The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1914-05-29


 removed from the main pathway, along which 8 few early sTorkmen passed. She was the very one to act the part of Philip Hen1ey's. wife, if she would consent Her refinement, the clear innocence of her face, would be convincing, and began already to long for her company. Yet she would have to be told every detail, convfnc- ed the apparent fraud was justifiable. I rather dreaded the look in her eyes when she first heard the proposal and her questioning me. While I still hesitated, fearful of refusal, the sun shining upon her face awoke her sud denly She straightened up instantly, but her eyes smiled as they met mine. sI was asleep" she said in surprise 'sFor how long P Nearly two hours. 7
 ssAnd you have sat there quietly all that timer
 .sThat is nothing. was tired, but not sleepy Besides. had so much to think about You mean regarding what you shall do with me- and she arose to her feet .sIt is time now I did something for myself.'
 ssWait. please,r and extended my
  the settee. ssLet me say a word first before you decide to go. All told you last night about myself is true, with one exception. I have money and profitable work in view See Y and held before her the two bills.
 She gazed at them with wide open E eyes, half convinced of some legerde maina
 "A thousand dollarsr, she exclain- ed bewildered ssYou. Why, what does it all mean2'
 Yes. and 5000 more promised { when complete work that ought not to require to exceed two months. I was not without money in the restau- yant, only could not ask the cashier to change So large bill. Sit down again, please, and let ne tell you the story
 She did so almost reluctantly, asi though doubting my sanity. but Il could note change in the expression Of her face as proceeded. told it slowly. carefully. pausing to explain each detail to her questioning. yet was not interrupted more than once or twice. Somehow, as thus repeat ed the proposed scheme to another, it did not appear quite as easy or hon. orable as when faced it alone
 That's the whole story, ended, rather lamely- hat do you think of it?''
 1T hardly know" with slow hesi- tation. Tt is very strange"
 She pressed one hand to her fore head, her eyes on the ground. watch ed her, an unasked question trem bling on my lips Suddenly she look s,r7
 You were going to suggest that I go with you. were you not?" she asked swiftly tsThat I play the wife's part2 Why didn't you ask it 2''
 Because lacked courage, z replied frankly yet leaning eagerly toward her. q was afraid you would take such a proposition wrongly
 And you see nothing wrong in carrying out your part? You mean to go to Carrollton with some one-a wo- Inan?"
 'sI-I agreed to the terms-yes.
 She, drew a long breatb. her eyes upon mine.
 ..Then will go also.'a she said sober iy and held out her hand
 'tYou mean that?''
 for me as for you You wished me to say yes, did you not P
 My face must have answered, as my lips failed, but she went on swiftly:
 tThen I will go; only remember it is acting, a mere play in which have a certain part to perform. We are to be friends throughout it all-actors on the stage There must be no misun- derstanding about this.
 I had recovered my voice now. realiz- ing all she meant and anxious to re- assure her
 Certainly. There will be no mis- take, Mrs. Bernard. That was why I hesitated to ask you, for fear you might misinterpret my purpose
 We so tonight? shall need cloth ing.''
 "Of course That was what this money was advanced for. to outfit us How much will you need r
 She thought moment, a little line of perplexity between her eyes, finally naming a sum which surprised me
 Not more than that?v I exclaimed Surely that is not enough
 "Oh, yes, 1t is." laughing There will be no dressing All need do is appear neat''
 We sat there and talked it over, de ciding exactly our course of action. At 9 o'clock left her, hunted up the nearest bank and got change for my bill Then gave her the amount ask ed. and we separated, to meet again late that afternoon at the depot felt no doubt as to her being there on time. My day was a busy one, as I had to visit my boarding house, buy needfuI clothing and arrange for transporta- tfon.
 At the very moment specified called up Vail on the phone, and he. respond ed instantly, the very tone Of his voice evidencing the relief he felt at hearing from me.
 the thousand ?'s asked. Well, haven't, for the other nine looks too