The Washington herald., 1912-06-23
4 "A sPENcER FTTzcFRALn.

Peter Ruff laid the paper down upon
his desk His eyes were set in an un-
usually retrospective stare. Who was
this whom sought to probe his past, to
renew an acquaintance with dead per-
sonalityl N" could be but one per-
son! What did she want of him? Was
If possible that, after all, a little flame
of sentiment had been kept alight IN
her bosom, too-that in the quiet mo-
ments her thoughts had turned toward
him as his had so often done to her?,
Then sudden idea-an ugly thought
drove the tenderness from his face.
She was no longer Maud Barnes-she
was Mrs. John Dory, and John Dory
was his enemyl Could there be treach-
cry lurking beneath those simple lines
Things had not gone well with John
DoTy lately Somehow or other, his
cases seemed to have crumpled into
dust. He was no longer held in the
same esteem at Scotland Yard. Yet
could even John Dory stoop to such
means as these?
He turned in his chair.
Miss Brown" he said, please take
your pencil"
He marked the advertisement with a
Reply to that as follows" he said:
Dear Sir:
q notice in the Daily Mail of this
morning that you are inquiring through
the personal column for the where
sbouts OF Mrs. Spencer Fitzgerald. That
gentleman has been client of mine,
and have been in occasional COMMUNE
cation with him. If you will inform me
of the nature Of your business, I may,
perhaps, be able to put you in touch
with Mr.. Fitzgerald. You will under
stand, however, that, under the circum-
stances, ] shall require proofs of your
good faith. Truly yours; ,,-.n
Miss Brown glanced through the ad-
vertisement
Did you say-Dear sir?" she
asked.
'CertainlyP Peter Ruff answered.
She turned unwillingly TO her ma
chine
'Mr. Fitzgerald is very much better
where he is" she remarked.
That depends" he answered.
who do you suppose M Isl" she
asked.
With your assistance" Peter Ruff
remarked, little sarcastically-"with
your very kind sssistanee-I propose to
find out"
Miss Brown shifted, and banged at
the keys of her typewriter.
That coal-dealers girl from Streat-
ham!" she murmured to herself
A few politely worded letters were
exchanged. M" declined to reveal her
identity, but made an appointment to
visit Mr.. Ruff at his Office. The morn
ing she was expected he was palpsbly
nervous. Miss Brown, who had arrived
a little late, sat nth her back turned
upon him, and ignored even his usual
greeting. The atmosphere of
the Office was decidedly chilly! For !
the expected visitor arrived
early.
Peter Ruff rose to receive his former
sweetheart with an agitation perforce !
yet to him poignant indeed |
For it was indeed Maud who entered |
the room and came toward him with |
studied embarrassment and |
half doubtfully extended hand He did |
not see the cheap millinery, the slightly |
more developed figure, the passing of |
that insipid prettiness which had once |
him into the bloom of an over
early maturity. His eyes were blinded |
with that sort of masculine chivalry-l
the heritage only of fools and very
clever men-which takes no note of |
such things. 1t was Miss Brown who,
from her place in the corner of the !
room, ran over the cheap attractions of
this unwelcome visitor with an expires
sion of scornful wonder; who appreci-
lted, with merciless Judgment, her
mincing speech, her cheap, firtatious
method.
Maud, with a difidence not altogeth-
er assumed, accepted the chair which
Peter Ruff placed for her.
q am sure, Mr.. Ruff" she said, look
ng demurely into her lap, 81 ought not
o have come here. feel terribly
guilty. It's such an uncomfortable
iort of position, too, isn't it,"
Il am sorry that you find it So"
Peter Ruff said. IF there is anything
can do
you are very kind" she murmured,
but, you see, We are perfect strangers
o one another. You don't know me at
III, do you? and have only heard of
you through the newspapers. You
night think all sorts of things about
ny coming here to make inquiries about
gentleman"
q can assure you," Peter Ruff said,
that you need nave no fears
no fears at all Just speak to me
Iuite frankly Mr.. Fitzgerald was a
riend Of yours, was he not?"
Maud simpered.
He was more than that" she an
wered, looking down. "We were en-
aged to be married"
Peter Ruff sighed.
''I knew all about it." he declared.
Fitzgerald used to tell me everything"
you were his friend?" she asked,
ooldng him in the face, ,....-..-....l II
Il was" Peter Ruff answered fer
emily, "his best friendI"
She sighed. .---.-......
On some ways" she remarked soft
y, you remind me of him" II
you could scarcely say anything"
'eter Ruff murmured, (which would
i've me more pleasure. am hattered."
She shook her head.
1T isn't flattery," she said, "it's the
ruth. You may be few years older,
nd Spencer had very nice mustache,
7hieh you haven't, but you are really =
pt unlike. Mr.. Ruff, do tell me where
E isF I
Peter Ruff eoughed. -...- /.
You must remember" he. said, that
IT, Fitzgerald's absence was caused by
vents Of somewhat unfortunate char {
cter." Z
know all about it," she answered,
nth a LITTLE siph