Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1915-03-23

clusion of your present business matters,
and every desire to serve you,
Very sincerely yours
-. BARON HELDERMAN"
Mr., Helderman again! She sat and
! stared at the communication as II in a
| trance. True. he had promised himself
another interview, but since then they
! had been fully persuaded that he was
! trying to trick them. Besides her father
was sure that he had entered their house
surreptitiously, in her absence. If that
| were true, why this sudden bold move
! in the open?
More important still, should she see
! him? Her first impulse was to telephone,
| not her father. but Craig-because he
| knew more of the circumstances, she told
| herself But pride held her back. He
| had accused her of fibbing. the night be-
| fore, and she must wait for him to apol-
ogize! So she held short conversation
with her father, and he saw no objection
TO the Interview: on tho contrary, pointed
out that It might be very advantageous
to her. 1t was not every day that nflu
entail bankers concerned themselves with
the personal concerns of possible clients.
The message, therefore. was not sent,
and at the appointed hour smart lmou-
sine rolled UP to the old-fashoned house
on West 10th street.
Hclderman felt elated to be received so
graciously by the self-possessed young
hostess, although he may have felt sur
prise at being ushered into the somewhat
bare study. The sole ornament to re-
lieve its busnesslke aspect was the
splendid horned head mounted upon the
table.
Please pardon my use of this room,
rather than the drawing-room, she said,
cordially. ITO tell the truth, the latter
Is trine upset today, over some neces-
sary renovating, and your appointment
was at short notice"
Say no more, Miss Ballantyne," re-
piled the banker. "Tf | might be allowed
to speak the truth also-the baroness of
even prison wall would be atoned for
by the presence OF a charming woman"
He said this in a tone void of offense,
but his eyes spoke volumes of his admira-
ton, as they swept over the winsome pic
ture before him. Miss Ballantyne, always
connoisseur of color effects and har-
monies, had never appeared to better adj
vantage Her dress, while of inexpensive
material. was of an indescrbable hue
of blue white pearl. 1t was just scanty
enough to give an air of old fashioned
quaintrcss to her appearance. Her
young, warm-hued shoulders peeped
from n bodice the upper edge of which
was outlined by a duly-lustrous trim
ming. The buckles on her slippers were
of the same duh pearl. The colorful
loveliness of the girl herself contrasted
Around her shoulders was loosely thrown
pale blue scarf. it's folds secured by |
blue buckle.
- see that you have a penchant for |
buckles. Miss Ballantyne," said Helder-
man "A pleasing idea!"
There is great deal of romance con-
nected with buckles. in our family, Mr.. |
Helderman," she replied land as for
myself, l confess 1 love them"
"A unique fancy, and Charmingly car
ried out! But. If might make SO bold
this is not the famous blue buckle, Is it?"
You mean the one l wore on ship
board? No, this is more modern inven-
ton"
You still have the other?" Nothing
could have been more careless than his
tone.
Il do not always wear it," she parried.
Outwardly she smiled, as though they
were talking about the latest opera or
something equally remote from her own
interests; while inwardly she marveled
at the assurance of this man. If he only
knew what she suspected Of him, she |
wondered what would be his attitude.
Suddenly. Helderman forsook his care
less indifference and drew his chair close
to where she sat by the square desk. His
eyes cleaned brightly, although his voice
was still schooled to courteous calm.
Miss Ballantyne, you may wonder why
l left you so unceremoniously yesterday,
and why | am calling this evening. 1t
is because feel deep concern for your
interests, and would render you serv-
ice-any service In my power! o, If you
would only believe this-how much your
happiness means to mel"
She looked at him trifle startled, and
he continued in more formal way.
I'VE spoke of your blue buckle Just
nOw-the blue buckle. 1 would warn
you to guard it Carefully-to trust 1t to
no one! You may not know 1t, but 9TH
ers seek it and its meaning, as we'll as
yourself!'
In spite of herself sne started slightly.
He was telling her nothing new-and yet
coming from him who had been suspected
of being the arch -conspirator, 1t was odd,
to say the least.
Helderman saw her gesture and placed
his own Interpretation upon it. He con-
tinued in even tones:
II may tell you, as / informed you
yesterday, that 1 am indirectly inter-
ested in this affair but only in so far as