Audubon County journal. (Exira, Iowa) 1884-1993, 1912-07-11

| " realize the Situation, anG nov; e sfsE
ly it affected her. The swiftly passing
events, the complication arising so
suddenly apparently out of nothing,
left her feeling as though she must
surely awake from dream. She could
not comprehend what it was all
about; the names Bartlett and Phyl-
lis had no clear meaning, they repre-
snted nothing but shadows; and this
other woman-this music hall singer
what could there be in common be-
tween them? Yet there must be
Notwithstanding of vital import
ance to her father-something which
had already cost her brothers life
That was the one thing which made It
seem an actuality-which brought u
home to her as rugged fact. But for
that.and Keith-Keith sitting there
before her-she would have doubted it
all. And yet even Keith had como
Into her life 80 suddenly, so unexpect-
edly. as to leave her dazed and I'm.
| certain. that she extended her hand
and touched him, as though to maks
sure OF his actual presence
What is 1t. Hope?"
oh, nothing nothing" her voice
breaking in Q, little sob. ut is SO silly,
but was just wondering If you were
real-everything seems so impossible.
cannot bring my mind to grasp tho
situation
He did not smile, but only took the
cropping hand into both of his own.
II think understand little GIRL"
he said gravely You are totally UNI
used to such life Almost without a
moments warning you have been
plunged into maelstrom of adventure,
i and are all confused 1t is different
with me-since the first shot at Sum-
I! ter my life has been one of action,
and adventure has grown to be the
stimulus l need, and upon which I
thrive. But assure you." pressing the
soft hand warmly, II am real"
"Of course l know that; 1t makes
/ me glad to know 1t. If could only
do something myself, and not just sit
here. it would all become real enough
to me-"
! She rose suddenly to her feet, clasp
ing her hands together, her face
(, changing with new animation.
! Why couldn't I? am sure could.
oh. Mr.. Keith. it has Just come to me
how can help"
| He looked at her quesioningly.
thinking of her beauty rather than Of
what she said
| "Do-do really appear so much
like-hke that woman" she asked
anxiously.
! Very much. indeed. excepting for
the slight difference in age"
: That would never be noticed in the
dark, or poor light. Am the same
, height?"
Practically, yes"
And my voice could you distin,
guish me from her by my voice."
Il might; yet probably not. unless
my suspicious were aroused. What IL
1t you are thinking about?"
She took a deep breath, standing
now directly facing him in the light.
i! of playing Miss Maclaire tonight, .
she said quickly. "Of taking her
place. and learning what 1t is of so
much Importance Hawley has to re-
port. Don't you think It might be
done?"
The sheer audacity OF this unexpect-
ed proposal left him speeches. He
arose to his feet. gripping the back
OF the chair, almost doubling If he
/ could have heard Alright, his eyes
searching the girls face which was
glowing with excitement. OF course he
could not permit of her exposure to
such a risk the scheme was imprac-
not offer fair chance OF success?
And was not the possible result
worthy the risk assumed? He choked
back the earlier words of protest un-
uttered. puzzled as to what he had
best say. A quick-witted resourceful
woman might accomplish all she pro-
posed.
! impulsively, moving nearer him.
Don't you think could do it? Would
1t be unwomanly?"
The result II accomplished, would
abundantly justify the msans,. Hope
he acknowledged at last Il was not
hesitating on that account. but con-
sidering the risk you would incur
That would be so small-merely
the short walk alone with him from
the theater to the hotel" she plead
ed. Once here it could make no diff.
| ference if he did discover my identity,
[ liz Axk III