The evening world., 1912-06-15

revolving together - many
lightning plans. that the result was a
good deal OF a tumble. In consequence.
he was wtld-eyed. out OF breath and
more than trihe incoherent when he
parted the crimson curtains OF the sen
and precipitateiy entered.
You're aunt" he began as he checked
his momentum and stopped against a
table beside which Miss Burton was
seated, but don't get up-and don't be
frightened. she need never know. IN
take the blame for everything. I am
/ the Travers Gladwin you were going to
| elope with. and I'll go TO jail II neces-
, sary."
He paused for breath. while Helen
i rose from her char and protested.
Impossible. Mr.. Gladwin. T.
Nothing Of tic sort" the young man
stopped her. 1T Ia perfectly possible.
; and only wish that I were the man
| you had chosen to elope with. Id eiope
| with you now-xn a minute-aunt or no
aunt"
You must not talk that way" cried
, the young girl. her face aflame. you
are only saying this out Of politeness. a
sense OF chivalry. and while / sppre-
ciate all you are doing for me I could
not accept any such sacrifice"
Sacrifice" he retorted. with increas-
] " "
heavenly boon; call It the pinnacle Of
my desires, the apogee oNmy hopes
! call II anything in the world but sac
rifice."
"Oh. You must not talk to me this
way exclaimed the girl. sinking back
into her chair and covering her face
with her hands.
But certainly must" the young man
reeled ON. 1T Is the truth. the whole
Ia III l.
| come upon me like a stroke OF lightning
1T may not seem reasonable-lt may
not seem sane. / can't help that. II Is
here--inside OF me-
stop" Helen interposed again, her
voice faint and tremulous. You are
taking advantage OF my helpless situa-
ton. Why, you hardly know me- she
added. with a swift change OF tone as
II she had made a sudden discovery.
Taking her hands from her face she
looked up at him through widening eyes
The young man bit his lip and turned
his head away.
Pardon me-" he said bitterly. after
a moments pause. II had not thought
OF II In that light. 1t does seem as II
were taking advantage OF you" He
looked at her steadily a moment until
she dropped her eyes.
Can you think I am that sort OF a
man." he asked abruptly ana the tense
ness OF his voice made her glance UP At
1him again.
Helen made another remarkable dis
covery-that he had fine eyes and a
splendid mouth and nose.
Can you think ] am that sort OF a
man." he repeated slowly, forcing her
to continue &c yield her eyes to his
earnest regard.
NO, no. Helen returned hastily.
II did not mean Il that way--on,y
canno, quite understand II. You never
saw me til few hours ago, and then
and then | was engaged---'
She paused and shuddered.
But that was case Of hypnot!sm,"
burst out the young man, letting him
self go again. He rs a marvellous man.
wish | had half OF his strength OF will
and. and good looks. II is past belief
that he is what he Is, with all his
talents. his appearance and his mag
nifcent courage. II II Is In my power
the police shall not reach him,
eat first my only object <vas 10 save
you from the dreadful position of ne
coming the wife OF such a man. and
also from the scandal that must have
followed II your elopement were dis
covered and he were arrested, Blu,
now | must confess that the man COM
. pels my admiration. and that want "a
see him free for his own sake
And he Is still In tho house?" said
Helen, anNlouslv,
Yes. yes, and here comes your aunt
Now, | pray you, let me take the brun'
of this storm. ! will ask nothing more
OF you. ] am Travers Gladwln and We
were to have eloped-do you promise
For here she Is.
YES" Helen whispered, and then The
storm burst.
so here you are at last, Helen Bur
ton" came the f-st roll of thunde,
from the doorway.
1t was not as terrifying rumble as Il
, might have been had not the statuesqu,
and tightly laced Mrs. Burton lost 9
good deal OF breath In coming up tn,
stairs She came on into the room
with tragic step. followed by Whitney
. Barnes and Sadie, the latter keepinl
very close 10 Barnes as II she feared
that her cousin would cover her with
reproaches for having revealed tn,
secret OF the projected elopement.
Calm yourself, madam; calm your
self" began Travers Gladwin, as II,
, stepped between her and her niece.
And who are you, pray?" asked til,
| hannhfiiv