The commonwealth. (Scotland Neck, N.C.) 1896-1929, 1914-06-04

l did not know what to do. l was
on the telephone and-he asked me to
meet him for dinner at a queer little
cafe, far down town. We"
and you had no friends, no &C
quaintances here?"
mo. He suggested that l go into
one Of the musical shows, saying he
thought he could arrange it with
manager who was friend. Anything
to tide me over, he said. But would
not consider it, not for instant. l
had had enough of the stage. II am
really not fitted for it. Besides, I am
qualiied-well qualifed-to be gov
erness-but that is neither here nor
there. l had some money-perhaps
some people in Nineteenth street. He
see plainly now why he argued it
would not be-well, he used the word
wise But we went occasionally to
dine together. We went about in
motor-a little red one. He-he told
me he loved me. That was one night
about week ago. L"
II don't care to hear about it," cried
the other. mo need of that Spare
| me the silly side of the story"
SILLY, madam? In Gods name, do
| you think it was silly to me? Why
why, I believed him! And, what is
more, believe that he did love me-
even now l believe it,
Il have no doubt of it," said Mrs.
| Wy
ty-and charming"
Il did not know that he had a
wife until-well, until" She could
not go on.
| Might before last"
The girl shuddered. Mrs. Wrandall
turned her face away and waited
There is nothing more l can tell
you, unless you permit me to tell all, y
the girl resumed after a moment of
hesitation.
Mrs. Wrandall arose.
Il have heard enough. This after
noon l will send my butler with you
to the lodging house in Nineteenth
street He will attend to the removal
of your personal effects to my home,
and you will return with him. 1t will
be testing fate, Miss Castleton, this
visit to your former abiding place, but
l have decided to give the law its
chance. If you are suspected, a watch
will be set over the house in which
is quite unknown, you will run no risk
in going there openly, nor will l be
taking SO great chance as may ap
pear in offering you home, for the
time being at least, as companion-o1
secretary or whatever we may elect tC
call it for the benefit of all inquirers
Are you willing to run the risk-this
single risk?"
Perfectly willing" announced the
other without hesitation. Indeed, hel
face frightened. IF they are waiting
there for me, shall go with then
without a word. 1 have no means Of
expressing my gratitude to you for
There Is time enough for that,
said Mrs. Wrandall quickly. "And Il
they are not there, you will return t.
me? You will not desert me now"
The girls eyes grew wide with won
der. Desert you? Why do you pu
it in that way? 1 don't understand"
you will come back to me?" insist
ed the other.
Yes. Why-why, it means every
thing to me. It means life-more thar
that, most wonderful friend. Life
isn't very sweet to me. But the 10.
of giving it to you for ever is the dear
, est boon l crave. l do give 1t to you
1t belongs to you. II could die TO-
you"
She dropped to her knees ant
pressed her lips to Sara Wrandalli
hand; hot tears fell upon It,
Mrs. WrandaIl laid her free hand OF
the dark, glossy hair and smiled
} smiled warmly for the first time in
well, in years she might have said t.
} herself If she had stopped to consider
Get up. my DEAR" she said gently
II shall not ask you to die Tor me-