Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1912-02-15


coming with me, or not until the even
ing of the start?"
Dick stirred uncomfortably.
81 don't want to come at ALL thank
you. | saw you race once"
"You had better get used to It,"
Lestrange quietly advised. 1.-THE day
may come when there is no one to
take your place. This factory will be
yours and you will have to look after
your own interests. l wish you would
come down and represent the COM
pany at this race"
'T haven't the head for it."
81 do not agree with you"
Their eyes met in a long regard.
Here, in the crowded room Of work
ers, the ceaseless uproar shut in their
conversation with a walled complete
ness OF privacy.
I'm not sure whether you know II,
Lestrange, but you've got me all
stirred up since I met YOU" the young
er man confessed plaintively. you're
different from other fellows and
you've made me different. I'd rather
be around the factory than anywhere
else I know, now. But honestly l
like you too we'll to watch you race"
81 want you to come"
have driven racing cars and managed
this factory to earn my living, having
no other dependence than upon my
self, but my blood is as old as yours,
little girl, if that means anything.
mot to me-" she cried, looking up
into his eyes. Not to me, but TO him.
l cared for you"
He drew her toward him, unresist-
ing their gaze still on each other AS
from the first, there was no shyness
between them, but the strange, ex-
quisite understanding now made per-
feet.
81 was right to come to you" he
declared, after a time. Right to fear
that you were troubled. conscientious
lady. But | must go back, or there
will be fine disturbance at the
Beach. And have shattered my 9TH
er plans to insignificant fragments, or
you have. If did not forget by moon
certainly forgot everything else"
She looked up at him, her softly
tinted face bright as his own, her yell
low hair rumpled into f1ossy tendrils
under the black ribbon binding it.
Everything else?" she echoed. as
there anything else but this?'
Nothing that counts, to me. You
for my own, and this good world to
live in-I stand bareheaded before it
all. But yet, | told you once that
had a purpose to accomplish; pur-
pose now very near completion. In a
few months meant to leave French
wood"
Emily gave faint cry.
Yes, for my work would have been
done. Then l fell in love and upset
everything When | tell Mr.. Ffrench
that want you, | will have to leave
at once"
why? You said"
How brave are you, Emily?" he
asked 81 said your uncle could not
question my name or birth, but did
not say he would want to give you to
me. Nor will he; unless / am mis-
taken. Are you going to be brave
enough to come to me, knowing he
has no right 10 complain, since you
and ! together have given him Dick?"
"He does not know you; how can
you ten he does not like you?" she
urged
"Do you think he likes Darling Le-
strange of the race course?"
The sudden keen demand discon-
certed her.
81 hear a little down there" he
added. II have not been fortunate
with your kinsman. No, it is for you
to say whether Ethan Ffrenchs unjust
caprice is a bar between us. To me
1t is none"
II thought there was to be no more
trouble" she faltered, distressed.
Lestrange looked down at her stead
lily, his gray eyes darkening to an ex-
preston she had never seen.
Have no right ?" was his question.
us there no canceling of claim, is
there no subsequent freedom? Is it
all no use, Emily?"
Vaguely awed and frightened, her
fingers frightened on his arm in
panic of surrender.
Il will come TO you, l will come!
You know best what is right trust
you to tell me. Forgive me, dear,
wanted to"
He silenced her, all the light flash
ing back to his face.
"A promise; hush oh, shall win
tonight with that singing in my ears
! have more to say to you but not
now. | must see Bailey, somehow, be-
fore / 60"
"He is at the house; let me send
him here to YOU"
IF you come back with him"
They laughed together.
Il will Do you know" her color
deepened rosily, they call you
Darling I have never heard your
own name"
my name is David" Lestrange said
quietly, and kissed her for farewell.