The Spectator., 1915-01-08
The Impossible Boy
By NINA WILCOX PUTNAM
<Copyrisht by Bobbs-Aerrill Col

 ways forgot, somehow"
 Well, what is it7" asked Pedro, smiling. T'm old enough to hear 1t, I guess, chr"
 Leigh smiled up at him through a cloud of tobacco smoke. Tt is the dream of the very young to be old and steeped in sin," said he, even as 1t is the dream of the old to be young and innocent"
 "A truism, not an epigram," com mented Pedro. But what Is the sol emn communication?
 Its about Miss vanderpool," re- piled Leigh, his smile fading. You see her too often, and it won't do! Are you not aware that she is engaged. or as good as engaged, to the very man who has made it possible for you to know her. Don't do it, boy, it's not fair!"
 How would you have me act? I am painting her."
 Don't see her at other times, then. "
 "Eh? Not go near her? Polite, wouldn't that bel" exclaimed Pedro, just for the wickedness of leading Leigh on.
 You know what mean" said Leigh, and he was watching Pedro very close ly as he spoke. When, for instance, do you expect to see her next?"
 Tomorrow night at the Milligans' masquerade" replied Pedro. she will be there"
 Then don't go!" exclaimed Leigh. '1 hate to flatter you, Pedro, but you are not without attractions"
 Pedro lighted a cigarette
 'I think I shall go," he said, eying the smoke meditatively, his handsome head cooked to one side; his eyes half closed, and queer little smile playing about his lips.
 Leigh swore an oath.
 Don't be a cad!" he said shortly, rising.
 Pedro grew solemn at his tone, and yet a wicked spark fingered in the depths of his eyes. Going up to Leigh, the boy placed hand on the giants
 
 T don't know quite what that cad you say is." he said; but from the way you speak of it, am sure 1t is not good to be one. Yet, l am going to that party, and simply in order to see the Madonna lady. And in telling you this, after what you have said about Hill, I must beg you to believe that no matter how often I should see her, there would be no disloyalty in it to my benefactor. Such treachery as you suggest would, in my case, be absolute ly impossible, for more reasons than I can explain, or you could possibly guess. An affair with her is totally impossible for me. Will you not be- lieve this, amigo mio?"
 As he spoke his face had grown he seemed struggling to hide some deep emotion. Very seriously and in tently Leigh watched his face until he had ceased to speak.
 Very we'll, I'll believe you" he said finally. but it's a tricky danger ous matter, and mark my words, you'll be sorry if you run your head into her trap; she's charming young woman!' 'Yes." said Pedro. And now must go."
 "Go!" cried Leigh in amazement. "In this storm? What nonsense, man! Sleep here on the couch"
 For reply Pedro seized his hat. a panicky expression blanching his face No, mol" he said. 'I must go!"
 But it's nearly morning." objected Leigh. Why the devil shouldn't you stay?"
 Pedro's fingers were on the latch. Hat in hand. he flung back his answer "Because," he replied and rushed out, banging the door behind him.
 For long time Leigh sat looking at the closed door, thinking hard, all the lines in his face springing into prom thence as he bent upon his subject with special concentration.
 "Because!" he repeated aloud. What a strange answer Because, Why? Why? Why" Taking a sin gle impuleive step toward the door he flung his arms out before him.
 Then. like a blind man who had been suddenly given sight, he stag gered across the studio and flung him. self upon the couch.