The Lamar register., 1912-03-20

ialtn In the lascar, perhaps apprenenu-
cd his return; yet her splendid con-
troll of her nerves evoked the Irish
man open admiration.
FAITH" he cried, breaking the
tense silence, Its yourself shames
me, madam, with the courage of vel"
She flashed him glance. and
laughed slightly. Thank you" she
returned. I'm sure l don't know
where should be now but for you"
Twas nothing at all. But yen
pardon me for suggesting that ye
have made a mistake. madam"
"A mistaken" she echoed; and then,
thoughtfully: mo. shouldn't call it
that"
Letting him go, l mean. Neither
of us. l believe, could we'll identify
him. When We report this outrage to
the captain, whom will we accuse?"
Il shall accuse no one," she said
quietly, for l shan't report the az
fair"
I'VE will not" he cried, astounded
Indeed, am quite sincere: / shall
do nothing whatever about it. 1t is.
moreover. a favor which I shall ask
Of you. to say nothing of the matter
to anyone"
O'Rourke hesitated. unwilling to be-
lieve that he had heard Alright.
Believe me-" she was saying earn
estly. II have good reason for max
ing request so unaccountable to-
you"
'But-but-Mrs. Prynne-!"
"Oh. you know me them" she inter-
rupted sharply. And her look was
curious and intent.
"T-'tis-faith!" O'Rourke stammer-
ed. He felt his face burn. Me valet
told me-" he confessed miserably.
IT'S bit Of Irritation he's been hav-
ing with your maid. Cecile, believe.
madam"
"Ah. yes" She seemed unaccount-
ably relieved. You. then, are Colonel
ORourke"
He bowed. Terence OrRourke,
madam, and At your service, believe
me-"
Il am very glad" she said slowly,
cycling him deliberately, that. since
had to be aided. 1t came through one
Of whom I have heard SO much"
raitns mtb. frynneN!
And l thank you a second time.
very heartily" She offered him her
hand. and. smiled bewitchingly.
IT'S embarrassing me ye are" he
protested. Faith. to be thanked
twice for 30 slight a service! can
only wish that I might do more"
1T IL possible" she said. apparent
10 ~ tn h. 49, nd
presumption N i. possible that I
may take you at your word. Colonel
O'Rourke."
In her eyes. intent upon his. he
fancied that he recognized an amused
flicker. with, perhaps. a trace Of deep
er emotion: the kindling interest of q
woman in q strong man. with whose
signals he was not unfamiliar. Pride
and his conceit stirred in his breast.
"'Twould be the delight of me life"
he told her In an ecstasy.
Don't be too sure, warn you.
colonel" Her manner was now arch.
her smile entirely charming. 1T might
be no light service I should require of
you"
"Ye couldn't ask one too heavy. &.
But It's weary 70 are. Mrs.
Prynne?" he inquired. solicitous.
Very" There was in fact an In
definite meditation Of WEAKNESS in
her voice. I'm only = woman" she
said family. with . little gesture Of
depreciation; and my ways are hedged
about with grave perils-"
"'Tis the O'Rourke would gladly
brave them all for 70. madam" he de-
clared calamity. Command me-
what ye will"
She lifted her gaze to his. coloring
divinely there in the moon-glamor. He
looked into her curiously bewitching
eyes and saw there an appeal and .
strange little tender smile. Her head
was SO near his shoulder that he was
aware Of the vague. alluring perfume
OF her hair. Her scarlet lips parted {.
And he became suddenly aware
that 1t behooved him to hold himself
well In hand. II were an easy mat
ter to imagine himself swept on his
feet. into a whirl Of infatuation, with
little encouragement. And he was
not unsophisticated enough to fail to
see that encouragement would not be
lacking If he chose to recognize It,
Faith" he told himself. I'm think
ing 'twould be wiser for me to take
tn mo haalo o-A r,,~ hAfnrA I"