The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1913-08-20

most young women, md In some way
I cannot disconnect her with an oc
currence which happened in my once
this afternoon"
The young man showed q deep ln'el.
est in the matter, and the judge toid
the story again, this time more IN de-
tail.
They drew a little apart from the
rest Of the men. The host, who had
been warned by his wife to give
young Durham an opportunity to tax
with the Judge, saw that her plans
were succeeding admirably.
When the music began IN the otner
room the Judge pausedis moment 70
listen, and then went On with n's
story.
"There Is freight elevator just op-
posite that left door Of my ONCE, ana
somehow l cannot but think 1t had
something to do with the girls disap-
pearance. although the door was
closed and the elevator was DOWN On
the cellar floor all the time, - nearly
a can find out"
Tho young man asked eager quer
lions. feeling in bic heart that tne
story might in some way explain tne
mystery Of the young woman IN Ae
other room
Suppose you stop in the once to
morrow" said the judge. perhaps
you1l get . glimpse Of her, and tnen
bear me out in the statement tna1
she's, like your friend. BY the way:
who il making such exquisite music!
Suppose We go and Investigate. MI.
Bowman, will you excuse ~ II W fol-
low the ladies'? We are anxious %
hear the music At closer range"
The other men rose and followed.
Tho girl did not pause or look up
q they came in. but played on, while
the company listened with the most
rapt and wondering look. She was
playing with an empressement which
could not fail to command attention.
Tryon Durham. standing just behind
the Judge. was transh1ed with amaze
ment That this delicate girl could
bring forth such an enhancing volume
Of sound from the instrument was .
great surprise. That she was so ex-
Quisite an artist filled him with kind
Of intoxicating elation-it was a
though she belonged to him.
At last she played LISTS brilliant
Hungarian Rhapsody, her slender
hands taking the tremendous chords
and octave runs with . precision and
rapidly that seemed inspired. The
final crash came In a shower Of liquid
jewels Of sound, and then she turned
to look at him, her one friend In that
company Of strangers.
He could see that she had been play
ing under q heavy strain. Her face
looked weary and flushed, and her eyes
were brilliant with feverish excite
ment. Those eyes seemed to be plead
ing with him now to set her free from
the kindly scrutiny Of these good
hearted, curious strangers. They gath
cred about her In delight, pouring
their questions and praises upon her.
where did you study? With some
great master. am sure. Tell Us all
about yourself. We are dying to know.
and will sit at your feet with great
delight while you discourse"
Tryon Durham interrupted these
disquieting questions, by drawing his
watch from his pocket with apparent
hasty remembrance. and giving q we'll
feigned exclamation of dismay.
I'm sorry, Mrs. Bowman; It ia too
bad to interrupt this delightful eve.
ming" he apologized; "but I'm afraid
II Miss Remington feels that she must
take the next train, we shall have to
make oil possible speed. Miss Rem,
inston, can you get your wraps on in
three minutesi Our carriage IL prob
ably At tho door now"
With . look Of relief. yet keeping UP
her part Of dismay over the latenesa
Of the hour, the girl sprang to her feet
and hurried away to get her wraps, In
spite Of her protesting hostess. Mrs
Bowman was held at bay with sweet
expressions Of gratitude for the pleas
ant entertainment. Tho great black
picture hat was settled becomingly on
the small head, the black cloak thrown
over her gown. and the gloves fitted
on hurriedly to hide the fact that thsy
were too large.
And whom did you say you studied
withT asked the keen hostess, deter
mined to b able to tell how great +,
guest she had harbored for the eve
ming.
"Oh. 10 Mr.. Durham calling me. Mira
Bowmanf You will excuse mo 10,
hurrying OF. won't youf And It ha,
been % lovely Of you to ask me-per
fectly delightful to ind friends TIL,
way when I was . stranger"
She hurried toward the stairway and
down tho broad steps. and the hostss,
had no choice but to follow her,
Tho other guests crowded out int
the hall to bid them sood.by and to tel
tho girl how much they had enjoyed
the music. Mrs. Blackwell insisted
upon kissing the smooth cheek Of thu
young musician, and whispered In
her ear: You play very nicely. my
dear. should like to hear you asaiu