The Detroit times. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1903-1920, 1913-05-10

'hiOW vi VIC WoBOup.
CHAPTER TWELVE.
As Anna turned from the lane into
the public road she met q cart which
held q man and a woman. They were
on the point Of entering the lane az
she left it. She smiled and nodded
gaily to the man: then she stared
bard at his companion. She won.
dered whom 1t could be that Mr.. Ben.
son had with him. and what he was
doing there. Then, she regretted she
had been in such haste to leave Viz
ginia.
Il am always doing the most stupid
things" she said with q sigh. I've
almost mind TO turn hack and pre-
tend I've forgotten something. l won
: der X haven't?" but q hasty search
revealed that her purse and handker.
chief were In her pocket, and 20, per
! force. sch continued on her way into
town
Meanwhile the cart had kept on up
the lane toward the house.
That was Mrs. Bushrod Landray,"
Benson explained Il might have
taken you to her, but think you will
When they reached the horse. block
rby the front steps, Benson climbed
briskly down from the cart and turned
TO assist his companio to alight: but
he saw that she hesitated. His glance
was full OF sympathy.
Il am very sorry, Mrs. Walsh" ne
said gently, and his whole manner was
the extreme OF kindness; then his
face frightened. Perhaps you'd rath-
er saw her first alone; can Just
as well Is not. 1t will save you all
explanation. II you don't mind SIT
ting"
Mrs. Walsh hesitated. Il hardly like
to ask 50 much of you. you have been
more than kind already"
You must regard me merely as
your intermediary. We lawyers are
accustomed to execute all kinds OF
commissions" and he handed her the
reins.
But not always for such an unprof-
table client, Mr.. Benson she an
swered gravsly.
Sometimes the mere ability to
serve carries its own recompense, Mrs
Walsh. The idea Of any other would
a formal little bow. Then he turned
away and went slowly up the steps.
He had not seen Virginia since the
day he had driven out to the farm to
consult Stephen about the renewal OF
the note. Virginia herself answered
his knock. but her beautiful face was
impassive and calm, and her glance
strayed on beyond him to the woman
In the cart. He felt q sudden sense
of exultatioh in her presence. and the
blood mounted warmly to his cheek.
He half extended his hand, but while
he hesitated. Virginia drew back .
step, 1t might have been unconscious.
ly. and his hand fell at his side.
will you grant me a moment In
private. Mrs. Landray?" he said defer.
entially, for even when he came to
have the feeling for her that was
neither hate nor love. but some part
of each. he still paid her this tacit
homage: his manner never altered.
Virginia looked at him in surprise,
but said: Certainly, will you come
into the library. Mr.. Benson" The
conscious severity of her manner to-
ward him did not relax.
uIB Cuu WoB puitt unCOupTSnouE-
ible to her. She acknowledged, how
ever, that to crafty q reasonable cur
iosity on this point she must sacrifice
the opportunity to show her just In.
dignation at the part she still believed
he had played in sending her husband
west. She led the way down the hall
and into the library. where she silent.
| ~ motioned him to chair. He seat.
ed himself and carefully placed his ha,
and gloves on the floor at his feet
While he was thus engaged her calm
eyes we're hxed upon him. their loon
grave and inauiring: and he expert
teHeed somewhat the same feeling ne
had known some Ave years before
when he faced his first Judge and
jdry; there we're the same dry lips
and parched throat. the same wonder
In his heart n anything would come o
II when he opened his lips to speak
He knew that his task would not b
lishtsned by any word OF hers.
(ooOtlnuo0.D