Lincoln County times. (Jerome, Idaho) 1911-1919, 1914-07-30

brushing by him, rushed through the
roception-hall into the liying-room, and
threw herself upon her knees beside
the unconscious figure on the daven'
port. .
Barnicle had never heard tell OF
ANYTHING like it: he was horriiied.
But whether or not the extraordinary
occurrence was novel in Barnicle's ex-
perience. he was beginning dimly TO
realize that it represented manifes-
tation of emotional forces with which
it would be dangerous for him to med
die. If the lady was so disregardful OF
third persons presence that she
would make no effort to hide her feel
ings, then he-Barnicle-would better
be going; this was no place for a
moral male servant of mature years.
The girl gave not the slightest heed
to his departure; TO tell the truth, it
seemed more than likely that, with at
best only hazy impression OF him in
her memory, he had passed utterly
from her mind and from the room at
one and the same time. Her left hand
lay palm down upon her throat, as II
something hurt her there. The right
was half-raised, the fist tightly
clenched, in an excess of tumultuous
feeling.
The sleeper stirred, and with a sud-
den movement, whipped the bandage
from his eyes. He stared blankly up
at the girl. She gasped and recoiled
from the sight OF him.
1t was patent that Van Vechten
doubted the evidence of his senses, or
else he concluded that his dreams had
taken a pleasanter bent; at any rate.
he lay motionless, staring at the vision
of her who had occupied SO much OF
his thoughts OF late, until it dawned
upon him that she was crying. Then
with an inarticulate exclamation that
ended in a groan, he tried to rise. In
stantly she extended her right hand
and gently pressed him back
mo, mol" she protested chokingly.
Don't move. God forbid that should
cause you another second OF suffer
ing!"
In fash he was wholly awake, all
his faculties alert
But, my dear young LADY," he ex-
postulated. What is the meaning of
this? How did you get here? Where
is Barnicle?"
Again he tried to rise, this time de-
terring her attempt to stop him. 1t
was a slow and painful operation for
him to assume sitting posture. With
an impulsive movement, she passed
one arm around his shoulders.
Then | can help you." she said.
Thank you" said Van Vechten at
last, rather breathlessly. for movement
was still torture for him.
He was quick to perceive that her
risit was matter of no light portent.
md in relation to it his appearance
vas OF slight moment. and any excuses
lie might make would be banal. So
lie uttered none. 1t is doubtless UNI
necessary to add that he was both
mazed and profoundly curious.
The girl rose to her feet and moved
bit away from him.
viii you not be seated?" he in
lied. She shook her head. He went
IN: Il realize that some curious pur-
ose has brought you to see me. and
hat you are agitated. Take your
me; l am now, as always, at your
service"
"Don't!" the sudden protest might
nave been a cry of physical pain. "Mr.
Van Vechten, | am wholly unworthy
Of any gentleman's forbearance and
courtesy; the most ordinarily civility
rom you but heaps humiliation upon
humiliation. | deserve nothing from
you but scorn and contumely. That. |
can endure; but Kindness" She was
unable to proceed
At last Van Vechten was beginning
to comprehend the motive behind this
visit.
IF you don't compose yourself" he
ssid Pleasantly. I've arc not likely 10
arrive at any sort of understanding
Please drag chair over close 10 me
can't see you very well, you know
nor can | observe all the niceties of
behavior with which | would like to
celebrate this event and make Won
welcome. For, believe me. nobody
ever crossed my threshold who was
more welcome"
He could see we'll enough, however.
to note that any reference to his pres.
ent incapacity hurt the girl. She did
not stir.
III you don't" he supplemented az
shall be obliged to make the effort
anyhow"
AL once she brought a chair over
close 10 MIN and sat down. Support.
ing her chin with one hand, she rest.
ed tSe elbow upon an arm of the chair
one, was SO winsome and pretty. and
albeit SO distressed, that Van yechten
wanted more than anything else 70
make her see ludicrous side of tho
whole affair. But as yet he had mn
hint OF how vitality serious It was to
her; at present her intense nature
was much too earnest to be swaved
oy any attempt at levity, or any play
OF his cynical humor.
fretty soon she gained her seIf.con.
troll. and hpqan opoo1.;.. -,