Staunton spectator and vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1896-1916, 1911-04-28
AT THE BACK DOOR.

cara IN ncr mask ana uOMInOi
standing in the shade of one of the
trees in the formal garden, gazed at
The brilliant scene about her and de-
cided unequivocally, that Mrs. Ander-
sons outdoor mask party was huge
success. She felt pleasurable thrill
as she thought again of the tall, broad
shouldered man who had paid such
marked attention to her. She won
dered who he was.
Suddenly her heart gave great
bound. Coming straight for her, down
one of the paths was the mans famil-
lar figure. Shame-facedly she told
herself that it was absurd that a
masked man. whom she did not know
from Adam, could affect her so strong
ly. And yet, and yet, she knew that
her very being thrilled when those
soulful eyes of his met hers through
the Sits in his mack. Now he was
up to her.
"Ah, here you are,' he cried in a
pleasant, yet commanding voice, eve
been hunting all over for you. Yo-
know, it's almost time to unmask, and
l want to be near you SO that can
have the first glimpse OF those charm
ing features hidden behind that black
covering.
But I've told you that my features
are not charming" insisted Clara.
"And, oh. you must not talk to me
like this-it's impossible, utterly i'm
possible.
What ISL" questioned the man.
But even If it is. Pm enjoying myself
immensely, and you can't deny that
you are. too
Yes, 1 am" acknowledged the girl.
I'm having the time of my life, but
it can't last and it's wrong-absolute-
ly wrong
"Bosh!" cried the man.
Then, taking her by the arm, he led
her down to the boat landing. where
the gayly decorated craft were tied.
Into one of these he handed the girl,
then followed. Out on the artificial
lake, where the twinkling lights on
the waters and the lanterns among
the trees made the place seem like
fairyland, he pursued his conversation.
why not take off your mask now?"
he queried. Surely you're going to
let an old friend like me see your
pretty face first!"
"An old friend?" laughed the girl.
And then, after rapid glance around,
in which she saw no one was near
them, the girl swiftly took off her
mask. Her pretty, piquant face COL
ored somewhat under the mans ar.
dent gaze. Following her example,
the man Invested himself of his mask,
and with interest the girl noted his
square jaw and determined aspect.
when we go back" said the girl,
somewhat sorrowful, "I'll have to put
on my mask again. don't dare
appear there without it, she contin
ued hesitatingly.
The man gazed at her with renewed
interest.
'Why not?" he asked. do you know
I'm in tie same boat-when we go
hack must put on my mask, too"
IL" confessed the girl with
averted face, 81 don't belong here. I'm
only Mrs. Anderson's maid
What luck!'' cried the mSn. 'I.m
only a detective hired to stay here I'M
til they unmask."
Somewhat shyly the girl looked at
him, then again turned her head
AWAY.
You better take M back" she said.
They'll unmask ytUw right away"
'Sure," cried che man. buoyantly
But I'm coa4ing around tomorrow
night to cSN on you"
Cali right" said the girl. But
said she, with sigh that spoke not
only of sorrow at not being a guest
at Mrs. Anderson's party, but also of
joy in the prospective call-"but he
sure and cali for me at the back door,"
Frank H. Williams.