The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1912-03-14

view; ali. quaint little straw bonnet
with a perky lace bow, fun Of am
Der hair, a soft, pink cheek, sweeping
brown lashes-Janice. She was just
rising from her seat In the booth
when he caught sight of her; and he
FASTENED down the other side Of the
room, out into the corridor, while she
adjusted her scarf and veil.
Tall, calm, and with a lofty, abb
stracted air, stood dark young man
near the Mayfair entrance. as Janice
Ford tripped along, quite unsuspect-
ingly. Then, with start, she recog-
nized the figure ahead, hesitated as II
about to turn aside, approached with
heightened color, and ayerting her
face, would have gone by; but he met
her squarely, face to face, extending
welcoming hand.
rs 1t possibler he said cordially.
"You have nearly taken my breath
away. Mrs.-er-Castle. Is that
right"
Janice nodded her head. and fused
with her scarf
1OuT lb dii light WI LII
lingham," she said. with nervous ami
nation, not seeking to correct his err
ror.
His bright blue eyes were search
ing her flushed face, but he main
tanned his Indifferent air. How love
ly she looked-lovelier than ever!
Are you sightseeing in America"
he asked politely. "Or did you get
homesick"
Neither" smiled Janice. my
husband had some business here. and
so-so-"
"Then you intend to return to Lon
don, soon?"
"Yes-yes, next week
"Then," said Dillingham;. in slow,
deliberate tones, may | not have the
pleasure of your company at lunch
eon-cnce more before you go? To.
day."
The girls eyes met his.
I'VE parted in rather unfriendly
fashion before, you know" went on
the low tones. Let us wipe out the
memory of that last hour by pleas.
ant one-here."
IL have an engagement for
lunch /"
Dillingham; caught her elbow in the
hollow of firm hand. His eyes were
blazing then as they looked at her,
blazing with fascinating blue flames.
Janice, look at me. You have no
engagement-you have no husband.
know-and more than this | know.
was in Mr., Hadley's Office while you
were telephoning."
oh"
Yes, and you have shown me, now
that you-Janice!"
please, Ellis, don't look at me like
that, here" whispered Janice. "Ey.
erybody's looking at us. You're very
mysterious and very impertinent, but
I'll go somewhere and listen to you-
If you won't look at me as II you
meant to eat me-"
ITS eating time" said Dillingham;.
falling into an easy stride beside her
as they walked along the corridor to-
gether. Janice drew him into the
reading room.
81 want to phone to Gertrude" she
said. Come with me- you shall
hear"
They crowded into the little booth,
looking happily into each others eyes.
Bir.r-r-r! Miss Mackenzie caught
up the receiver again. A soft famil
lar voice came over the wire. with
new intense vibration In It's tones.
Gertrude, are you too busy to lis
ten? That splendid chap who ran out
of your office is my Atlantic City
friend-yes, he's her now. And you
were quite right That's why didn't
stay in London and marry the Castle
millions. But | didn't suppose he'd
ever, ever forgive me. And I'm so
glad That's all, now-good-by. Wait
minute, he wants to speak to you"
Then, from the other end of the
phone, came deep, full masculine
tones. deliberately distinct. "Will you
kindly tell Mr.. Hadley that Mr. Ellis
Dillingham; will call at his office to-
morrow morning? Thank you-and-
bless you, Miss Gertrude Mackenzie"