Tazewell Republican. [volume] (Tazewell, Va.) 1892-1919, 1912-08-08
A Chance Conversation.

Inc opportunity thus so uneXpected-
ly afforded was not one to be wasted.
and Keith accepted it with swift deter
mination. The expression in the wom-
ans face was scarcely one of vel
come. yet his purpose was sufficiently
serious to cause him to ignore this
with easy confidence in himself.
Il am, indeed, most fortunate to dis
cover you alone. Miss MacIaire." he
said. avoiding her eyes by a swift
glance over the table. land evidently
at time when you are only beginning
your meal. May Join your"
She hesitated for an instant. debat-
ing with herself, and as quickly de-
Gliding on disagreeable tactics.
Il presume this is a public table.
and I consequently have little choice
In the matter. II you insist" she re-
piled, her voice more civil than her
words. Still, Mr.. Keith, l am not
accustomed to associating with GRIM
mails"
He smiled, holding his temper in
check, more than ever determined to
win.
Then, possibly, you may rather
welcome a new diversion. can as
sure you our criminals out here are
the most interesting portion of our
population. wish might have your
permission"
Standing there before her. bare.
headed, his slightly tanned face strong
and manly. his gray eyes filed with
humor. Miss Maclaire recognized
again that he was not of the COM
mon herd, and the innate coquetry of
her nature obtained mastery. What
harm could It do for her to chat with
him for half an hour? II was better
than eating a lonely meal, and, be-
sides. she might learn something OF
value to report to Hawley. Her own
eyes frightened, the slight frown ais
appearing.
you are certainly an illustration of
your theory" she said pleasantly. 81
shall have to say yes. but, really, did
not suppose you would enjoy being
ranked among that class"
He drew out a chair. and sat down
facing her, leaning slightly forward
upon the intervening table.
Nor would I, only recognize you
do not comprehend. The source of
your information is a bit polluted
Miss Maclaire. There are those whose
good opinion I do mot seek. and you
should not form your decisions on the
unsupported testimony of a personal
enemy"
"Oh, indeed rather resenting the
words. and already regretful of her
compliance. Surely have as much
reason to trust my informant as l
have you. He, at least, has proven
himself a friend
II wish l could feel as fully assuresl
of that as you do" he returned honest
ly. Il would then have every tempta-
ton to NEEDLE further taken away
from me. Do you realize that my in
terest is very largely upon your &C
count?"
"Oh. no." laughing, IT couldn't be-
lieve that II have heard it whis-
pered it might be because of the other
girl"
The other grill" in complete sur
prise at this swift return.
Yes, sir conscious of having at
tanned the upper hand. Miss Hope
Waite"
Some more of Mr.. Hawley's fan
cies," he retorted, perplexed that so
much should be suspected. Have you
seen herr"
Why. of course. I am a woman,
Mr.. Keith, with all the natural curl
osity OF my sex. In this case had
special reason to be interested. One
does not meet her counterpart every
day"
"The resemblance between you is
| certainly most striking"
Sufficiently So" she said slowly,
her eyes on his face, ito abundantly
confirm in my mind the truth OF all
that has been told me-"
The waiter approached with the or
| ders, and the two remained in silence
until he had deposited his load upon
the table, and departed She was
watching the face opposite through
! lowered lashes that yelled her eyes,
but Keith was first to break the still
ness.
81 wish I might be told what that
was"
~ WHAT 10 you reIer! apparent
ly forgetful as to where their CONVEX
sation had been broken.
ITO Hawley's proposition"
No doubt" her lips smiling, but
you have come to the wrong market,
Mr.. Jack Keith"
yet" he insisted earnestly, "if this
is all straight, with no fraud conceal
ed anywhere, If you have the proofs in
your hands, why are you afraid to talk
openly? The very manner In which
Hawley works should convince you
he is himself afraid to face the truth -
mo, you are wrong. There are per
fectly satisfactory reasons why we
should for the present keep our plans
secret There are details yet to be de-
cided upon, and Mr.. Hawley's present
objection to publicity is only ordinary
prudence"
She leaned toward him, her fingers
playing nervously with a knife
Mr.. Keith. cannot help but like
you. and also feel most kindly dis
posed toward Mr.. Hawley. I wish in
/ this | was no longer comDelled TO con-