The Spectator., 1914-12-04

and so 1t Is better to keep away from speech of such things as can only cause us both pain. I like you well; that, at least, you know. Did I not dance with you tonight? danced with no one else but you!"
 "Yes!" he said through his teeth. "But 1t must not occur again. It is too conspicuous, tell you! We shall be observed too closely, and then trouble!"
 She was silent for moment at this; then:
 "If you do not wish me to be noticed. why do you make me go about with you at times? It is seldom enough that I go; but l would willingly stay at home altogether and leave the quest in your hands alone"
 Listen, Carmen" said he; T shall again explain. We must appear nor nal people-it is indispensable. be- lieve me! What would seem stranger than that you should never leave your rooms? The minute that anyone does the least unusual thing he begins to attract attention and suspicion. Those | who appear normal and uninteresting ing all in my power to locate your lover. With your almost total lack of English, 1t would be an impossible task for you. Truly am beginning to i think that he may be past finding" Her voice was chilled by the force of control which she put upon herself as she replied
 "I have but one reason for thinking that"
 Which is?" he queried, peering anx- iously at her through the gloom. My letters!" she said hoarsely Why does he not answer them? Do | they not reach him? And if not, for what reason?"
 'T cannot imagine" said he. AS you know, have myself carried them to the post with every care"
 You are kind to me, Ricardo" she said gently, laying her hand upon his in sudden gratitude.
 In an instant he had seized her hand and covered 1t with burning kisses Moaning. she snatched it away and drew back, shivering. into her corner,
 1T will leave you!" she cried. You torment me more than I can en- dure. It is not fair. I will go, and somehow, I will manage for myself"
 You cannot go!" he said, forcing her to desist There Is something else. Do you know where we are bound tonight? An, there is a matter on foot of deeper import than you have guessed; and if you leave me now, you will ruin us. The matter to which I refer, and upon which we are abroad tonight concerns our dear country. More I cannot say at pres ent. but know that this much will be sufficient to your patriotic soul"
 'I will stay. Ricardo" she replied, startled by his intenseness. Indeed, I can do nothing else. AS you say, I have no money, no English; how could I go? But promise me, swear once again that no matter what affair may be expressing you-what politics. what secret-that you will not cease to search for him.
 "I swear" said he eagerly.
 For him, and for that other, even more dear" she added, her eyes wide and luminous.
 And the other" he repeated.
 AS though satisfied she leaned back wearily. and closed her eyes.
 At last they approached tiny wood en building only a single story in height, that stood upon corner. It great gilt sign upon its slanting roof edge. That guests still fingered in- side was evidenced by the warm light streaming through the opaque glass of the crooked little windows, and by the presence beside the curb of two cabs without drivers. the wretched horses, blanketed but cold. waiting in patient misery.
 To these waiting ones, Rowe's cab was added, and the driver. descending | from the box, opened the door and | peered within.
 You'd better come quickly, Ricar- do." he said. Its getting late, and hlhe Wou stay opeu all LiSht The lady gave little cry of surprise and grasped her companions arm. Evidently the intrusion of the cabby was unexpected by her.
 "Who is it?" she gasped.
 Look close it is Sancho, can't you seer" said Rowe. He is here on that matter of which spoke. There are other friends inside. aand I beg that you will enter for moment, so they may see that you are alive and we'll. Your welfare means much to them"
 "Sancho in America!" the lady re- peated as though dazed. Have you any news?" she then asked eagerly.
 Come inside. gracious one," said the driver.
 She arose to obey.
 Keep your cloak well about you" commanded Rowe. as he assisted her to alight. T have brought you here Aaoausa t, vHt fa for ba to nn,na