The Taney County republican., 1912-09-19
CHAPTER XVI.
The Kiss on the Hand.

Enid Maitland gravely enough, for she
quite realized the serious nature of
the impending conversation, did it
ever occur to you that you know prac.
tically all about me, while | know
practically nothing about your"
The man bowed his head.
you may have fancied that was
not aware of it, but in one way or
another you have possessed yourself
Of pretty all Of my short and until
| met you, most uneventful life," she
continued.
Newbold might have answered that
there was one subject which had been
casually introduced by her upon one
occasion and to which she had never
again referred, but which was TO him
the most important of all subjects con-
nected with her; and that was the ma
ture Of her relationship to one James
Armstrong whose name, although
he had heard it but once, he had not
forgotten. The girl had heen frank
ness itself In following his deft leads
when he talked with her about her.
self, but she had shown the same re-
ticence in recurring to Armstrong
that he had displayed in questioning
her about him. The statement she
had just made as to his acquaintance
with her history was therefore sufT-
clently near the truth 10 pass un-
challenged, and once again he gravely
bowed in acquiescence.
Il have withheld nothing from you,"
went on the girl, whatever you want
ed TO know, I have told you. l had
nothing to conceal, as you have found
out. Why you wanted to know about
me, am not quite sure"
1T was because" burst out the
man impetuously, and then he stopped
abruptly and just in time,
Enid Maitland smiled at him in a
way that indicated she knew what
was behind the sudden check he had
imposed upon himself.
whatever your reason, your curl
osity--"
Don't call It that, please"
Your desire then has been graf
iled. Now it is my turn. l am not
even sure about your name. ! have
seen It in these books and naturally
| have imagined that 1t is yours"
ut Is mine"
well, that is really all that know
about you. And now I shall be quite
frank. | want to know more. You
evidently have something to conceal
or you would not be living here in
this way. ! have never asked you
about yourself, or manifested the
least curiosity to solve the problem
you present, to find the solution of the
mystery of your life."
Perhaps" said the man, you
didn't care enough about 1t to take
the trouble to inquire"
you know" answered the girl,
that is not true. have been con-
sumed with desire to know"
"a womans curiosity?'
"Not that" was the soft answer
that turned away his wrath.
She was indeed frank. There was |
that in her way of utterlng those two |
simple words that set his pulses |
bounding. He was not altogether and |
absolutely blind
Come" said the girl, extending her
hand to him, Eve are alone here to-
gether. We must help each other. |
You have helped me, you have been
Of the greatest service to me. l can't
begin to count all that you have done
for me; my gratitude"
only that?'
"But that is all that you have ever
asked or expected" answered the
young woman in a low voice whose
gentle tones did not at ali accord
with the boldness and courage Of the
speech.
you mean?" asked the man, star
ng at her, his face afame.
Il mean," answered the girl swift.
y, wilfully misinterpreting and turn
ng his half spoken question another
way, Il mean that l am sure that
rouble has brought you here. / do
Tot wish to force your confidence, l
nave no right TO do SO, yet l should
Ike to enjoy 1t; can't you give it to
ne? 1 want to help you, l want to
10 my best TO make some return for
What you have been to me and have
lone for me-"
Il ask but one thing" be said quick
.----