Graham guardian., 1913-03-28
Copyright, 1910. BY Meredith S,eho,so.


s~.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Observation-Disclosures
uMmnmxRamzmzatxMcns nszszaesAsSsgEslEa.axSAAss
IL was kind fate indeed that
had led me hack to the Asolando. and
introduced mo to the aunt of Virgins
inamoratn II may well be believed
that ] was immediately interested at
tennve. absorbed. AS she smoothed
her gloves. Miss Aoilister continued to
speak In low musical voice that was
devoid Of any OF the quavers OF age.
"On tire day ! reached ms siStieth
year, Mr. Ames. decided that my
humdrum life must cease. The strict
est conventions Ind guided me from
earliest childhood, My experience OF
life had been limited to those things
which women of education and means
enjoy or suffer. as you please to take
II. Two years ago ! chartered yacht
and cruised among the Lesser Antilles.
enjoying many adventures, Later
crossed the Andes. and | have Just re-
turped f;Nm Switzerland. where ac-
cpnplishtd some Of the most difficult
ascents ! have n Clipping bureau eh-
gagged to Inform me ot al rumorx OF
hidden treasure and sunken ships. anu
hope tlat of this something may
come, Ms retalu u marine engineer
md corps OF divers and can leave at an
hours notice for any likely limiting
ground. This may strike you as the
most whimsical self indulgence. Tell
me candidly whether my remarks so
affect you"
"If 1t We're not that yonr bcnefac.
tiots OF all kinds have given you n0ills
eminence among American philaDthrn-
pists might be less biased in favar at
the sort Of thing yaN deScribe. but yonr
gifts 70 orphanages. colleges. hosp,
tails
"Ah" sue interrupted. enough OF
that. Philanthropy In these times L.
only selfish exploitation. the recreatian
Of the conscience stricken Hut you
sea no paason why she pnrsqd encrr.
". ~ wished to dig up the Caribbean
sea In search Of Spanish donboons.
should not do so? Answer me frankly.
without the slightest fear
II assure you, Miss Hollister. that
such projects appeal to me strongly.
have often laIaented that my own lot
fell ip these eventless times. AS an
afchitert proved something Of a fail.
lre; i,s " chimney doctor lead a use-
full life. but tue very YssfNlness pi l.
hores me. qnd basides many people
take NE for n sweep
Il dare say they do. for unfortunately
many people are fools. But am bent
upon adventure, Ny physician pro-
nounces me good for ten years 'nore
Of active life, and ] intenu to Keen
amused Wsfs Il yaslAs Man likt
yon I should crawl through chimneys
20 more. but take tp the open rpaa, 4
resent the harsh clans vi these mean
ingless years Az | walksd among Inc
hills that lie behind ihp manor This
morning | heard the bugles calling 4
should like to ask yon further as to
your unusual profession. but errands
summon me elsewhere- However.
s9methlng yeiis me we shall meet
again
She rose In her swift. birdlike fashion
and passed lightly down the room and
through the door. SHE haa laf, q dol.
lar keside her piate ~ nay her cheek,
which aoled called for only W cents
| glanced Al the cashiers desk. The
aNreoied bead had not reappeared. but
Immediately heard voice murmur.
Ing beside me had believed myself
alone, and In my surprise Thought
some wizardry had paaae audihle ona
Of tho verses 0n the wall
What Of Rafael's sonness, pante's pio-
tpre--
n wns she whose uureoled head.i had
marked earlier in the receipt Of Gus
tom. the girl who bad vanished as Miss
llollister APPEARED. She was not tall.
and her eyes. saw. were brown. She
had clearly not climbed far the stair
way OF her years, but her serenity was
the least hit discODcerting.
Pardon me-" began, but ! am an
ignorant Philistine. and cannot cap the
verse you have quoted"
There IL no reason why you should
do So II Is the rule at the Asoiando
that we shall attract the attention ot