The Washington times., 1913-12-28
Author OF "Cheadlc & Son." ct

catching at tufts of rushes to prevent
herself from falling. TIE sand filled
her shoes. She took them OF and
emptied them. Put she was stiil un-
tered through her openwork stockings.
Toinette looked at her watch again.
Yes. IL she were quick there was time
She sat down and pulled on ner stock
to herself ali the time. Her black hair
was done In q different way, and she
was wearing. new blouse in which
there were touches Of red. 1t was evi-
dent that sire had been at great pains
to look her best. and the result Justified
all her care. Toinette had never looked
pYettier.
She still sang as she pulled on one
stocking and fastened IL. But when the
other was half on a queer feeling that
she was not alone made her suddenly
stop and look up. There. stood Everard
with a cigarette between his lips and .
look Of great admiration in his face. As
the girl looked ND he nung away the
cigarette and smiled down at her.
II thought I vas going to be too
carly" he said.
You ere too early said Tcinette.
Please turn your back for q moment.
willie finish"
He laughed. 'T obey your commands" {"
foineffe. .hurriedly fastened the stock
iras and buttoned her shoe. Btenf'
Ley6en slid down the slope, crossed
over to her. and sat beside her. well,
then. Toinette?
well. then. Everard?',
That Is good" said Leyden. Then
'Still friends? What do you meanr'
Toinette's curiosity was 50 intense that
he laughed aloud.
Il thought you might have been an
cry at my waking you out Of your
beauty sleep last night he said, lying
down full stretch and looking up at her
through half closed eyes.
Toinette was sitting with her hands
ciasped round her knees. II was very
frightened at first, -. she said. II could
not think what 1t was"
ct am very sorry." said he. Next
time you'll know who it is
''Oh! but you must not do II again.
said Toinette. suppose my father
found out?"
Leyden did not answer for a moment.
He sat up. leaning on one elbow, and
Would you tell him the same thing
as you told him last night?'
Toinette shrugged her shoulders.
Yes" she said quietly. Tell me-" she
went on. you are not going back to
"i'm afraid I shall have to, soon. y
said Leyden. Ny people have written
to know how much longer intend %
waste my time here"
Your family! That ID not enough.
You will not go yet-tell me"
Toinette leaned forward with a smile
and made the remark in tone which
was intended to be one Of pure char.
Leyden. however. saw that the smile
did not get beyond her lips. Her eye,
remained serious. He sat up and began
throwing little handfuls Of sand. 81
hau xx-r5f 70 aav hot II ut1l al
next week." he said.
chin propped on one hand, her elbow or
her knee.
Leyden threw several more handfull
of sand and then looked up at the girl
surprised at her silence
''Eh bien?" he said. The girl did no,
move. Leyden leaned toward her, tool
her hand and pulled IL away and slid
his other arm around her. "Eh bicn
Toinette" he repeated softly.
For a second he felt her strain away
and then her body relaxed As she turned
to him and burst into a passion Of weep
ing. with her face hidden on his chest
Everard was staggered. He stroked her
hair and called TO her soothingiy, WITH
, something OF fright In his voice at heI
violent emotion.
Gradually her sobs grew more quiet
and Eyerard felt shiver 60 all through
her. Then at last she raised her head
and looked at him for q long moment
Two tears still lay on her lsshes like
dewdrops.
He ciasped her tight and their lip.