Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1914-10-10
CHAPTER x.
Concerning Bohemia.

Concerning Bohemia.
On the following morning, at nine
O'Clock promptly, Iris reached the top
landing of the Muldoon place house
and paused, flushed and rather breath
less, before the studio door. On it,
below the heavy brass knocker and the
plate engraved with Hills name was
a modest ticket bearing simply the
word Pedro" Tucked under corner
of this last was a folded bit of paper
addressed to Madonna Iris" At sight
of it her heart almost stopped beating.
Could he have gone away? Did he not
wish to see her? With trembling fin
gers she unfastened it, opening it to
her anxious gaze.
At the top of the page was a sketch
of Pedro himself, empty handed, and
running frantically to the open door
of a shop which bore the sign:
Artists Supplies" Then came the
words: The door is unlocked Wait,
l beseech you. I haste; 1 fyi" Below
this was a second sketch of himself
running madly, package in hand. to-
ward a door marked studio.
From sheer relief she laughed aloud,
and at the sound door upon the land
ing below creaked as though some one
had opened it to listen. However, Miss
Vanderpool did not notice this, but,
turning the handle. let herself into the
studio. where she had often been be-
fore, to be sure, but never until now
unchaperoned.
Closing the door behind her. she
stood motionless, leaning against it,
Pedro's funny little note crushed
tightly IN one hand. while she let a
flood of mixed emotions sweep over
her Pedro. the adorable.
Slowly she advanced to the center
of the floor and smoothed out the
crumpled note. How clever he was!
With a tender little sigh she folded
it carefully and slipped it into the
bosom of her gown Then flushing a
little, she removed her long outer
! wrap and laid it, with her hat and
furs, upon the couch.
There was q footstep upon the land
| ing and the door opened suddenly.
Expecting to see Pedro, she whirled
about with a word of greeting, but to
her amazement, in his stead the door
| way was occupied by a woman!
1t was Cassie.
| For a long moment neither woman
| spoke, but stood staring intently, one
/ as much amazed as the other.
Good morning" said Iris interrog-
/ atively, the question following swift
on the heels of the first pang of jeal-
ousy she had ever experienced.
| What woman was this who entered
his apartment as though by right?
! Cassie's smile was disarming.
! Pretty. an@ lady-a rich lady
she said why, you must be her!
Well, I'm glad to see you!"
Who are you, please?" repeated
| Iris. smiling a little in response, de
spite herself.
tOf course you'd have to ask re-
piled Cassie. He wouldn't be likely
to have mentioned me to YOU No
| more has he told me anything about
you; not knowingly, that is But just
the same, I've no need to return your
| question"
You are correct in supposing he has
not spoken of you said Iris. puzzled
but with cold fear creeping over her
Why should he have done so? Il
have not known him very long. and we
| have only talked about What is
| your Manner
the girl, still smiling, her eyes fun OF
curiosity
And who-how do you know me p
asked Iris.
Il pose for him. she said. "and
amt generally considered to be lack
ing in charm Well, the charm failed
and when il does, there's usually a bet
ter reason than any lack of looks or
my part You are that reason.
guessed it right of Are you going tC
marry him2"
OH cried Iris, startled by the sud
denness of the question; why do yot
how do +
so he amt asked you yet" oh
aerved Cassie shrewdly.
How do YOU know that?".Iris fare,
ut her