Putnam patriot., 1913-10-17
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woman in the parlor ought to be made to go. She believed the man was try ing to coax the girl to do something she didn't want to do. The matron started on voyage of discovery up the hall and down again, with pene. | trating glances into the room, but the two did not see her.
 "Oh. my poor dear little girl" breathed the man. And you have passed through all this awful experi. ence alone! Why did you not tell me about it? I could have helped you. I am a lawyer"
 T thought you would be on your guard at once and watch for evidences of my insanity. l thought perhaps you would believe it true. and would feel it necessary to return me to my friends. I think l should have been tempted to do that, perhaps if any one had come to me with such a story"
 One could not do that after seeing and talking with you. l never could have believed it. Surely no reputable physician would lend his influence to put you in an asylum, yet I know such things have been done. Your cousin must be a desperate character. l shall not feel safe until you belong to me. I saw two men hanging about Mir Phil lips house last evening as I went in. They were looking up at the windows and talking about keeping a close watch on some one named Mary. One ! nf hn xrsac tal eli nd handsome, with dark hair and eyes; the other was Irish, and wore a coat too large for him, and rubbers. l went back later in in the evening, and the Irishman was lowering about the ! house"
 The girl looked up with frightened eyes and grasped the arms of her chair exeitedly
 Will you go with me new to a church not far away, where a friend of mine is the pastor, and be married? Then we can defy all the cousins in creation. Cant you trust me?' he pleaded.
 oh, yes, but"
 "Is it that you do not love me-" No" she said, and her eyes dropped shyly. Tt seems strange that l dare to say it to you when l have known you so little" She lifted her eyes. full of a wonderful love light, and she was glorified to him, all mean ly dressed though she was. The smooth Madonna braids around the shapely head, covered by the soft felt hat, l seemed more beautiful to him than all 1 the elaborate head-dresses of modern l time
 Where is the but then, dear? Shall we go now?"
 How can I go in this dress?' She 1 looked down at her shabby shoes, rough black gown, and cheap gloves i in dismay, and a soft pink stole into her face.
 You need not. Your own gown is out in the office in my suitcase. l brought it with me, thinking you might need it-hoping you might, l mean; and he smiled. q have kept it always near me; partly because l wanted the comfort of it, partly because l was 1 afraid some one else might find it, and desecrate our secret with their com mon-place wondering. It was at this moment that the ma tron of the building stepped up to the absorbed couple, resolved to do her duty. Her lips were pursed to their thinnest, and displeasure was in her ] face
 The young man arose and asked in grave tone:
 Excuse me, but can you tell me whether this lady can get a room here to rest for a short time, while go out and attend to a matter of busi- ness?"
 The matron noticed his refined face and true eyes, and she accepted with a good grace the ten-dollar bill he hand 1 ed to her.
 We charge only fifty cents a night for room,' she said. glancing al the humble garments of the mans com panion. She thought the girl must be a poor dependent or country relative.
 That's all right" said the young man. Just let the change help the good work along"
 1 That made a distinct change in the 1 atmosphere. The matron smiled. and retired to snub the girl with the dis contented upper lip. Then she sent l the elevator boy to carry the girls i suitcase. As the matron came back l to the office a basgy man with eush- l toned tires hustled out of the open l door into the street, having first cast ] back a keen, furtive glance that searched every corner of the place.
 NOW said Durham reassuringly, as the matron disappeared, you can go up to your room and get ready, and I will look after a few little matters I called on my friend, the minister, this morning. and have looked up the i legal part of this 1ffair. l can see that everything is all right in few min ntes. Is there. anything you would like me to do for you?"
 "No,p she answered. looking up half frightened; but I am afraid l ought not to let you do this. You scarcely know me"
 Now. dear. no more of that We have no time to lose. How long will 1t take you to get dressed? Will half an hour do? It is getting late
 "Oh. it will not take long" She. caught her breath with gladness. Her companions voice was so strong and comforting, his face so filled with a wonderful love, that she felt dazed with the sudden joy of it all. l The elevator boy appeared in the. doorway with the familiar suitcase.
 Don't be afraid. dear heart, whis- ,arad inc young man. as he attended