The citizen., 1913-06-27
--..--N. 1-Z N-oHL IgI2 81 A.C.rCLUR0 & CO.

He was still talking when Hamlin
| crossed the narrow hall and entered
the dlmly-lighted, unoccupied parlor
Inc side window was open, a slight
breeze rustled the heavy curtain, and
the Sergeant stepped outside on to the
dark porch. There was a bench close
to the rail and he sat down to wait A
gleam of light from the Palace fell
across the western end, but the re-
malnder Of the porch lay in shadow,
although he could look up the street.
and see the people jostling back and
forth in front of the Poodle Dog The
sound Of mingled voices was continu-
Gus, occasionally punctuated by laugh.
ter, or an unrestrained outburst of
profanity Once shots echoed from out
the din. but created no apparent eX-
citement, and a little later a dozen
horsemen spurred recklessly through
the street, scattering the crowd, their
reyolvers sputtering. Some alteration
arose opposite and a voice called loud
ly for the guard, but the trouble soon
ceased with the clump of hoofs, dying
away in the distance, the regimental
band noisily blaring out a waltz Ham
lin, immersed in his own thoughts,
scarcely observed the turmoil. but
leaned, arms on railing, gazing out in
to the darkness. Something mysteri-
GUS from out the past had gripped
him; he was wondering how he should
greet her when she came; speculating
on her purpose in sending for him.
1t seemed as though he waited a
| long time before the curtain at the
window was thrust aside and the lady
emerged, the slight rustling of her
dress apprising him of her presence.
The curtain still held slightly back by
her hand permitted the light from
within to reflect over her figure, re-
vealing in softened outline the beauty
of her features, the fossy brightness
of her hair. She was in evening dress,
a light shawl draping her shoulders.
An instant she paused in uncertainty.
striving TO distinguish his face; then
stepped impulsively forward. and held
out her hands.
Il have kept you waiting, but you
must forgive that, as | came as soon
as | could manufacture an excuse.
Won't you even shake hands with
me?"
rs it necessary" he asked, almost
YEARLY You have come to me for
some purpose surely. but it can hardly
be friendship"
"Why should you say that?" re-
proachfully. 81 have deserted a rath-
er brilliant party to meet you here"
That, perhaps, is why | say it, Mrs
Dupont. If my memory serves, you
would not be inclined to leave such
friends as you have yonder to rendez-
vous with a common soldier, unless
you had some special object in view.
If you will inform me what it is. we
can very quickly terminate the inter
view"
She laughed. a little touch of nerv-
BUSINESS in the voice, but drew her
skirts aside, and sat down on the
bench.
DO you think you can deceive me
by such play-acting" she asked eager
ly You are no man of wood. Tell
me, is there nothing you care to ask
me, after-after all these years?"
Hamlin lifted his eyes and looked at
her. stirred into sudden interest by
the almost caressing sound of the soft
voice.
Yes" he said slowly. there are
some things | should like to know, If
thought you would answer frankly"
TRY me and see"
Then why ale you Mrs. Dupont. in
stead of Mrs. LIE Fevre?"
Then my guess is true, and you are
not so devoid CT curiosity" she
laughed. MY answer? Why. it is
simplicity itself-because | was never
Mrs. lie Fevre, but am rightfully Mrs.
Dupont"
do you mean you were never mar
ried to lie Fevre?'
What else could | mean?"
Then he lied"
She shrugged her white shoulders.
That would not surprise me in the
least. Twas a characteristic of the
man you lad ample reason to know.
How came you to believe so easily?"
Believe? What else could | be-
lieve? Everything served to substan-