The Tacoma times. [volume] (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 1913-07-05

1880 freShed him; he stood al
moment, then tossed away
his cigar and stepped out into the street.
It deserted; darkened brownstOne mansions
stared at him through somber windows bel
passed. his footsteps echoed across the pavement.
The doors OF many houses were boarded up-slgnl
that their tenants had migrated to the country.
Strolling at ease, thoughts nowhere, he had ira
versed half the block, when opening door and al
glmmer of light across the sidewalk attracted his
attention.
As he approached the house whence the light
came, figure suddenly appeared on the stoop-a|
girl in a white ball gown-hastily descending the
stone steps, Light from the doorway tinted herl
barred arms and shoulders She bent her graceful
head and gazed earnestly at Rutherford.
"1beg pardon" she almost whispered; Knight
I < you to help meg?
1fetherford stopped and wheeled short.
Ell really beg your pardon" she said, "but II
am in such distress. Could [ ask you to find me a
cab?"
"a cab!' he repeated uncertainty; "why; yes-I
will with PLEASURE
cit is urgent; but there is something else-some-
thing more urgent, difficult for to ask you.
! must go to Willow Brook must go now, tonight!
= And II have money"
asked astonished 'There is train at this hour of
the morning!''
"Then-then what am I to do7" she faltered I'll
cannot stay another moment in that house"
After a silence he said: care you afraid Of any
body in that house?"
"There is nobody in the house, she said with al
shudder; ''my mother is in Westchester; all the
household are there. II came back-a few mo-
ments ago-unexpectedy-" She stammered un-
der his scrutiny; the paor Of utter despair in
to her cheeks, and she hid her white face in her|
hands.
Rutherford watched her for moment.
ct don't exactly understand" he said gently,
"but I'll do anything can for YOU"
She dropped her arms with hopeless gesture
''But you say there is no train!'
s'You could drive to the house of some of your
friends-.
''No, no! Oh, my friends must never know of
this!'
'.I see'' he said gravely
f'No. YOU don't see," she said unsteadily "Thel
truth is that am almost frightened to DEATH"
''Can you not tell me what has frightened you
500"
eff tried to tell you, you would think mad
you would indeed"
"Try," he said soothingly
t'Why-why, it startled me to find myself in this
house, she began. "You see, didn't expect toI
here; ddn It really want to come here shel
added piteously ooh, it is simply dreadful to come
like ths!'
'tTell me- he said in a quiet voice.
"Yes-Ill tell you. At first it was dark-but II
must have known was in my own room for felt
around on the dresser for the matches. And when
I that it was truly my room, and when II
caught sight of my own face in the mirror it terri
fled me- She pressed her fingers to her cheeks
ed the lamp in the hall and peered into the mirrors
and | saw face there-a face like my own"
Pale, voiceless, she leaned the baustrade, farl
head dropping, lids closed.
Presently, eyes still closed, she said: "You will
not leave alone here-will you" Her voice
died to whisper.
"No-of course not he replied slowly.
ssYou see' she murmured, IT dare not be alone;l
dare not lose touch with the living suppose youl
think me mad, but am not; am only stunned.
Please stay with me-"
q 'sOf course he said in soothing voice. Every
thing will come out all right"
fare you srre9'
Ply i don't quite know what to say
how to Il ~ sl<py and offer you any help
He I'D : drying his short must62he. u q