Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1914-05-08

self % he turned to look cut OF the
window. He did not have to be told
that Challis VAS the idol Of the family,
and that 20 far % they were con.
cerned. hs corld do no wrong!
After his departure, Mrs. Wrandail
gently opened the bedroom door and
was surprised to md the girl Wide
awake. resting on one elbow. her star
ing eyes fastened on the newspaper
that topped the pile on the chair.
Catching sight Of Mrs. Wrandall she
pointed to the paper with . trembling
hand and cried out, in . voice full Of
horror:
did you place them there for me to
read? Who was with you in the other
room Just now? Was It some one
about the-some one looking for me?
Speak! Please tell me. heard q
mans voice.
The other crossed quickly to her
side.
Don't be alarmed. It was my law
yer. There is nothing to fear-at pres.
emit. Yes, left the papers there for
you to see. You can see what sensa.
ton it has caused. Challis Wrandall
was one Of the most widely known
men in New York. But suppose you
know that without my telling YOU"
The girl sank back with groan.
my God, what have l done? What
will come of 1t ALL"
II wish could answer that Ques.
tion," said the other, taking the girls
hand in hers. Both were trembling.
After an instant's hesitation, she laid
her other hand in the dark, dishevelled
hair of the wild-eyed creature, who
still continued to stare at the head.
lines. Il am quite sure they will not
look for you here, or in my home"
I'm your homer"
"You are to 90 with me. I have
thought it all over. It Ia the only way.
Come, I must ask you to pull yourself
together. Get up at once, and dress.
Here are the things you are to wear"
She indicated the orderly pile Of gar.
ments with . wave Of her hand.
Slowly the girl crept out Of bed. con-
fused, bewildered. stunned.
where are my own things? I'll
cannot accept these. Pray give me my
own"
Mrs.. Wrandall checked her.
"You must obey me. II you expect
me to help you. Don't you understand
that have had IA bereavement? ]
cannot wear these things now. They
are useless to me. But we will speak
Of all that later on Come, be quick;
I will help you to dress. First, 90 to
the telephone and ask them to send a
waiter to-these rooms. We must have
something to eat. Please do a I tell
you"
Standing before her benefactress,
her fingers fumbling impotently at the
neck Of tho night dress, the girl still
continued to stare dumbly into the
calm, dark eyes before her.
"You arc 90 good. ~"
Lot me help yoa." interrupted the
other. deliberately setting about to re-
move the night-dress. The girl caught
It up as It slipped from her shoulders,
q warm flush suffusing her face, =
shamed look springing into hSr eyes.
Thank you, can-get' on very
we'll. I only wanted to ask you q
question. It has been on my mind.
waking and sleeping. Can you tell me
anything about-do you know his
wife?"
The question was 80 abrupt. 50 start
ling that Mrs. Wrandall uttered =
sharp little CRY. For . moment she
could not reply.
Il am 10 sorry. 80 desperately sorry
for her." added the girl plaintively.
Il know her." the other managed to
say with an effort
IF had only known that he had a
wife" began the girl bitterly, almost
anerily.
Mrs. wrandall erasped her By the
arm. You did not know that ho had
q wife 7" she cried.
The girls eyes flashed with q sud
den. fierce IRE in their depths.
God in heaven. no! did not know
1t until Oh. I can't speak Of it! Why
should I tell you about 1t? Why
should you Be interested in hearing
itr'
Mrs. Wrandall drew back and 70.
garded the girls set. unhappy face.
There was q curious light in her eyes
that escaped the others notiee-a
light that would have pushed her not
. little.
But you will toll me-everything-
. little later" she said. strangely calm.
Not now, but-before many hours
have passed. First of all, you must
tell me who you are, where you live
everything except what happened In
Burton's inn. don't want to hear
that at present-perhaps never. Yes,
on second thoughts, will say never!
You are never to tell me just what
happened up there, or Just what led
up to It. Do you understand? Never!"
Tho girl stared at her in amaze.
ment But IL must tell some one"
she cried vehemently. II have right
TO defend myself"
Il am not asking you to defend your
SELF" said Mrs. Wrandan shortly.
Then, - II afraid to remain longer.
she rushed from the room. In the
doorway, she turned for IN instant 70
say: DO ~ I told you. Telephone.
Dress - quickly as you can" She
closed the door swiftly.
Standing In the center Of the room,
her hands clenched until the nails cut
the flesh, she said over and over again
to herself: II don't want to knowl l