The Hartford republican. (Hartford, Ky.) 18??-1926, 1912-04-26

faith in the lascar, perhaps apprehond-
ed his return; yet her splendid con-
troll of her nerves evoked the Irish.
man open admiration.
FAITH" he cried, breaking the
tense silence, "'tis yourself shames
me, madam, with the courage Of vel"
She flashed him a glance, and
laughed slightly. Thank you," she
returned. I'm sure don't know
where should be now but for you."
Twas nothing at all. But yell
pardon me for suggesting that We
have made mistake, madam"
"a mistaken" she echoed; and then,
thoughtfully: mo, I shouldn't call it
that"
Letting him go, I mean. Neither
of us, believe, could well identify
him. When We report this outrage to
the captain, whom will We accuse?"
II shall accuse no one," she said
quietly, "for shan't report the af.
fair"
aye will not" he cried. astounded.
Indeed, I am quite sincere: shall
do nothing whatever about 1t. It is,
moreover, a favor which I shall ask
of you, to say nothing of the matter
to anyone"
O'Rourke hesitated. unwilling to be-
lieve that he had heard Alright.
Believe me-" she was saying earn
estly, 81 have good reason for max
ing request so unaccountable to
YOU"
"But-but-Mrs. Prynne-!"
"Oh, you know me them" she inter-
rupted sharply. And her look was
curious and intent.
"I-'tis-faith!" O'Rourke stammer-
ed. He felt his face burn. me valet
told me-" he confessed miserably.
"'Tis a bit of Irritation he's been hav-
ing with your maid, Cecile, / believe,
madam"
"Ah, yes" She seemed unaccount.
ably relieved. "You, then, are Colonel
O'Rourke?"
He bowed. Terence O'Rourke
madam, and at your service, believe
me-"
"I am very glad" she said slowly,
cycling him deliberately, that, since
had to be aided, it came through one
of whom l have heard so much"
Faith, Mrs. Prynne-!"
And 1 thank you a second time
very heartily" She offered him hel
hand, and smiled bewitchingly.
"'Tis embarrassing me We are" he
protested. Faith, to be thanked
twice for 30 slight service! l car
only wish that might do more"
ut is possible" she said, apparent
ly not in the least displeased by his
presumption ut is possible that
may take you at your word, Colone
O'Rourke."
In her eyes. intent upon his. he
fancied that he recognized an amused
flicker, with, perhaps. a trace Of deep
er emotion: the kindling interest of 6
woman in a strong man, with whose
signals he was not unfamiliar. Pride
and his conceit stirred in his breast.
"'Twould be the delight Of me life.
he told her in an ecstasy.
Don't be too sure. I warn you
colonel" Her manner was now arch
her smile entirely charming. 1T nigh
be no light service l should require Of
you"
"Ye couldn't ask one too heavy.
|. But it's weary ye are. Mrs
Prynne?" he inquired. solicitous.
very" There was in fact an in
definite meditation of WEAKNESS II
her voice. I'm only a woman" she
said family, with a little gesture o.
depreciation; land my ways are hedget
about with grave perils-"
"'Tis the O'Rourke would gladl!
brave them all for ye, madam" he de
clared calamity. Command me-
what ye will"
She lifted her gaze to his. colorint
divinely there in the moon-glamor. HI
looked into her curiously bewitchinl
eyes and saw there an appeal and {
strange little tender smile. Her heat
was SO near his shoulder that he wal
aware Of the vague. alluring perfume
Of her hair. Her scarlet lips parted
And he became suddenly aware
that It behooved him to hold himsel
we'll in hand. It we're an easy mat
ter to imagine hinself swept OF hil
feet. into whirl of infatuation. will
little encouragement. And he wal
not unsophisticated enough to fail Il
see that encouragement would not b.
lacking II he chose to recognize It.
Faith" he told himself. I'm think
ing 'twould be wiser for me to taxi
to me heels and run before :
He was spared the ignominious ne
cessity Of flight. In two breaths the,
showed two very different pictures
Now they stood alone on the dead
white deck. alone with the night. the
sea. the stars, the silence and the
moonlight: O'Rourke bit dismayet
and wary, but a. curious as any mar
In such case; the woman apparent
ly yielding to sudden fascination fol
him. swaying little toward him al
II inviting the refuge of his arms.
And now she started away
clutching at her heart. with a little