The Detroit times., 1914-02-16


would induce Fielding TO hey on To-
gether they had planned for il tor
days, and she had been looking for
ward 10 the night as the happiest OF
their many little celebrations
Although she would not admit it.
even TO herself. the real cause OF her
distress, OF course. lay deeper than
the mere postponing OF their supper
party The effect OF the whole letter
on Fay was that Fielding had perma-
nently allied himself with the VIII
merdings, and II would have been
more than human IL she could have
had any particular liking for Blanche
Wilmerding. Whether he really cared
Tor the gul or was only attracted BY
her position and her money, or wheth-
or Blanche cared for him. Fay had
never known. But the facts disclosed
in Porter's letter certainly seemed TO
show that the girl was interested ia
Fielding and his career. Indignant
and miserable as she was Fay at
once made two sincere efforts TO write
Fielding her congratulations on his
new position, but both attempts were
absolute failures and she destroyed
found that there was Still half an hour
before her dinner-time and at once
decided TO take short walk and send
Fielding telegram OF congratulation
and good wishes II seemed the
easiest way out-of her roubles--the
telegram would reach him that same
night. and when she saw him she
would be in a mood better calculated
to conceal hen real feelings.
She went 10 the telegraph Office.
and having sent her message, started
on brisk walk 10 the hotel Heed
less OF the passing crowds on the
boardwalk. her mind still full or
Fielding anu his letter, she hurried on
until she became conscious that some
one was following her and calling her
by name. Turning quickly, she saw
the smiling eager face OF Max Lusk.
1t was the first time that she had met
him since the miserable scene in the
apartment-house, and her first instinct
was 10 turn and run away from him as
she had then, bat there was something
in the look and in the Bringing atti-
tude Of the man that made her hesi-
tate With his hat in hand he bowed
low before her.
Il have come TO ask your forgive
ness he said with a great show OF
humility Il couldn't stand II any
couldn't Won't you believe me?"
Had her mind been less perturbed
than il was at that time. IT is proba-
BILE that she would have resented his
daring 10 approach her at all. But in
the confusion OF the moment and from
the very unexpectedness OF his APP
pearance, almost unconsciously, she
held out her hand to him.
Lusk took her hand in both or his,
and so low did he bend over that his
lips almost touched her glove. His
whole manner was so penitent, even
pathetic. that Fay's first flush OF In
dignation gave way 10 one OF pity
I've been thinking of nothing else
for days" he protested. This morn
ing ] felt as II couldn't stand it any
longer so / came down 10 see IL you
wouldn't forgive me. Please try TO
forget It., and let's start again. Won't
your
For few moments Fay stood look
ing out at the sea. apparently unoon
scious that she was not alone. In her
heart she had no faith in Lusk or his
protestations. but during the last
month. owing To- the women with
whom she had associated, her stand
ards, especially in regard TO men. had
a great change. She dis
liked Max I,nsk and she distrusted
him, but she was also afraid OF him.
Even In her brief experience OF theat-
rical life she had learned OF several
cases of girls who had lost
their positions through the influence
or men like this one. Suddenly she
turned and nodded 10 him. but her
lips were drawn tight and there was
no smile ia her eyes.
Why, that's all right" she Said-
Yes, let's forget IT,"
Lnsk.s lace heamed, ADD he clSpped
his hands together. Good" he cried,
that's tne, And now that it's al
settled, mayn't | walk back 10 the
hotel with yon?"
But Fay shook her head, Not IL
YOU don't mind. she said deossively.
I'D rather be alone Just now"
With the belief that his chance
meeting with the girl was the only
cause for her evidently nervous state
OF mind, I.usk smiled his apologies.
Perhaps | could See you at sup
per" he vennred.
I'm afraid not. you see, I've al
ready promised some OF the girls to
90 out with them"
The broker glsomlly shook his
head.
That's too bad, because I've got to
90 back 10 town tomorrow morning
It's one or those engagements that
can't be broken" And then nc seemed
TO have a happy Inspiration, and his
face was no longer clouded in gloom.
But how about Monday night in
town" he asked 4 fine supper TO
celebrate your first night as a Broad
way fayorite' What do you say"
AZ the suggestion Fay's lips broke
into the mere suggestion OF a smile
It's funny you should have asked
me that, she said, and JUST at this
time
Funny, he repeated. why funny b
on, don't know.
But YOU viii let me give you the
supper he urged
For a brief momen, Fay hestated
hnd then shrugged her shoulders and
nodded her assent
or course. she said. I'm be glad
TO 40 TO supper with ,yQu Monday
might
Where shall We have it," no asked
NOV thoroughly alert and delighted
with the prospect. and do YOU want
~ In private room OF the restaurant
land uIpru shall 4 fpVff.p az ,........