Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1915-05-14
1914. by Louis Joseph Vance.

CHAPTER XV--(Continued).
"Obit she cried laughing and con-
fused, "is 1t you, Mrs Warrenden! NO,
please don't run. It's too late hoW-lsh
it?-when you've caught us in the act.
You and Mr.. Warrenden Will be the nrse
to know of our happiness
Sally heard no more. The scene van
ished from her vision as II the moonlight
had been extingushed, 1t was some mo-
ments before she realized that she was
running madly, as II hoping flight might
helm her exercise that ironic vision.
But when she did realize what she was
doing. she but ran the faster. let people
think what they would. she no longer
cared: their esteem no more mattered,
for she was finished with them, one and
all--yes, even with Mrs. Gosnold.
Blindly instinct led her back to her
room, again via that side door.
She flung tempestuously into its friend
ly darkness, locked herself in and drop
ned, spent and racked upon the edge of
the bed, clenchins her hands into two
hard, tight fists, gritting her teeth and
fighting with all her strength to keep
back the storm that threatened of sobs
and tears and nervous laughter.
1t wasn't as IL she had really cared Tor
the man-it was worse. 1t was the sum
of all the blows her poor, struggling pride
had suffered in the course OF the last
"a hours, beginning with her awakening
TO the worthlessness of Lyttleton and tho
realization of the low esteem in which he
held her. and eliminating in this faeer
from one whose love she had refused but
none the less priced for the comfort 1t
gave her -
Nor was this all. In5 addition to the
writings OF an eXacerbated vanity, she
was conscious of sense of personal loss,
as II a landmark had been RACED in the
perspective of her life. In spite OF those
faults and shortcomings, so unduasl EN-
phaslzed through the mans own delib-
erate intent, and so inexcusable in one
who appreciated so well what was ex-
pected of a man in his position, Sally had
subconscously from the very first felt
Trego to be one whose faith and loyalty
were as a rock, whose friendship might
be counted upon as an enduring tower
OF refuge.
And to have him go from her, protest
ing passionate patience, leaving her eX-
alted with the consciousness that she was
wanted to have him go thus from her
and straightway fall into the trap which
Mrs. Artemas unaffectedly baited-the
trap of which he had not once but many
times obliquely alluded to in half humor-
Gus. half genuine terms OF fear 1t
was. 1t seemed to be, intolerable!
The waves of burning emotion that
swept and scorched her were alternately
OF rage and chagrin.
Granted the opportunity, she could
easily conceive herself as dealing very
vigorously with the man-trap.
Some one ratified the knob of her door.
Startled Sally jumped up, and with her
wadded handkerchief dabhed hastily and
superhuously at her eyes, which were
quite dry as yet
She did not answer, but eyed appre-
henslvely the Cark recess in which the
door was set at the end of the unlighted
room.
A knock followed the noise OF the knob.
Still she hesitated to reply. Uncertainty
she moved toward the nearest wall sconce
and lifted her hand to the switch. She
was sadly confused and unstrung, her
thoughts aWhlrl and nerves aJangle The
last thing she wished just then was to
meet and talk to anybody.
Still It might be Mrs. Gosnold or her
messenger. And that lady was Sally's
one remaining friend on earth. She swal-
lowed hard, took herself firmly in hand
and when the knock was repeated was
able to answer in tolerably even voice:
well? Who Is itY'
Miss Manwaring, are you there7"
Heartfelt relief informed the voice OF
Mrs. Standish. "Please let me In.
must speak with you Immediately"
Sullenly, without replying, Sally turned
on the light moved TO the door, unlocked
and opened It,
Come in" she said ungraclously.
Mrs Standish swept in, gay crimson
domino over fluffy skirts and slim, pink
legs asserting oddly with the agitation
betrayed by her unsmlling eyes, her pal
lor which relieved the rouge on her
cheeks, like rose petals against snow
Thank God" she whispered, "Ive
found you at last. I've looked every
where for the last half-hour. This Is the
second time I've been here. You just got
In. OF course Where have you been?"
Does II matter" Sally fenced, main
taining a stony countenance. II mean, I
don't think II does, now you've run me TO
earth at last. What's the troubls?'
You haven't seen Walter? He hasn't
told your"
mo; tried to speak TO him half an
hour ago, but he ran from me as II
were a ghostP'
You know why!' The womans voice
trembled with restrained rage. You im-
possible girl Why. why did you let Aunt
Abby so TO meet him instead OF your II
was fatal; 1t was criminal. or course. he
gave the whole show away to her. never
guessing. Now it's all up with usi wen
never be asked here again, and the
chances are she'll cut US out OF her will
into the bargain. Why did you do Il?
Oh could shake you!''
II know well YOU would II you could.
Sally admitted calmly. "only-better not
try"
well II you must know. Mrs. Gosnold
overheard you three plotting together cut
there just before came on the scene.