The herald. [volume] (New Orleans, La.) 1905-1953, 1912-09-19
FATE'S STRANGE FREAK
BY BELLE KANARIs MANDATES.

he contemplated making a journey on
the morrow to his sisters summer
home. He had not seen her for three
years, but the prospect Of his visit to
her was somewhat marred by the
knowledge that among her guests
would be the paragon Of q girl whom
shS had picked out for him." the glow
Ing descriptions of whom he had de-
liberately omitted to read IN the let
ters.
He began to realize suddenly that
he had walked too far and that he
was decidedly wearied, when he saw
ahead of him in a runabout in which
was seated middle-aged woman.
Both machine and occupant were mo-
tionless.
Can you start my car for me?" she
asked anxiously as he approached.
The trouble was a very simple ond
and he adjusted it for her deftly and
courteously.
She invited him to ride with her,
and he readily accepted. But when
he had taken the seat beside her, to
his surprise she quickly turned the
machine around and speeded on into
the country.
81 beg your pardon!" he remon-
strated. 81 was about to return to
the city when l met you. VIII you
kindly let me out?"
my boy, don't you know mel" she
~ oil "
The speed was increased. He re-
called the story he had heard of a
woman, demented by the death Of her
son. who lived in a beautiful home
miles from the city. Presently he
saw a touring car approaching at a
rate Of speed equal to his own. There
was a simultaneous grinding of
brakes.
Doctor" said the woman, address
Ing the elder of the two men in the
car, this is my SOM"
II am glad he has returned" he said
gravely. 81 am DR.. Duval," turning to
Stephen with a warning significant
look, your mothers physician"
81 met my mother" said Stephen.
"and fixed her car, and she was bring
Ing me home. We can all go on now"
A quick run of three miles brought
them to a driveway leading into a pri-
vate park beyond which was a smooth
faced, stone house. A tall, 1.-the girl
came into Stephens vision.
"Irenei" exclaimed the woman Joy
fully, my son has comet"
81 am 80 glad" replied the girl, her
face paling, as she extended welcom-
Ing hand to Stephen. "But, Mrs. Good
win, you must be so tired after your
ride. Come and lie down before visit
Ing with him."
"You acted very wisely" Irene said
to Stephen. after Mrs. Goodwin had
retired. I'VE are under great obliga
tons to you, Mr."
Laird"
Il am Miss Mervue, and of course
you see that Mrs. Goodwin is not in
her right mind. She has a passing
fancy that you are her son. She has
gone to sleep now, and when she
awakens she may have forgotten she
met you, and again she might ask for
for you. II you can spare the time"
There are no demands upon my
time" he FASTENED to assure her, and
he proceeded to relate how he had
met the unfortunate woman and &C
companied her home.
"She has never tried to leave here
before, so we were not on the watch,
It was providential that you met her
and comprehended the situation. She
has insisted that I dine with you and
then spend the evening with you"
"Will your" she asked anxiously.
He assented eagerly. After dinner
they went to Mrs. Goodwin's apart
ments. His task was not difficult. The
poor woman was quite content to si'
beside him and prattle gently. Then
Irene sang in a charming contraltc
voice. At 10 o'clock, Mrs. Goodwfn's
bedtime, she babe him fond good
night and told Irene to show him tc
his room.
at Is too late for you to return to
night" said Irene when they were In
the hall. "She will have forgotten yor
by morning"
At breakfast the next morning, Irene
informed him cheerfully that Mrs
Goodwin had not mentioned his name
He felt an unaccountable disappoint
ment.
"You might go in and see her. will
introduce you as friend of mine"
81 hope you arei" he said ardently
She flushed slightly, and they wen
to Mrs. Goodwin in silence. She look
ed up as he entered without recogni
ton.
After some desultory conversation
they went out again.
"May I do what she asked-come t
see you often?" he asked.
IT leave here tomorrow" she re
piled, "and you-go to your sisters?
"I have decided not to go just yet.
he explained. "And you-may I as
where you liver"
II am not going home from here.
am going to visit q friend. Mrs. Mere
dith."
"Mrs. Meredith" he exclaimed e,
citedly. where does she liver"
"She has place, Ashcroft, nea
Helmville."
"She Is my sister,"
"I thought you must be her brothe