Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1915-04-03

|
OF honor but because he Is very ricl
and successful man, he Is CONSTANT.
made the subject of idle attackl'
Nothing could have been more lmpres
sive than the hlstrionic manner in whicl
this elegant lady defended her accomplce
"Fortunately-or, rather, unfortunatel!
I Tor himl-Mr. Heldermans perfect alb
is somewhat upset. In the famous trip I,
Florida !" Rutherford remarked II,
seemed so sure of his ground that tn,
woman started
Explain yourself!' she snapped.
Ills own admissions" ventured Craig
The girl turned white. "Admissons2'
she said, doubtfuly.
Precisely. Miss Arany, please let me
repeat that am not trying to frighter
| you Into any admissions. am merely
! advising you-as a friend-if you will. De
! spite your faults, for some OF which |
| nave suffered physically, I honestly ad-
mire you You are woman of wonderful
| resources"
Spare me your complimentary she re-
torted
81 honestly mean it!" Craig replied.
| Then assuming a more serious tone, he
continued THE net is closing in around
Helderman At last three different cases
are being rounded UP against him. This
taunt to Florida, by which he secured by
fraud"
How by fraud? The papers and evil
uNiit were III our pObSGSBlO0-lUt PSldNt
Is rightfully miner she stormed. but a
frightened look had come into her eyes
ut Is too late to try to make me be-
lieve that Miss Arany! Let us try to de-
wise other ways and means"
For what purpose?" she demanded.
ITO save yourself. I have some iniu-
ence with the authorities"
"Mr. Craig Rutherford, ! want YOU to
understand, once for all, that 7 am not
that kind of woman Let them prove
what they can-or cannot-I should not
be cheap enough to turn States evidence
asRinst the man"
Her voice trailed off into silence, as she
sat nervously clasplng and unclaspng
her hands.
"I admire you for that" Craig said,
with an unmstakable note of sincerity in
his voice Suppose. then, that I offer
you easier terms. The contents of Box
No. Z, in the Miami bank, am led TO be-
lieve, contained not only bonds to a large
amount, but also some private papers
which are of great Importance to Miss
Ballantvne and her father"
Miss Ballantyne, bah! What do I care
for that presumptuous baggage or her
father? If | had those papers and they
would save his life-I wouldn't turn my
hand over"
Now. | think your bitterness is as mis-
placed as was your loyalty, awhile ago,
Craig said, dryly.
'On, OF course you tillIlh sO' .hlSs La
lantyne has but to simper with those big,
babyish, brown eyes of hers, and crook
her little finger and you Immediately
dance attendance"
THAT may be-" retorted Craig; but, TO
speak slangily, I am not the only one!
Then | pity his taste.'
ose-Helderman's?''
"What do YOU mean? j. Baron Helder-
man wouldn't look at a girl like that
second time"
"I'm not so sure" unused Rutherford.
~ ami Miss Arany said emphaucaliy'
her eyes flashing.
Rutherford perceived that he had
touched a tender spot in her susceptible
ity She was not only devoted TO Helder-
man but she was insanely jealous OF him,
Tell me. Miss Arany," he said, looking
her straight in tine eyes, what Is ME-
Heldermnn to you?'
For three years he has been-eVery-
thing" she answered dehantly.
still, you cannot be married TO him'
Your husband abroad
1t was chance shot, but again 1t told.
She changed color and retorted angrlly:
He was poor-commonplace What
could he offer me in comparison with Hell
derman?"
But suppose now that Helderman-
tires?"
'ie will rot dare-after all | have done
for him-after all ! know!"
yet / am sure that he is making love
to Miss Ballantyne."
Rutherford said this with show of
bitterness on his own part, which led
Miss Arany to believe he was intensely
Jealous. The girl gave a short, mocking
laugh.
Making love-bah. He makes fun of
her to me. | know that he called to see
her once, which was for purposes OF his
own, Now it is no longer necessary"
Then " he called again-?'
HE will not do so!' The woman said
1t with the positive assurance by which
one seeks TO allay ones private fears.
you are mistaken" returned Craig.
is going again. and he is go
ing as an ardent wooer, even desperate
one."
prove it, she cried, her eyes blazing,
~ shall do so, Miss Arany-with your
a ssiStance.'
with my assistance-yes, No one shall
say that Irene Arany is a dolt ana fool
"a mere playthlng to be cast aside!"
81 have not said that, Miss Arany,'
said Rutherford. the utmost consideration
IN his tone. But | will say this: You
are being made tool of, and you don't
know it! While you sit at home, here,
looking after that-well, that alibi or
double OF his-Mr. Helderman is amusing
himself elsewhere and laughing at you
Tor being a dure!
mo. NOw she screamed, in a perfect
frenzy of rage. He would not dare! I'll
give you one chance to prove II. Craig
aud If you do not make good
your words-Ill hunt you out and kill
you"
While the woman stood there the pic
lure Of beautiful rage and jealousy. her
ayes dilated, her lips quivering, Ruther-
ford began 10 unfold his plan of action
10 her, quietly but rapidly.
At first she demonstrated, then as the
of his request dawned
upon her she nodded her head angrily
but empnatlcally, to show that she would
io what he said.
Suddenly the big clock in the hall
downstairs began TO boom out the hour.
She started.
quick" she exclaimed He will he
here any minute! He must not see you
In the house,"
(Which way shall so out?"
THE way you came; but be quickw
Rutherford needed no second urging,
for Helderman was the one person just
then he did not wish to see. He dsrted
back down the passage silently; up by
the little elevator-this time a real ele-
vator; and out on the street. The free
air OF heaven felt good TO his temples
again.
up the street rolled the bankers
limousine, Just as the ragged street ven
.r-,aa fha for acrnAa. rrufnu-