The Tacoma times. [volume] (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 1913-09-08
Copyright 1907 by Robt. w. Chambers.)
CONTINUED From Saturday,

stupidity until 1t was withdrawn; then COurtlandt'S
voice again, promising to return.
I'm sorry l can't remain and dine with you and
Mr.. Edgerton on this night before Christmas add
ed Courtlandt blandly, making for the door.
"Oh!' she said, surprised, 81 did not understand
that Mr.. Edgerton invited u.s."
The color stung Edgerton's face, and he said in a
low voice: "You are at home, madam; it is for you
to invite us. Perhaps Mr.. Courtlandt will stay if
you ask him; I will if you ask me-"
She gave him a confused, brilliant little smile, a
delicate tint mounting to her cheeks.
''Thank you,' she said; "you-everybody is so
delightful to me. Will you stay, Mr.. CourtlandtY [
we beg of you'll Nof Then, until Until we have
the pleasure-at nine, I believer"
She turned to the dazed maid, who opened the
door which a second later closed upon the most pro-
foundly excited attorney in Manhattan.
Mrs. Edgerton raised her blue eyes to her husband
as a maid relieved her of her furs and little gilt-edg-
ed tricorne.
I'll wonder if you are as embarrassed as I ans"
she said, laughing.
81 saw you, too," she replied quickly. "You rode
a bay. I never imagined" she bent her head.
"You ride very well, - she added. Then, after a
moments silence: "And you mes"
81 recognized you at once" he said, "the instant
l entered this room. 1t was that which startled me
made me appear stupid-"
"You did not appear stupid"
He asked her how long it was since she had been
in America.
"Oh, many years. was only three when my
father went to France" Then the warm color came
into her face and she clasped her hands impulsively.
/ do not believe" she said, "that 1 have conveyed
to you in letters my deep appreciation of your 10y
atty to me. II did not know how to express it
/ do not now"
"What have you to thank me for2'' he asked al
most brusquely.
She turned a trifle, unprepared for such a ques-
ton. But she answered very sweetly: "You left me
guarded by the honor of your name. I have never
wanted for anything; / have had the quiet and Sc
Iclusion I desired. What more is there, Mr.. Edger-
lton?'
After a moment she said: "Mais-he is absent a
long while, Mr.. Courtlandt.'
"He isn't coming until nine o'clock said Edger-
ton. He glanced across at the clock. It was half
past seven.
$50, in the meanwhile, we are to discuss matters
of importance" she suggested seriously. "Mr.
Courtlandt said so. What, monsieur, are we to dis
lcuss9"
Nothing, except your wishes, and they admit Of
not discussion. You are at home now"
but but | was staying at the Holland
I'VE are merely about to exchange quarters" he
said pleasantly. II shall be most comfortable at the
Holland"
ooh, you shall not!-no, it's all wrong;'' she
pleaded, the color failing in her face. ct cannot
come into your house-into your life"
1T is your house, he said gently. "Still, if-if
you don't mind-there is a better way still of ar
ranging matters. I have a whole floor on the third
story; and perhaps you might not mind if I retain
ssYou are SO generous-so kindly, she said.
fHow can you endure to have a perfectly silly girl
march into your house."
|ltttYOUR house!''
"YOUR house! Garry it by assault, capture the
incest suite, and drive you to the roof among the
No, it is shameful. 1t is absurdl'
IT never have occupied the rooms on the second
floor, he protested. s3They have been vacant since
I took this house,
ssFor whom were they intendeds'' she asked in
nocently.
HE Redeemed. IT bought the house after our
wedding he hesitated; ssthen, afterwards, from
your letters, | fancied that you might prefer to re-
main abroad. So / said nothing
She bent hr head. ell thought it fairer-to|
YOU ! she said in a low voice. IT would have come