Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1911-11-11
E. PHILLIPS OPPENfEIM

little while, but have promised to go to
Lauigfs, where she will b."
The girl was silent for q moment.
Where are we going now, then?' she
asked.
"Wherever you like can take you
home first or can leave you anywhere >
She looked at him with piteous little
smile.
THE last two nights you have spoiled
me-" she said. ''I have so many evi
thoughts and am afraid to go home
Il am sorry. II 1 could think Of any
thing or anywhere
said she. 1T was selfish of me. Only
Mile Idiale is such q wonderful person
Do you think that she win want you
every night"
.'Of course not he laughed. Come.
will make an engagement with you. We
ing
She frightened UP at once.
Il wonder she asked, timidly, few
minutes afterward, have you heard any.
thing from Arthur? He promised to send
q telegram from Queenstown"
Laverick shook his head. He said moth.
ing about the marconigram he had sent
or the answer which he had received In
forming him that there was no such Per
son on board. II seemed scarcely worth
while to worry her.
1T have heard nothing" he replied. "O1
by now.
There have been no more inquiries
about him9' she asked.
mo more than the usual one from his
friends and q few creditors. The latter
/ am paying as they come. But there Il
one thing you ought to do with me.
think we ought to go to his rooms ano
lock UP his papers and letters. He never
even went back, you know, after tina
night"
She nodded thoughtfully
when would you like to do this?"
II am so busy just now that am afraid
I can spare no time until Monday after
noon Would you go with me them hen w.
have no matinee and have nothing to Dc
except in the evening"
They had reached her home. It looked
very dark and very uninviting. She shiv'
cred as she took her latchkey from the
bag which she was carrying.
Come in with me. please. while l igh'
the gas" she begged. TT looks SO dreary
doesn't ft?''
you ought to have some one with you.
he declared. respectfully in q part nks
this"
"Oh. I am not really afraid" she an
swered. II am only lonely
He stood In the passage while she Tell
for q box of matches and lit the gas Jet
In the parlor there was a bowl of milf
standing waiting for her and some breau
Thank you so much'' she said. Now
I am going to make up the fire and read
for a short time. I hope that you will
enjoy your supper-well. moderately.
she added. with little laugh.
IL can promise you, /" he answered, that
I shall enjoy 1t no more than last nights
or tomorrow nights
She sighed.
Poor little met" she exclaimed. ut is
not fair to have to compete with Mile
Idiale. Good night"
Something he saw in her eyes moved
him strangely as he turned away.
Would you like me- he asked. hest
tatingly. ''supposing 1 get away early
would you like me to come in and say
good night to you later on?"
Her face was suddenly flushed with joy
"Oh, do. she begged. ''Do"'
He turned away with a smile.
VERY well,' he said. Don. shut UP
lust vet and I will try
IT shall stay here until o'clock" she
declared; until 4. even. You must come.
Remember. You must come. See"
She held out to him her key.
1T can knock at the door,. he protested.
you would hear me-
But might fall asleep" she answered
II am afraid If you have the key I am
sure that you will come"
He put 1t in his waistcoat pocket with a
laugh.
very welI.'' he said. 'if it is only for
five minutes I will come"