Audubon County journal. (Exira, Iowa) 1884-1993, 1912-06-20


the window, she presented the same
youthful appearance. the same slen-
derness of figure, the same contour of
face.
Miss Christie Maclaire?" he asked,
as though in doubt.
YES" graciously, won instantly by
the mans appearance and manner,
you wished to see me? Will you be
seated?"
He crossed the narrow room to the
stiff backed chair indicated, and the
lady sank negligently down into her
own, resting her head against pill
low, and regarding him expectantly.
He could view her now much more
distinctly, observing the slight differ
ence in age, the fuller lips, the darker
shade of the hair, and the varied ex-
preston of the eyes. 1t was as If a
different soul had looked forth from
the same face. He had never before
realized how little, apparently trif1ing,
details marked the human counter
ance, and, embarrassed by her own
scrutiny, his glance swept about the
room. misunderstanding this shifting
of eyes, Miss Christie sought to place
the man more at ease.
The room is perfect fright" she
observed briskly, but what can one
expect in these mushroom towns.
Really had never been here before,
or shouldn't have come. They pay
good money though for talent, and
we all have to live, you know. Are
are you in professional work."
He shook his head, smiling, some
what perplexed at his reception.
Really 1 didn't suppose you were"
she went on, you don't look 1t. But
there are so many who come to me
to help them that l have grown sus-
picious of every stranger. May ask
why you desired to see me?"
Another suspicion had taken pos
session of her mind for the men of
that section were never backward in
exhibiting admiration. yet somehow
this man did not seem exactly of that
kind
81 came merely because l was sent
for, Miss Maclaire," he replied, his
gray eyes once again upon her face.
Doctor Fairbain gave me your mes
sage; am Jack Keith"
She looked the complete astonish-
ment she felt. sitting up in the chair.
her eyes filled with questioning doubt
Doctor Fairbain! My message!
Surely you are mistaken? | know no
one of that name, and have sent no
message"
"You did not express desire to see
me?"
She laughed, exhibiting row OF
white teeth
Certainly not; not until this mo-
ment was | even aware of the exis-
tence of Mr.. Jack Keith"
His own eyes smiled in response to
challenge of hers.
81 can assure you the surprise was
mine also" he FASTENED to inform her,
now more at ease. as he grasped the
situation. Il could not understand
how had become known to you, yet
l pledge you my word the message
was actually brought. OF course you
may suspicion otherwise, for have
seen you on the stage, and being q
normal man, have wished that could
devise some excuse for meeting you. "
Indeed" her eyebrows slightly up
lifted.
Eyes. make that confession frank
ly, yet this call comes from no such
desire. | had no question when
came. but what had been sent for
| v0n will ho1iovo
Il suppose l must, yet 1t seems very
peculiar" she replied, feeling con-
vinced that he was a gentleman, and
troubled as to what she had best do
yet now that you have discovered
your mistake"
II hope to take advantage of the
opportunity" he broke in firmly
leaning slightly forward. May l ask
you question:"
II could hardly prevent 1t, and real.
ly do not know that 1 have anything
to conceal"
Then I will risk the effort-do you
know a man, named Hawley?-Bart
lett Hawley?"
Her eyes did not falter, although
T0O Spot SuoL lAtO uoT CucehS, duO
her lips pressed together.
mo; that is have never met him,
she acknowledged. just little con
fused. But have received two let
tiers signed by that name, and rather
expected the gentleman would cal
upon me here in Sheridan during my
engagement. Is that your mission
Were you sent by him? or are you Mr.
Hawley?"
81 disclaim all relation. Miss Mac
laire, even friendship. You. of course
know who this individual is?"
NO." the short monosyllable wa.
not encouraging. His messages were
of business character"
$50 | presumed, yet one likes t.
know something even of the person hi
does business with l have been &C
quainted with Hawley for severa
years, and have never been aware O
any honorable business he has eve
engaged in. He is professional