The Washington times., 1913-09-20
Now Read On
p 3 ; 3 >
CHAPTER III.-(Continued.)

(e~ t!' she exclaimed, II could
kill that man with the lightr"
And the Presidents guests
could bless him. added.
But not again could 1 lure her out
upon the lawn where the searchIight
played. Slowly and circuitously we
wandered back to- the White House.
where the crowd was now becoming
dense. The receiving party was on the
south porch. and a line of several hum
dred persons had already formed to
duty of meeting the guest of honor.
snail We get into the line?" l asked.
It's tiresome, 1 think" she answered.
The German prince had not the
stroiied around to the north front of
the house There was a crowd inside
as We entered, and we paused for
moment under the shelter of a palm
grove in the great hall, listening TO an
orchestra that had begun to play for
the dancers.
And then I heard an exclamation
from two women who came out from
the East Room, and saw them run to-
Mary. You little fraud
1t was the elder of the pair who cried
out joyously, and an instant later she
clasped my companion in warm en-
brace. The younger woman seemed to
await her turn impatiently, and prompt
ly duplicated the greeting when an op-
portunity offered.
Up to this moment neither of the
newcomers had looked at me. but now
with one accord they turned and smiled
frankly at me. / caught nv compan-
ions ye for fleeting instant. and saw
in II an expression of fright and dis
may. Her lips were compressed tightly.
and she had raised one nand TO her
breast as II to ward off a blow. Then
she shook her head as If tossing off
some incubus. and smiled
And this. OF course, is Mr. Ninton,
said the elder of the strangers, step
ping forward and reaching out her
hand with cordial energy.
Rather mechanically 1 took 1t, and
bowed. She pumped at my arm vigor-
ously.
You're not in the least as / pictured
YOU" she exclaimed studying my face
with a curiosity which was not meant,
Of course, to be offensive. but which
was exceedingly embarrassing to me.
nevertheless.
bowed again and forced a smile.
And I congratulate you most sin
eerely."
"Why. thank you" 1 answered.
could think Of nothing else to say:
] was fast becoming dazed.
You have charming and beautiful
wife, Mr.. Vinton."
1t was like some fantastic dream.
The words seemed to be coming from
and distinct-and overwhelming,
wife! had wife, and my name
was Vinton!
/ stared at the woman blankly, and
she laughed merrily in my face. mis-
taking my expression, i imagine, for
clumsy snyhess. CONSERVATION was
the only emotion I experienced for
moment: then / felt resentment and
anger slowly succeeding What sort
of trick was this thai was being
played upon me?
! looked beyond the woman who was
still holding my hands into the eyes OF
the girl who had led me into this trap.
Never had ] Seen such an expression
O: pitiful appeal in human eye Her
lips were quiyering. She was leaning
Slightly toward me. her body rigid as
statue, her hands clinched together. her
cheeks pale as her white gown She
was pleading silently; ! verify believe
she was praying.
My rising anger vanished in bewilder-
ment. / began TO wonder if was really
sane: II was all like some grotesque
de.usion. 1T east ! would not appear
Iidicuious: / would wait until the
reckoning.
tried TO assume an air of ease. al
though / could feel the blood racing
hotl5- in my temples. and knew that my
face was flushed deep red.
She is all wnat you say-snd more"
] stammered.
Mary-they had called her Mary
stepped forward like a woman sudden
ly awakened from transe
This is Mrs. McCutcheon. Robert"
she said, laying her hand with an air
Of gentle ownership upon my arm.
So was Robert Vinton. We'll, il was
at least a comfort 10 knog! my full
name.
Il am charmed to know you Mrs.
McCutcheon,'' I said, in a steadier
voice. Mary, has spoken OF You
often
7 felt a soft preseure of the girls
fingers on my arm she reached out