New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1912-10-06
SUNDAY MAGAZINE FOR OCTOBER Q. 1912

signed my former name to prevent any
chance Of error. | want to see my-to see
Mr.. Wavcrton tonight if possible. How can
| manage it,"
Rice was wrung with conflicting emotions.
He was puzzled pleased lattered, at the
same moment; but he could only blurt out
a commonplace opinion that If she would
authorize him to ask Mr.. Claude
"Oh, don't mean in that way, she inter-
rupted eagerly. Il am afraid, after my
Rhode Island experiences, and from circum-
stances that have come 10 my knowledge
since. that if Mr. Wavcrton knew ! was IN
Saginaw ne would take every means in his
power To- avoid me. But | must see him,
speak 10 him really must Don't you I'M
dcrstand. Rice, want 70 take him by sur
prise. 10 come upon him SO Unexpectedly
that ne cannot refuse a. discuss certain mat
tiers with me- You will help me, won't YOU;
am quite alone here and have no one else
TO appeal to. Can YOU manage this thing
for me, somehow"
Very beautiful and pathetic she looked in
her pleading, and the valet, who might have
been knight crrant had he lived few hun
bred wears earlier, vowed that he would be
her slave if it cost him his job; which meant
far more 10 him than the fret and tume OF
life to q light-hcadcd troubadour.
His right hand rose % the shaved upper
lip. and his left travelled to the small OF his
back. $50,
swell, Ma'am, sccin' as its you, I'll do
what | can
@Ah, was sure Of YOU, Ricc!" broke in
Doris, with q catch in her voice that went
to the mans heart.
you see. its this way. Ma'am. he went
on. "Bcin a fine night, an not givln much
time TO his dinner, Mr.. Claude will probably
light a cigar and 60 out for stroll with
Bob"
"Bob!" she exclaimed Who is Bob"
"Thc old setter, NIa'am, the lame dog.
"Oh, | remember. He was my particular
friend. But" She hcsitated in Devil
dcrcd way until the urgency Of her mission
drove aside all other considerations. You
mean that may meet Mr.. Waverton in the
park;
Its almost a certainty, Ma'am. Ii you
was to go now to the boathousc by the lake
he will probably pass that way before nine
o'clock"
But il he does not: Tonight, just be-
cause happen to be awaiting him, he may
remain in the house.
Rice coughcd, sure sign of q diplomatic
uttcrancc. in that case, Ma'am, if Mr..
Claude stops indoors, he will be in the Ii
brary, an the drawing room windows will be
open. I'll take care that they are.
"Ah." Doris sighed her gratitude, and
opened the gold purse that hung from her
neck by a chain.
AT YOU don't mind, NIa'am, I'd rather"
began the valet shcepiShly.
She closed the purse with a snap, and
smiled brightly. 81 quite understand, Rice,
she said. you are acting rs my true we'll
wishcr, not as one whom | could pay for SER
vices rendered.
Rices palid face flushed with pleasure.
81 can only hope, Ma'am-" he blurted forth,
but rccoilccting himself, checked the cX-
preston of a pious desire and went on to ask
If she needed any assistance in reaching the
boathousc, since she would probably wish to
avoid the main road.
She laughed at that. Il have not forgot
ten my way about the place, she said. "By
walking a quarter of a mile down the syca-
more avenue | can enter the park by climb
ing gate, and then take the path through
the wood to the lake. 1t is not dark, and the
distance is short; SO there is nothing TO be
afraid Of, and a scampering rabbit or two
will not alarm me.
SO the valet raced back to the house, and,
~ Watching dcyeODmentS from an uDDer