Gilpin observer., 1913-06-26

seeing her open her eyes,-and she
walked down the long stairs sup
ported by his arm.
1T was silly of me to faint" she
faltered. But after you had gone
it-seemed SO long. and l thought
perhaps you wouldn't bother to help
me-"
Once in the taxi she closed her
eyes and leaned back
Il live way out in Brooklyn"
You are going to my sisters for
the night" he said firmly. you are
In no condition to take any long trip.
II you wish to phone to anyone, you
may at the house when we arrive"
NO" she said, she had no one to
phone to. The hint of hidden pathos
in her tired tone stirred old heart
strings. He said nothing more, but
stared out Of the window at the shad-
owy street vistas. Undoubtedly Bar
bara and himself had led a self.cen-
tered life in the old Gramercy Park
house. Life had slipped along in
smooth channels for them. They had
never known want or loneliness. He
wondered what she would say to this
child he was taking to her. Once,
years before, he remembered bring
Ing home a lost kitten he had found
pressed close to the iron railings of
the park. and Barbara had told him
she would send word to the proper
authorities to care for 1t, but 1t could
not remain in the house. He turned
to the girl again. She had taken Off
her hat and her eyes were closed.
The questions on his lips remained
unanswered. He noticed her ringless
hands. She held her gloves clasped
loosely on her lap. He saw they had
been mended. Even a bachelor has
some knowledge of proper garments
for the daintier portion of humanity.
He knew that she was not clad like
Barbara and her friends. The long
grey cravenette was inexpensive and
a bit worn at the cuffs Her shirt
waist was of wash silk, her skirt
dark blue serge. The hat on her lap
with pin pushed through its crown
was soft grey straw. shaped he
would have said. like a fruit dish.
1t bore crushed bow of gray satin.
and clustdt of tiny hand made silk
roses.
rs your sister nice?" Her voice
startled him. She was regarding him
anxiously. Wont she mind"
Not at ALL" said Justin fatty.
She is quite Accustomed to anything
| may do that is-well. say unusual"
Il think everything you do is un-
usual. The development at Silver
Cross was splendid"
Silver Cross!" he stared at her
almost suspiciously. He had not be-
lieved a single soul in New York city
knew of his connection with the iso-
lated properties far up in the Nevada
mountains which held the greatest
promise of wealth in years. He had
covered every track. Not even Bar
bara knew of his trips there. For six
months he had been dropping capital
into the earth holes there. and only
holding communication with Dave
Richards, the owner of the original
claims. How do you know havo
been in Silver CROSSE"
Il am Juanita Richards. Last year
Dave sent me down to New York to
find the right way, don't you know.
We were struggling along out there
the best way we could, and there
was no way to get In touch with the
right people here. So | came down,
and got place with Willis & Heath.
1t was only clericel work. but knew
they were the best firm In the mining
business. And kept asking and ask
ing for someone who would tell VI
the truth about the properties out
there. somebody who would play fair.
And they told me you would. So then
Just wrote to Dave, and he wrote to
you. and that's all. I'm going back
home next week. Dave says I may.
He heard from you that the mines
were paying. and so l won't have to
work here any more"
She paused. but Justin did not
speak. He only looked at her.
I've wanted to know you 80
much," she added. impulsively. but
brother told me to wait until met
you out at Silver Cross. How queer
1t came about all of its own accord.
didn't it?"
He drew In a deep breath.
I'VE are little dancing marionettes,
Miss Juanita. with Fate watching tho
strings and wires. l have been work.
ing tonight on full report to your
brother. The mines are now on a
paying basis. In three months time
we can declare our first dividend and
It will be beauty" He took out
his handkerchief. and wiped of his
eyeglasses abstractedly. II am leav-
ing for Silver Cross next Thursday
with Barbara. my sister. Perhaps
you could be our guest until then,
and leave with US. wish you
would"
Something in his tone warned her
then. A woman's intuition is wonder
fully sensitive to Impressions.