Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1915-03-02
A Tale of Lore, Mystery and Intrigue

well be left until such time as you have
improved your position. We VIII DIS
miss 1t, herefore-dlsmiss It at once. we
will talk"
Father" Beatrice Interrupted, "let us
talk about yourself. Don't you think you
would be more contented. happier, " you
were to try to arrange for a few-a few
demonstrations or lectures over here, as
you at first intended? I know that you
must find having nothing to do such a
strain upon you she added.
II was perhaps by accident that her
eyes were fixed upon the glass which the
professor was carrying to his lips. He
set It down at once.
MY child, . he said. in a low tone, Il
understand you"
mo. no. she insisted, 81 didn't mean
that. but you are always better when you
are working. A man like YOU she went
on, a little wistfully, SHOULD not waste
his talents
He sighed.
You are perhaps right, my child" he
admitted. "T will go inc see my agents
tomorrow. Up till now" he went on, II
have refused all offers. I have felt that
Elizabeth, the care of Elizabeth in her
peculiar position. demanded my whole
attention. Perhaps you are right. Per-
hHps I have overestlmated the necessity
OF being constantly at her right hand.
She Is q very clever woman-Elizabeth, 4"
he concluded, very clever indeed"
where is she now, father" Beatrice
asked.
she motored into the country early
this morning with some friends" the pro-
lessor said. "They went TO a party last
night with Walter Crease. London cor
respondent to the New York Gazette"
he explained, turning a little away from
Tavcrnako. They were all home very
late, | understand, and Elizabeth COM
planned OF a headache this morning. Per-
sonally. I regret to say that I was not
up when they left"
beatrice leaned quite close TO her father.
d you see anything of that man
Pritchard?" she inquired.
The professor was suddenly habby. He
set down his glass. splitting half its con-
tents. He stole a quick glance at Taver-
make.
my child" he exclaimed, you ought
to consider my nerves! You know very
well that the sudden mention OF any one
whom I dislike so intensely Is bad for
me. I am surprised at you, Beatrice.
You show a culpable lack OF consideration
for my infrmities."
~ am sorry, father" she whispered,
but is he here?"
HE Is" the professor admitted. BE
tween ourselves" he added, "a white.
scared look upon his pale face. "he is
spelling my whole peaCc OF mind. My
enjoyment of the comforts which Elina
beth is able to provide for me Is inter-
fered with by that mans constant
presence. He seldom speaks. and yet he
seems always to be watching. I do not
trust him. Beatrice. I am a judge of men
and / tell you that I do not trust him
"G wish that Elizabeth would go away
Beatrice said in a low tone. "Of course,
I have no rlght-to say things. Nothing
serious has perhaps ever happened. And
yet-and yet, for her own sake, | do not
think that she should stay here in London
with Pritchard close at hand"
The professor raised his glass with
shaking fingers.
elizabeth knows what is best" he de-
clared, 81 am sure that Elizabeth knows
what is best. but I, too. am beginning to
wish that she would go away. Last night
we met him at Walter Crease's."
Once more he turned a little ~nervously
toward Tavernake. who was looking
down into the body of the restaurant
with immovable face.
we tried to persuade him then to go
away. He Is really in rather a dangerous
position here. Jimmy Post has sworn
that he will not be taken back to New
York, and there are ono or two others-a
pretty desperate crew. We tried last
night to reason with P~ritchard.'
at was no good?" she whispered.
mo good at ALL" the professor an
swered, drily. perhaps. If we had not
been interrupted, we might nave con-
him"
Tell me about IT," she begged.
The professor shook his head. Taver-
make still had that air OF paving no at
tention whatever to their conversation.
1T Is not for YOU m know about. NY
he concluded. YOU have chosen
very wisely to keep out of these mat
ters, Elizabeth has such wonderful
courage, My own nerve, 7 regret to say,
is not quite what 1t was. Waiter, I will
a liqueur OF the old brandy in a
glass"
The brandy was brought. but the pro-
lessor seemed haunted by memories and
his. spirits never wholly returned. Not
until the lights We're turned down and
had paid the bill, did he
partially recover his former manner.
Dear child he said, as they stood up
together, 81 ann tell you what the
pleasure has beenIof this brief reunion"
She rested her figures upon his shoulders
and looked up into his face.
Father she begged. softly. come TO
I can keep you, If you don't mind
a short time being poor. You shall
have all my salary except Just enough
my clothes, and anything will do for
me to wear. I will try so hard to make
you comfortable
He looked at her with an air of offended
"NIy child he replied. you must not
talk to me like that. If I did not feel
hat my duty lay with Elizabeth, I should
insist upon your coming to me. and under
those conditions it would be I who should
provide, not you, But for the moment
7 cannot leave YOUR elder sister alto
She needs me-"
They all three descended the stairs.