Semi-weekly herald., 1911-07-10
CHAPTER XVI.
A Chance conv.rsatIon.

Tho opportunity thus so unexpected
ly afforded was not one 10 be wasted,
nnd Keith accepted II with swift deter
minstion The expression iu tho wom-
ans face was scarcely one of well
come, yet his purpose was sufficiently
serious to cause him to ignore this
with easy confidence In himself.
81 am, indeed, most fortunate to dis
cover you alone. Miss Maclaire," he
said. avoiding her eyes by a swift
glance over the table. "and evidently
at time when you arc only beginning
your meal May Join you?''
She hesitated Tor an instant, debat-
ing with herself, and as quickly de-
Gliding on dIsagreeable tactics.
II presume this Is public table,
and consequently hRve little choice
in the matter, if you insist" she re
piled, her voice more civil than her
words. 'Still, Mr. Keith. am not
accustomed to assoclatiug with Grim
tnals."
He smiled, holding his temper in
check, more than ever determined to
win
Then. possibly, you may rather
welcome new diversion can as
sure you our criminals out here are
the most interesting portion OF our
population. Wish might have your
permission"
Standing there before her, bare
headed. his slightly tanned face strong
and manly. mis- gray eyes filled with
again that he was not OF the com
mon herd, and the innate coquetry OF
her nature obtained mastery What
harm could It do for her to chat with
him for half an hour7 1t was better
than eating q lonely meal, and. be-
sides. she might learn something OF
value to report to Hawiey Her own
eyes frightened, the slight frown dis
appearing
you are certainly an illustration of
your theory" she said pleasantly. "I
shall have to say yes, but, really, did
not suppose you would enjoy being
ranked among that class
He drew out chair. and sat down
facing her, leaning slightly forward
upon the Intervening table.
Nor would I, only recognize you
do not comprehend. The source OF
your Information Is a bit polluted,
Miss Maclaire. 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
words. and already reeretful OF her
compliance. surely I have as much
reason to trust my informant AZ
have you. He. at least, has proven
himself friend"
Il wish could feel as fully assured
OF that as you do" he returned honest
ly. Il would then have every tempta.
ton to NEEDLE further taken away
from me. Do you realize that my In
terest is very largely upon your ac-
count?"
"Oh, no." laughing. Il couldn't be-
lieve that. Ii have heard It whis-
pered 1t might be because OF the other
girl"
THE other girl" in complete sur
prise at this swift return.
les, Sir cOnhcloub OF having hN
tanned the upper hand Miss Hope
Waite"
Some more OF Mr. Hawley's fan
cies." he retorted, perplexed that SO
much should be suspected. Have you
seen herr"
why. OF course. am a woman.
Mr.. Keith, with all the natural curl
osity of my sex. In this case I had
special reason to bc interested. One
does not meet her counterpart every
day"
THE resemblance between you In
certainly most striking"
Sufficiently So" she said slowly,
her eyes on his face, ITO abundantly
confirm in my mind the truth OF all
that has been told me-"
The waiter approached with the or
ders, and the two remained in silence
until he had deposited his load upon
the table. and departed. She was
watching the face opposite through
lowered lashes that yelled her eyes,
but Keith was first TO break the still
ness
~ wish might be told what that
was"
ITO what do you refer7" apparent
ly forgetful as to where their conver-