The San Francisco call., 1913-12-06

occupied part. When the young man came down
stairs to thank the chauffeur, he found the street
empty
A week after Stranleighs late passengers heard
the purr OF an automobile outside their cottage.
Challls opened the door in response to the chauf-
feurs knock
Good morning." cried Stranlegh. "What a
splendid day it is And so Mrs. Challis has recov-
ered9 | did not wish to trouble you with repeated
calls, but the doctor has kept me informed of her
progress and it is with his permission | to
offer you spin in the motor. My invitation is
tended by permission of Mr.. Ponderby, so you need
have no quams on that score. My names Johnson;
not Jack, but Henry"
Challis laughed
I'm glad to meet you again." he said. "Come
in My wife would like to thank you for your kind
ness. Yes; shall like breather in your I've
been in the house too long,"
"Another day off, eh?
"All days are off now," grumbled Chalis "The
mill s shut down."
Mrs Chais received the alleged johnson gra-
ciously, and thanked him in manner so winning
that Stranleigh sat overcome with attack of the
shyness he had never been able to shake off. He
noted again the subtle melancholy of her face, hint
Of which he had received in that first brief glance
he passed in the motor. He attributed it then to
her mshap, but now realized its deeper
and more permanent. He was astonished to find
her so resolute in refusing his invitation. She
wished her husband to go for ride, but would not
avail herself of the pleasure. In vain Stranleigh
urged the doctors order that it would be good for
her, especially she had endured week of
forced indoors
"Some other day. she said, "but not now" And
he speedily recognized that her frmness not to
be shaken
"YOU must go, Jim,' she insisted, nevertheless
81 have kept you prisoner, and you need the
fresh air much more than | do"
James Challis, protesting more and more family
at last gave way and the two drove off together
while Mrs. Challis futtered adieu from the win
dow. Challis refused to sit in the back seat and
took his place beside the chauffeur
"Where shall we go?" asked the latter
"Go to the place where you found us" said his
passenger and there they went. All the way thither
neither spoke, but at sign from Challis, Stran-
leigh stopped the
"You must not think" began the former, "that
my wife did not wish to Her reason for de-
clinng was one that any woman, | suppose, would
consider adequate, and any man the reverse"
81 am an exception so far as the men are con-
cerned" said Straneigh, coming much nearer the
truth than he suspected, "for / am that from
whatever motive Mrs. Challis acted it was com
mendable"
"Thank you" responded Chas 81 am with you
there. 1t was all matter of clothes. My wife pos
no costume suitable for an automobile excur-
son."
"ln that case," cried Straneigh, mpulsively, "the
defect is easily remedied. | have saved bit from
the ample salary Mr.. Ponderly allows me- and if |
may offer you -"
mo, no; / could not accept" interrupted Challis,
quickly
"Merely temporary loan, you know, until the
mill begins to grind again.
Challis shook his head
"That mill will never grind again with the water
that is past nor the water that is to come. Fumer
has gone smash, and if you don't mind, | will tell
how / oJ