The L'Anse sentinel. (L'Anse, L.S., Mich.) 18??-current, 1913-02-01
FATE'S STRANGE FREAK
by BELLE kANARls MANiATHs.

dered out into the country. He had
but recently returned from abroad and
he contemplated making journey on
home. He had not seen her Tor three
years. but the prospect Of his visit to
her was somewhat marred by the
knowledge that among her guests
would be the paragon Of girl whom
she had picked out for hin" 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
ahead of him in a runabout in which
was seated a middle-aged woman.
Both machine and occupant were mo-
tionless.
Can you start my car for me?" she
asked anxiously as he approached.
The trouble was very simple ond
and he adjusted 1t for her deftly 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.
II beg your pardon!" he remon-
etrated. II was about to return to
the city when / met you. Will you
kindly let me out?"
my boy, don't you know mel" she
entreated II 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 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" he said
gravely. 81 am DR.. 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 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 GOMEZ"
II am 80 glad" replied the girl. her
face paling. as she extended a welcom-
ing hand to Stephen. But. Mrs. Good
win, you must be 80 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 I'VE are under great obliga-
tions to you, Mr."
Laird"
II am Miss Mervue, and Of course
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 &C
companied her home.
"She has never tried to leave here
before, so we were not on the watch.
1t was providential that you met her
and comprehended the situation. She
4. La4 ItnA md
then spend the evening with you"
will you?" she asked anxiously.
He assented eagerly. After dinner
they went to Mrs Goodwin's apart
ments. His task was not difficult. The
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
at is too late for you to return to-
night" said Irene when they were 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.
You might go i'm and see her. / VIII
introduce you as a friend Of NINE
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 I do what she asked-come to
see you often?" he asked.
II leave here tomorrow" she re-
, piled. "and you-go to your sistersf'
' Il have decided not to go just yet,
he explained And you-may ask
where you live?"
81 am not going home from here.
: am going to visit friend. Mrs. Mere
dith."
3 MRS. Meredith" he exclaimed ex
citedly. Where does she liver"
"She has place. Ashcroft. neal