The Washington times., 1914-07-04


breathless tone. as II he were entering
II can hear the horses. She's COM
ing to-see me-"
''Tn 60" exclai.led the visitor quick
ly. but the other shook his head.
I'D rather have you stay
Austin was poised IN an attitude of
the intenscst aiertness. his angular.
awkward body Drawn to Its height. his
,een face lighted by some hidden fire
that lent It almost beauty.
She's getting out Of the carriage"
he cried in a nervous voice, then felt
hts vsy TO his accustomed srEl chair.
Suydam was about to go to tie bay
window when NJ paused. regarding his
friend curiously.
What arc yor dosngT'
The blind man had Begin 70 beat
time with his hand, counting under his
treath. "One, Two, Three
She'll knock when I reach twenty
FIVE. Sh-sh-'' He continued his pan
tomine, and sudan realized that from
repeated practice he had saused the
seconds Marmion Moore required to
mount the stairs, ard took this means
If holding himself In check. True to
Austin's prediction. at twenty-five" a
gentle knock sounded. ana SJydam
opened the door.
Come in. Marmion."
The girl paused for the briefest in
slant on the threshold and the speaker
noted the Meeting disappointment in
her face. then she took his hand
This Is q surprise she exclaimed.
II haven't seen you for ever SO long"
Her anxious glance swept past him to
the big awkward figure against the
windows light. Austin was risinS
with apparent difficulty, and she slided
to him.
Please! Don't rise. How many
times have 1 told you not TO exert your
self?''
Suydam noted the gentle proprietary
tone of her voice. and 1t amused him.
lam very glad that you came to
see me-" The afflicted mans voice was
jerEy and unmusical. How are you to-
day. Miss
He should not rise. should her Miss
Moore appealed to the physician He
IL very weak and should not exert him
self
might see her face as he saw II: he
began suddenly to doubt his own )ucg-
ment of women.
"Oh, I'm doing finely" Austin an
nounced Won't you be ssated? He
waved a hand comprehendinGly. and
Sudan, marveling at the manner In
which he concealed his infirmity'
brought a chair for the newcomer.
IT came alone today. Mother Is
shopping Miss Moore was saying.
See, 1 brought these flowers to 'beer
I'D YOUR room" She held UP a great
bunch Of sweet peas. II love the pink
ones
Austin addressed the doctor. Miss
Moore has been very kind to me; am
afraid she feels II her duty -
NO, No." cried the girl
She rarely misses a day and she al
WAYS brings flowers. I am very FOND
of bright colors."
suydam cursed at the stiff formality
IN m. mans tone. How could any
woman see past that glacial front and
glimpse the big. aching heart beyond!
Even at best Austin was harsh and re-
reliant when the least bit self-con-
scious. and now he was striving deto-
erat.ly to heighten the effect. She was
impulsive. dainty, high-bred, with race
of rare sensitiveness and a nsure ,ha'
told of fine physical inheritance WINE
bs was awkward and inapt AT every
thing TO which she was accustomed
The physici1n wondered why she had
gone even thus far in showing her
gratitpde As for a love match between
two such opposite types. Suydam could
not conceive of II. Even II the girl saw
the sweet, simple nature OF the man
and felt her own affections answer 10
his. he believed he knew the womtn OF
her set too we'll to imagine that she
u,ou,d marry A blind man. particularly
one OF no address.
I'VE leave for the mountains tomor-
-ov " Narmion said. so came to say
good-py. for a time.
'I-shall miss your visits. Austin
could not disguise his genuine regret.
but when you return l shall be thor
oushly recovered. perhaps we will rice
again"
Never" declared Miss Moore Il
shall never ride again. Think Of the
suffering | caused you. liam dread
fully sorry"
To suvdam's arlazement he saw her
evas All with tears. doubt concern
ing the correctness of his recent sur
misses came over him and he rose quick
Iy AFTER Al she might see and love
the real RnS rs he did, and II ST. she
might Wish 10 he alone with him IN this
last hour. Ills own restraining pres
enCc might lead to tragedy. But Aus
a., t,,,wN.l NJ hfs