The Prince George's enquirer and southern Maryland advertiser. (Upper Marlborough, Md.) 1882-1925, 1912-02-23

Hope clung to the outer door of the
vestibule endeavoring to see a little
of what was transpiring 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. shutting feet.
voices. and the occasional sound OF
applause. The girl had nerved herself
to the encounter with Hawley. but
this waiting here in darkness and un-
certainty tried her to the uttermost.
Ii some one should venture out that
way how could she excuse her pres
ence or explain her purpose? She
found herself trembling in every limb
from 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 conjured up within her
mind. they left her as If by magic the
moment her straining eyes distin-
without, She could not tell who it
was, only that it was the unmistakable
form of a man, and that he was whis-
tlins 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 OF
npt Of
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 fa-
miliarly. Il thought | was early. and
expected a ten minutes wait | came
out as soon as you left the stage"
oh. | can dress in a jiffy when
there Is any cause for hurry" Hope
responded. permitting herself to drift
| under his guidance Are you disap-
pointed? Would you prefer to COM
mune with nature?"
her hand through his arm, and then
patting it with his own. Il have seen
afout all | care to of nature but not
of Christie Maclaire."
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
lightly, and pressing her arm more
closely against his body. Although
must confess you exhibited some tenn
Per when | was late tonight"
Did | not have occasion to? A
| woman should never be kept waiting.
especially if her engagement be i'm
perative."
oh. am not finding any fault. you
little spit-fre. like you all the bet
ter because you fight. But the trou
bic was. Christie, you simply jumped
on me without even asking how it .-~
Cured. You took it for granted | was
late on purpose to spite you"
We'll, weren't you?" and the girl
glanced inquiringIy up into his face
as they passed out of the alley into
the light of the Trocaderos windows
You certainly acted that way"
No. | did not; but you wouldn't
listen, and besides | had no time then
to explain There's a lot happened
this afternoon want to tell you
about. Will you give me time to talk
with you?"
Why. of course" surprised at the
question, yet full of eagerness. Why
| should you ask that?"
| Because | want you alone where
no one can overhear a syllable. I'm
afraid OF that damned hotel You