The Prescott daily news., 1913-02-24
STRANGE FREAK
By BELLE KANARIs MANIATEs.

puL ISCcutiy anu he contemplated making a journey on the morrow to his sisters summer home. He had not seen her for three years, but the prospect of his visit to her was somewhat marred by the knowledge that among her guests would be the paragon of girl whom she had picked out for him" the glow ing descriptions of whom he had de libeTately omitted to read in the let ters.
 He began to realize suddenly that he had walked too far and that he was decidedly wearied. when he saw ahead of him in a runabout in which was seated middle-aged woman. Both machine and occupant were mo- tionless
 Can you start my car for me-" she asked anXiously as he approached.
 The trouble was a very simple ond and he adjusted it for her deftly and courteously.
 She invited him to ride with her, and he readily accepted. But when he had taken the seat beside her. to his surprise she quickly turned the machine around and speeded on into the country.
 T beg your pardon!" he remon- strated. 'I was about to return to the city when I met you. Will you kindly let me out?"
 My boy, don't you know mel" she entreated. q am taking you home"
 The speed was increased. He re- called the story he had heard of a woman, demented by the death of her son, who lived in a beautiful home miles from the city. Presently he saw touring car approaching at a rate of speed equal to his own. There was a simultaneous grinding of brakes.
 Doctor" said the woman. address ing the elder of the two men in the car, this is my son."
 ''I am glad he has returned" he said gravely. "I am Dr. Duval," turning to stephen with a warning significant look, your mothers physician"
 II met my mother" said Stephen. "and fixed her car, and she was bring ing me home. We can all go on now"
 quick run of three miles brought them to a driveway leading into pr, vate park beyond which was a smooth. faced, stone house. A tall, 1.-the girl came into Stephens vision
 '1rene!" exclaimed the woman joy. fully, my son has come!" T am so glad" replied the girl. her face paling, as she extended a welcom. ing hand 10 stephen. But. Mrs Good. win, you must be so tired after your ride, Come and lie down before visit. ing with him"
 You acted very wisely" Irene said to stephen. after Mrs Goodwin had retired We are under great obliga. tions to you, Mr--"
 Laird"
 T am Miss Mervue, and of course you see that Mrs. Goodwin Is not in her right mind. She has a passing fancy that you are her son. She has gone to sleep now, and when she awakens she may have forgotten she met you, and again she might ask for for you. If you can spare the time"
 There are DO demands upon my time he hastened to assure her and he proceeded to relate how he had met the unfortunate woman and ac- companied her home.
 'She has never tried to leave here before, so We were not on the watch It was providential that you met her and comprehended the situation. She has insisted that I dine with you and then spend the evening with you"
 Will you?' she asked anxiously He assented eagerly. After dinner they went to Mrs Goodwin's apart ments. His task was not difficult The poor woman was quite content to sit beside him and prattle gently. Then Irene sang in a charming contralto voice. At 10 o'clock Mrs. Goodwin's I bedtime, she bade him a fond good l night and told Irene to show him to his rocAl. Tt is too late for you to return to- night" said Irene when they were in the hall "She will have forgotten you | by morning."
 At breakfast the next morning. Irene informed him cheerfully that Mrs. Goodwin had not mentioned his name
 He felt an unaccountable disappoint- ment
 You might go in and see her. will 1 introduce you as friend of mine"
 "I hope you are!" he said ardently
 She flushed slightly, and they went to Mrs. Goodwin in silence She look ed up as he entered without recogni- | tion