Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1912-02-01

Hope chung to the outer door of the
vestibule endeaYoring to see little
OF what was transporting without.
About her was dense darkness. and
she dare not explore the surroundings
Behind could be heard. through what
must have been thin partition. the
various distractions OF the stage.
shifting scenery, music, shufling feet,
voices. and the occasional sound Of
applause The girl had nerved herself
to the encounter with HawIey. but
this waiting here 10 darkness and I'M
certainty tried her to the uttermost.
u some one should venture out that
way how could she excuse her pres
ence or explain her purpese9 She
found herself trembling In every limb
fNom nervous fear. startled by every
strange sound. Would the man never
come Surely Christie herself must
be ready to depart by this time
Almost prepared to fee before the
terrors thus sconjured up within her
mind. they left her as If by magic the
moment her straining eyes distim
guished the approach of dim figure
without She could not tell who 1T
was, only that 1t was the unmistakable
form Of a man. and that he was whis-
Ting softly to himself 1t might not
prove to be the gambler, but she must
accept the chance. for flesh and blood
could stand the strain of waiting no
longer. Yet she was not conscious sof
fear. only Of exultation. as she stepped,
forth into the open, her blood again
circulating freely in her veins. At
the slight creak Of the. door the man
saw her. his whistle ceasing, his hat
lifted. Instantly she recognized him
as Hawley, her heart leaping with the
excitement of encounter
Why. hullo, Christie, he said IA
miliarly, I thought | was early. and
expected q ten minutes walt. came
out as soon as you left the stage.
oh. can dress In jiffy when
there Is any cause for hurry. Hope
responded. permitting herself to DRIFT
under his guidance. Are yot, disap.
pointed? Would you prefer to com
mune with nature? r
Well. I should say not. drawing
her hand through his arm. and then
batting It with his own. i have seen
about all ! care to OF nature. but NOT
Of Christie Maciaire. 7 II
You may learn to feel the same
regarding her. Hope answered, afraid
to encourage the man, yet eagerly
fearful lest she fail to play her part
Alright
Not the slightest danger. laughing
tightly. and pressing her arm more
closely against his body Although 4
must confess you exhibited some tenn
per when 7 was late tonight. i"
Did not have occasion to? a.
woman should never be kept waiting.
especially Il her engagement be Inn
perAtive.. :.
Oh am not hiding any fault. you
little spit-fife. like you ali the bet
ter because you night But the trou.
bic was. Christie. You simply jumped
On me without even asking how ii =.
CURED. You took II for granted / was
late on purpose to spite you. \
Well. weren't your and the girl
glanced inQuirfngiy up into his face.
~ they passed out Of the alley into
The light Of the Trocaderc,s windows.
You certainly acted that way.
mo. did not: but you wouldn't
listen. and besides | had no time then
Is exUlain There's lot happened
shis afternoon want to tell yOu
about WIN ron give ne time ID saIk
with yOn r
Why. Of course. surprised at the
question, yet fun 81 eagernez :.Why
mould yeu ash that
because want you alone whafe
Eo one can overhsaF syllable. I'm
Zffaid q that damned hotel. You