Daily public ledger. [volume] (Maysville, Ky.) 1892-191?, 1912-08-23
FATE,S STRANGE FRI
BY BELLE KANAals MANDATES

home. He had not sCen her for three
years. but the prospect Of his visit 10
her was somewhat marred by the
knowledge that among her guests
would be the paragon Of a girl whom
she had picked out for him" the glow
ing descriptions of whom he had de-
liberately omitted to read in the let
tiers.
He began to realize suddenly that
he had walked too far and that he
was decidedly wearied, when he saw s
ahead of him in a runabout in which
was seated middle-aged woman.
Both machine and occupant we're 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 1t for her deity 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. II was about TO return t9
the city when l met you. Will you
kindly let me out?"
my boy, don't you know mel" she
entreated. Il am taking you home"
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 touring car approaching at
rate Of speed equal to his own. There
was simultaneous grinding Of
brakes
Doctor" said the woman, address
Ing the elder of the two men in the
car, this is my son!"
81 am glad he has returned" be said
gravely. II am DIR. 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.
'Irene!" exclaimed the woman Joy
fully, my son has comet"
81 am so glad" replied the girl, her
face paling, as she extended a 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. 1--WE are under great obliga-
lions to you. Mr."
Laird"
Il am Miss Mervue. and of-eourse
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. If 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 ac-
cOmpanied her home.
"She has never tried to leave here
Before, so we were not on the watch.
1t was providGntial that you met her
and comprehended the situation. She
has insisted that | dine with you and
then spend the evening with you"
viii your she asked anxiously.
He assented eagerly After dinner
they went 70 Mrs. Goodwin's apart
ments His task was not difficult Tho
poor woman was quite content to sit
beside him and prattle gently Then
Irene sang in a charming contralto
voice. At 10 o'clock, Mrs. Goodwin's
bedtime, she babe him a fond good
night and told Irene TO show him to
his room.
1T is too late fer you to return to-
night" said Irene when they we're in
the hall she will have forgotten you
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
luu HllbAL 10 III anu see ucTs 1 Will
introduce you rs a friend of mine"
II hope you are!" he said ardently.
She flushed slightly, and they went
to Mrs. Goodwin in silence. She look
ed up as he entered without recogni-
ton.
After some desultory conversation
they went out again.
May do what she asked-come to
see you often?" he asked.
81 leave here tomorrow" she re-
piled, and you--go to your sister's?"
81 have decided not to so just yet"
he explained. And you--may ask
where you live?"
81 am not going home from here
am going to visit a friend. Mrs Mere
dith."
Mrs. Meredith" he exclaimed ex-
citedly, Where does she hve?"
she has a place Ashcroft. near
Helmville."
she Is my sister,"
81 thought you must be her brother.
She showed me a picture Of you once"
but why" he demanded. did she
not write me about your"
II am surprised that she didn't"
"She wrote me OF only one friend OF
her. tiresome girl, Helen Somebody"
She smiled mischievously, Your