is
appearing.
you are certainly an Illustration Of
your theory" she said pleasantly. y
shall have 20 say ye., but, really, did
not suppose you would en3oy being
ranked among that class"
He drew out a chair, and sat down
facing her, leaning slightly forward
upon tho Intervening table.
Nor would l., only recognize you
DO not comprehend The source OF
your information is BIT polluted
Miss Maclatre. There are those whose
good opinion do not seek, and YOU
should not form your decisions on the
unsupported testimony OF personal
enemy"
"Oh, indeed" rather resenting the
wo-ds- and already regretful of hel
compliance. Surely l have as much
reason TO trust my informant as
have you He, at least, has proven
himself q friend"
Il wish could feel as fully assure'
of that as you do" he returned honest,
ly. i would then have every tempta
tion to NEEDLE further taken away
from me-, Do you reahze that my in
terest Is very largely upon your &C,
count?"
"Oh. no." laughing. II couldn't be-
lieve that II have heard It whis
pered IT might be because OF the other
girl"
"The other grit" in complete sur
prise at this swift return
Yes, sir conscious OF having at
tanned the upper hand. Miss Hope
Waite"
Some more OF Mr. Hawley's fan
cies." he retorted. perplexed that &C
much should be suspected Have you
seen herr"
Why, OF course. am a woman
Mr.. Keith, with all the natural curl
ossty OF my sex. In this case | had
special reason to be interested. One
does not meet her counterpart every
day"
The resemblance between you /,
certainly most striking"
SUN ciently So" she said slowly
her eyes on his face, Ito abundant!
confirm In my mind the truth of al
that has been told me-"
The waiter approached with the or
ders, and the two remained In silenc
until he had deposited his load upol
the table, and departed. She wa
watching the face opposite throug
lowered lashes that yelled her eyes
but Keith was first 20 break the still
ness.
81 wish I might be told what tina
was"
ITO what do you refer?" apparen
ly forgetful rs to whore their conveI
Hation had been broken.
ITO Hawleys proposition
mo doubt" her lips smiling, "b,
you have come to the wrong marke
Mr.. Jack Keith"
Yet" he insisted earnestly, IF th'
Is all straight, with no fraud concea
ed anywhere, If you have the proofs l
your hands why are you afraid to tai
openly? The very manner In whic
Ilawley works should convince yo
he is himself afraid TO face the truth
No, you are wrong. There are pc
Fectly satisfactory reasons why W
should for the present keep our plan
secret. There are details yet TO be d.
cided upon, and Mr., Hawley's preser
objection to publicity is only ordinar
prudence"
She leaned toward him, her finger
playing nervously with a knife
Mr.. Keith | cannot help but lik
you, and ! also feel most kindly di
,o0ed toward Mr.. Hawley wish |
th'F was no longer compelled to col
s't'S'' you an en- envy of us both Their
j, 10 reason why should. except fc
Sotf sliad prejudice against this oths