Putnam patriot., 1913-10-03
CHAPTER TX.

Durham slept very little that night His soul was lowering between joy and anxiety Almost he was inclined to find some way to send her word about the man be had seen lingering about the place. and yet perhaps 1t was foolish. He had doubtless been to call on the cook, and there might be no connection whatever between what Dunham had heard and seen and the lonely girl
 Next day. with careful hands. the girl made herself neat and trim with few materials she had at hand. She gathered her little hoard of money to take with her, and cast one look back over the cheerless room. with great longing to bid it farewell forever, and go back Co the world where she be- longed; yet she realized that 1t was quiet refuge for her from the world that she must hereafter face. Then she closed her door went down the stairs and out into the street, like any other servant on her afternoon out. walking away to meet whatever crisis might arise. She had not dared to speculate much about the subject of the coming interview. It was likely he wanted to inquire about her com fort, and perhaps offer material aid. She would not accept it. of course, but it would be comfort to know that some one cared. She longed mex. pressibly for this interview, just be- cause he had been kind. and because he belonged to that world from which she had come. He would keep her secret. He had true eyes. She did not notice soft. padded feet that came wobbling down the street after her, and she only drew a little further out toward the curbing when a blear-eyed, red face peered into hers as she stood waiting for the car. She did not no. tiee the shabby man who boarded the car after she was seated.
 Tryon Durham stood in the great stone doorway, watching keenly the passing throng. He saw the girl at once as she got out of the car. but he he did not notice the man in the bag. gy coat, who numbered after her and watched with wondering scrutiny as Dunham came forward lifted his hat. and took her hand respectfully. Here was an element he did not understand. He stood staring. puzzled, as they dis appeared into the great building: then he planted himself in a convenient place to watch until his charge should come out again. This was perhaps a gentleman who had come to engage |, thinking of changing her place. He must be on the alert.
 Durham placed two chairs in the far corner of the inner parlor. where they were practically alone, save for an occasional passer through the hall. He put the girl into the most comfortable one. and then went to ray of afternoon sunlight from her eyes. She sat there and looked down upon her shabby shoes, her cheap gloves, her coarse garments, and hon. ored him for the honor he was giving her in this attire. She had learned by sharp experience that such respect to one in her station was not common. AS he came back, he stood a moment looking down upon her She saw his eye rest with recognition upon the hat she wore. and her pale cheeks turned pink.
 T don't know what you will think of my keeping this,' she said shyly. putting her hand to the hat, but it seemed really necessary at the time. and l haven't dared spend the money for new one yet. thought perhaps you would forgive me and let me pay you for it some time later"
 Don't speak of it." he broke 1t, in a low voice. T am so glad you could use it at all. It would have been a comfort to me if had known where 1t was. l had not even missed it, be- cause at this time of year I have very little use for it. It Is my travelling hat"
 He looked at her again as though his gaze made her quite forget the words she had planned to say.
 'I am so glad l have found you!" he went on. You have not been out of my thoughts since I left you that night on the train. have blamed my self over and over again for having gone then. I should have found some way to stand by you. l have not had one easy moment since I saw you last"
 His tone was so intense that she could not interrupt him; she could only sit and listen in wonder, half trembling, to the low-spoken torrent of feeling that he expressed She tried to protest, but the look in his face stopped her. He went on with an earnestness that would not be turned aside from it's purpose.
 Gro Be Continued).