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

ing that. n he really believed the re-
port that the man sought was o''
where, 1t would be characteristic VI
him to accent the first means OF get
ting there. "If he only kne" l was
here" she exclaimed wearliy'
might be so different. but, OH we are
all Of us Just cropping In the DARK,
Then Keith turned 10 his chance inee.-
ing with Miss Maclaire, ana repea.eu
carefully their conversation dWeiiihB
particularly upon the few admissions
which had slipped through her lips
These did not seem important 10 eiVh-
err, although they treasured thefn up
and talked them over. Then' having
exhausted the topic silence ieil oe-
tween them, Keith asking the prlVl'
lege Of lighting a cigar. Hope Mter
watching him apply the match th'nk'
ing what fine face he had as the
rudy fame brought II forth with the
clearness of cameo, leaned oack'
drawing aside the semblance to lace
curtain, and staring forth, without see
ing, into the street.
Somehow. It was hard for her to full
ly realize the situation, and how close
ly it affected her. The swiftly passing
events, the complication arising so
suddenly. apparently out OF nothing
left her feeling as Though she must
surely awake from a dream, she could
not comprehend what 1t was all
about; the names Bartlett and Phyl-
lis had no clear meaning, they repre-
scented nothing but shadows; and THIS
other woman-.this music hall singer
what could there be In common be-
tween then? Yet there must be
something OF vital import
ance to her fathoi .so'rething which
had ALREADY c0at hcr brothers he
That was the one ttirg when made II
home to nor as a ruSged fact. But for
that-ard keith-Keith sitting there
before her-she would have doubted II
all. And yet even Keith had come
into her life so suddenly, SO unexpect-
eddy. rs to leave her dazed and un-
certain, that she extended her hand
and touched him, as though to mako
sure OF his actual presence.
What Is 1t, Hope"
"Oh. nothing-nothipg," her voice
breaking in Il little sob. TT is so silly.
but was Just wondering If you were
real--everything seems so impossible.
I cannot bring my mind 10 grasp tho
situation"
He did not smile, but only took the
cropping hand into both Of his own.
Il think | understand, little girl"
he said gravely. You are totally UNI
used to such life. Almost without a
moments warning you have been
plunged into maelstrom Of adventure,
and are all confused It Is different
with me-since the first shot al Sum-
ter my life has been one OF action,
and adventure has grown 20 be the
stimulus | need, and upon which
thrive But I assure you pressing the
soft hand warmly, ~ am real"
"Of course | know that; It makes
mo glad to know It. If I could only
do something myself, and not just sit
here, it would all become real enough
to me-"
She rose suddenly TO her feet, clasp
ing her hands together, her face
changing with new animation.
why couldn't 7? am sure I could
oh. Mr.. Keith. it has just come TO me
how ! can help"
He looked at her Questioningly
thinking Of her beauty rather than o
what she said
"Do--do l really appear so muc'
like--liko that woman?" she asked
anxiously
Very much indeed excepting fo
the slight difference in age"
THAT would never be noticed in th,
dark. or a poor light. Am the sans
height"
Practically, yes
And my voiceo-could you distir
guish mo from her by my voice."
II might; yet probably not, unles
my suspicious were aroused, What
Il you are thinking about"
! She took deep breath, standin
: now directly facing him in the ligh
"Of playing Miss Maclaire tonight,
she said quickly. "Of taking he
place and learning what 1t is Of S
much Importance Hawley has to n
port Don't you think It might b
done"
The sheer audacity OF this unexpec
ed proposal left him speechless. II
arose to his feet gripping the hac
OF the chair, almost doubling II h
could have heard Alright, his eye
searching the girls face which Wa
glowing with excitement OF course h
could not permit of her exposure ,
such a risk the scheme was impra
. ucable, absurd But was it, Did
not offer a fair chance of success
And was not the possible resu
y worthy the risk assumed? He choke
back the earlier words of protest III
uttered puzzled as to what he ha
J. best say A quicE-wittcd resourcofr
woman might accomplish all she pr
u posed
1t looks so simple she broke
'mpulsivelY moving nearer hin
Don't you think could DO it? Won
= It he unwomanly?"
The result, II accomplished won
+ hbundautly Justify tho means, Hope
II ne acknowledged at last, 81 was III
hestating on that account, but co
I, Hidertng the risk YOU would incur"
II That would be so small-mere
u the short walk alone with him fro
II the thcater to the hotel" she plea
nI h,r liz "a